Prevention Paradigm for Native Americans

Doreen Bird, MPH,

"Involve Native people in program development—ultimately they know what works in their community."

It’s time to change the paradigm when working with Native people, says Doreen Bird, a public health professional and Native American. We need to focus on the strengths of Native Americans and what has made them resilient. And we must involve Native people when developing suicide prevention programs in their communities. “This will empower the community and make the programs and services a whole lot better at reducing suicide,” she explains.