Tribes Declare State Of Emergency In Response To Rise In Youth Suicides
On Monday, March 31, the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board convened a critical meeting with regional and tribal health and education leaders to address a sharp rise in community emergencies related to suicide ideation and violence – particularly among youth.
Present at the meeting were representatives from Northeast Montana Health Services, Fort Peck Tribal Health Service Unit, the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention program, Poplar School District, Roosevelt County Health Department, the Fort Peck and Roosevelt County Crisis Coalition and the Fort Peck Indian Health Service chief executive officer.
Alarming data presented during the meeting indicated that within an 11-day span, seven adolescents were clinically identified as high risk for suicide, resulting in emergency hospitalization and transport for immediate care.
Leaders also reported a concerning escalation in violent incidents involving youth, which have increasingly included physical altercations, the use of weapons and cases resulting in physical harm. These overlapping behavioral health and safety concerns underscore the urgent need for a coordinated response to protect both individuals and the broader community.
In response, the TEB unanimously passed a resolution declaring a state of emergency, enabling the activation of additional resources and coordinated efforts to address the crisis. Leaders and agency partners will reconvene this week to initiate strategic action planning focused on rapid response, expanded mental health services, youth violence prevention, and long-term community healing strategies. This declaration represents a unified commitment to safeguarding the lives, safety, and well-being of youth and families across the Fort Peck Reservation and surrounding communities.
