A Suicide Prevention Center on an Indian Reservation
JAMES H. SHORE M.D.1,
JOHN F. BOPP M.S.W.2,
THELMA R. WALLER M.S.W.3, , and
JAMES W. DAWES M.S.W.4
1 Chief, Portland Area Indian Health Service, 921 S.W. Washington St., Portland, Ore. 97205
2 Service Unit Director, Portland Area Indian Health Service, 921 S.W. Washington St., Portland, Ore. 97205
3 Psychiatric Social Worker, Mental Health Office, Portland Area Indian Health Service, 921 S.W. Washington St., Portland, Ore. 97205
4 Chief, Social Services Office, Portland Area Indian Health Service, 921 S.W. Washington St., Portland, Ore. 97205
The authors describe the background and development of a suicide prevention service on an Indian reservation and emphasize the importance of community acceptance and involvement. Characteristics of the patient population are analyzed; most of the patients were young males. For mental health consultants the importance of timing and an understanding of the complexities of the sociopolitical milieu are essential in supporting the development of such a community-sponsored project.
