Indian Health Service Stymies Information Flow On Youth Suicides

According to Rosebud and Pine Ridge Tribal Officials, a state of emergency exists on their reservations, yet the Federal Indian Health Service is making it difficult to get up to date information on the story.

Earlier this year the large number of youth suicides on those reservations prompted a call to action.

This story intrigued me in many ways: Young people ending their lives is tragic. I have an adult native daughter; and I am familiar with the hopelessness which can cause a suicide attempt.

A friend, now employed by the Indian Health Service, is working, on site, to help turn the situation around. According to her, it is a daunting task.

I asked if she would be a guest on the radio to discuss what actions are being taken and what needs to be done to help young people embrace life and not death. Because she is an Indian Health Service Employee, she said she needed permission to talk. I figured permission would be easily granted.

I was wrong. Their are very specific protocols for interviews. I received this from an employee of IHS in Aberdeen:

The process goes as the following, the CEO must first approve for this interview. Once approved I will work with the reporter and get any additional information. Since this will be put out to the public, I will need all interview questions in advance. This will go to the Area Director for approval and then up to HQ.

If this interview is done on your own time, without any information provided by the Indian Health Service nor Indian Health Service is mentioned, you do not need any approval from this agency as this will be your own personal interview NOT including Indian Health Service. Therefore, is this a topic that will require Indian Health Service information? Data?

In the 30 years I have spent interviewing government people on the radio, I have NEVER had to supply written questions in advance!

I am frustrated, angry, and mostly sad. Frustrated at the bureaucratic nature of the IHS. Angry because you will not be able to hear about this most important story. I am not willing to put myself under the thumb of Indian Health Service protocols

The sadness comes from the pain I know is being felt by survivors, and those who are alive but feeling hopeless. It is important for  us to understand the problems being faced on the reservation, and in our own way offer support, through prayer, volunteer efforts, or money to help the healers, heal the wounded souls.

It is a story I will find a way to tell, but without the help of the Indian Health Service. Which makes their name another one of those government oxymorons.