A 2022 report conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health found that suicide was the second leading cause of death for non-Hispanic American Indians/Alaska Natives ages 10–34.

KSLG’s Sabina sat down with Alison Robbins, Executive Director of the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribal Education Agency to discuss how the TEA assists Native and non-Native youth and young adults who may be going through a difficult time in their lives. From the impact of positive role models to how local Native organizations provide resources to the TEA, Robbins details the struggles that students face each day and how sometimes the first step to helping is listening.

This KSLG interview was conducted In partnership with the California Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Suicide Prevention “Never a Bother” campaign.

Sometimes it may feel like the world isn’t listening and no one understands. But you are not alone. Whether it’s a low point, a crisis, or something you can’t exactly put into words, get help for yourself or a friend, call or text 988 to get help, 24/7.

 [DISCLOSURE: The Blue Lake Rancheria is a minority owner of the Outpost’s and KSLG’s parent company, Lost Coast Communications, Inc.]