Journey to Wellness

Journey to Wellness (J2W) is an eight-week wellness program for American Indian youth 12-18 years of age. Participants receive a sequenced set of eight one-hour sessions that are framed positively toward healthy living styles while at the same time exploring risk factors, suicide prevention, and other suicide-related issues. The sessions are activity-oriented and designed to engage youth. Sessions topics include: relationship building, problem solving, self-esteem building, facts and myths of suicide, networking, life planning, emergency planning, and finally, a celebratory event to close out the sessions. J2W is delivered along gender and age group divisions to promote comfort and safety.

J2W was developed by BTC Indian Health Services staff. An initial literature review of best practices was conducted. Input was sought from youth in the communities.  The initial program was piloted to female students in two communities. After pilot, focus groups were conducted with the participants. In addition, focus groups were held with male students to review the program and the potential effectiveness with this population. 

Program Objectives

Students who complete the Journey to Wellness program will have:

1. Closer relationships to peers and adults in their schools.
2. Greater problem-solving skills.
3. Greater understanding of how to seek help for suicide.
4. Greater knowledge of helping resources.

Implementation Essentials

• Schools that use Journey to Wellness should have established protocols for how to respond to you youth who may be at risk for suicide.

2012 NSSP Objectives Addressed: 

Objective 5.3: Intervene to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in populations with suicide risk.

Objective 7.1: Provide training on suicide prevention to community groups that have a role in the prevention of suicide and related behaviors.