Native Americans have the highest suicide rate out of any racial and ethnic group in the U.S. Yet there aren’t many screening tools available that are tailored to Indigenous communities. A Bemidji State University professor wants to change that.

Mark Standing Eagle Baez, Ph.D., has created the Indigenous SAFE Screening tool, a suicide screening tool specifically for Indigenous people. Baez is a member of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan, Mission Indian. He is the co-director of the Indigenous Students in the Psychology Training program at Bemidji State.

Baez spoke to MPR News host Nina Moini about how this tool was created to be culturally sensitive for Indigenous communities.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to get connected with trained counselors. The 988 suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24/7.