Dr. Christie Prairie Chicken and Dr. Moon Boswell are being honored in Category 3: Using Innovation, Data, and Breaking Down Organizational Barriers for expanding culturally responsive suicide prevention services to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Veterans. Through their leadership, they championed the Televeda Talking Circles pilot within the VA's Mission Daybreak Suicide Prevention program, creating a new model of care that combines virtual and in-person peer support in partnership with tribal communities.

​

Recognizing the unique barriers AI/AN Veterans face, including geographic isolation, historical mistrust of federal institutions, and limited access to culturally appropriate care, they helped establish partnerships that had not previously existed across the VA's Office of Tribal Health, Office of Rural Health, and Office of Suicide Prevention. Their efforts also secured 14 memoranda of understanding with tribal organizations and Veterans Service Organizations, creating a strong foundation for long-term collaboration and community engagement.

​

The pilot has reached more than 798 Native Veterans across 26 tribal communities in New Mexico, Arizona, and beyond, with participation continuing to grow in both virtual and in-person formats. By bringing together innovation funding, tribal partnerships, and suicide prevention expertise, Dr. Prairie Chicken and Dr. Boswell have created a replicable, community-centered model that expands access to care while honoring Native cultures and traditions. Their work is strengthening trust, improving outreach to an underserved Veteran population, and creating lasting pathways for culturally responsive VA services.