ND THRIVES, funded through the Garrett Lee Smith grant under SAMHSA, focuses on building strong collaboration among schools, healthcare, and community partners to break down silos in rural areas and improve access to care. Christy Zinck of Northland Health Center explains that the partnership has increased staff training and helped providers better identify patients who may be struggling with mental health concerns. The program emphasizes sustainability—strengthening local capacity so communities remain supported and connected long after the grant ends.
Mr. Gaillord Peltier and his wife Renee courageously share the journey of their son Adam, whose life was tragically died by suicide. Their hope is that their heartfelt message will raise awareness, offer support, and inspire others to seek help and healing.
Gaillord Peltier shares his continued grief after losing his son to suicide and stresses that ignoring the issue does not make it go away. He explains that schools must openly address mental health and serve as safe havens where students feel protected, valued, and able to talk about what they are facing. He calls on both schools and communities to take responsibility together in ensuring students receive support and never feel alone.
Gaillord Peltier shares the painful story of losing his son Adam to suicide and speaks about the lasting grief and unanswered questions that remain. He urges anyone who is struggling to reach out to trusted family members or loved ones for support instead of suffering in silence. He challenges the belief that people must handle pain alone, reminding viewers that healing begins by asking for help.
We’re excited to partner with Northland Health Centers to bring SBIRT-Suicide Care (SBIRT-SC) to their clinics — a public health approach that screens for substance use and suicide risk, provides brief intervention, and connects people to treatment. Join us in expanding this lifesaving model across more health organizations.
Suicide is a serious and growing concern in Indian Country, but communities also carry deep histories of strength, resilience, and connection. Claudette McCleod and Jay Marion from the Turtle Mountain Outreach Suicide Prevention Program in Dunseith, North Dakota, emphasize removing stigma and building trusting relationships so youth feel safe seeking support. They remind young people that they are valued, have purpose, and are the future of their community.
