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Native & Strong Lifeline \u2013 the first state-funded helpline dedicated to serving Native communities specifically \u2013 launched on November 10th<\/sup> as part of the 988 call center operated by Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW). The service offers Native communities in Washington state 24\/7 emotional support over the helpline, and connects callers to resources as needed.<\/p>\n The program created a new culturally specific training for Tribal Crisis Counselors, who answer the line and support those seeking help.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all about connection. Our counselors are amazing \u2013 they have that knowledge and that life experience to connect with a caller \u2013 and we answer the line by introducing ourselves with our tribal affiliation so that people know where we\u2019re coming from.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Those seeking help can access the Native & Strong Lifeline by calling 988 and choosing option 4 \u2013 which is available only to those calling from a Washington area code.<\/p>\n Washington\u2019s state legislature dedicated funding for culturally specific prevention efforts due to high suicide and substance use rates within American Indian and Alaska Native populations. In partnership with tribal leaders, VOAWW created two programs \u2013 the Native & Strong Lifeline and the Washington Indian Behavioral Health Hub. These programs work in tandem to respond to the needs of the community immediately and connect callers to ongoing resources.<\/p>\n