WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has awarded $735,852 for Wabanaki Health and Wellness in Bangor, and $736,000 for Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services. Both grants will support youth suicide prevention programs in Maine.

“Suicide tears irreparable holes in communities around our state,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “This funding will help Maine build and strengthen youth suicide prevention programs. One suicide is one too many, and we need to act to protect our young people.”

The Maine DHHS will use the funding for Project STAY: Maine’s Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative. The Garrett Lee Smith Grant Program works to support states and tribes identify signs and implement youth suicide prevention and early intervention strategies in schools, juvenile justice systems, substance use programs, mental health programs, foster care systems, and other child and youth-serving organizations.

Wabanaki Health and Wellness is a Bangor-based health agency for Native Americans. They offer health services, case management, trauma recovery and supportive housing for Maine’s Wabanaki community.