TOPPENISH, Wash. – The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) launched a 24/7 support line for staff and students in schools funded by the bureau, providing crisis support and counseling sessions for those in need.
The Yakama Nation Tribal School in Toppenish has access to the support line as one of the 183 schools the BIE oversees.
The call line is part of the BIE Behavioral Health and Wellness Program which provides Indigenous focused support through a team of Indigenous counselors with experience of serving Native communities.
“BIE schools play a critical role in student’s lives that extends beyond the classroom and into their communities and the Tribal nations that they are part of,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. “The mental health and wellness services provided through this program will also extend beyond the classroom, creating healthier and more resilient communities.”
Callers have the option to get immediate crisis support and get non-crisis virtual counseling services.
“This program is designed to offer individual, culturally relevant crisis support, ensuring that both students and staff have access to the personalized assistance they need,” said BIE Director Tony Dearman. “Mental health is essential to success – in academics and in life. This program empowers our students and staff to thrive in the classroom while fostering the overall well-being of our entire community.”
