Formative Research to Design and Evaluate Caring Text Messages for American Indian and Alaska Native Youth,College Students,and Veterans

Abstract

Purpose. Caring Text Messages (CTM) is an evidence-based intervention, developed by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, modeled after the Caring Contacts (CC) intervention. CC has been shown to prevent suicide deaths, attempts, ideation, and hospitalizations in a variety of settings. Method. Three sets of CTM were developed by American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) teens, college students, and veterans (tailored for each audience), which were reviewed by psychologists familiar with the intervention. To enroll in the service, participants texted a keyword to a text message short code and received two text messages per week with hopeful and encouraging messages. A robust multimedia social marketing campaign was designed to promote the service for each audience. Results. By September 2023, 387 participants enrolled in the Youth CTM intervention, 141 enrolled in the College CTM, and 31 enrolled in the Veterans CTM. Post surveys show elevated levels of user satisfaction. Conclusions. CTM can be tailored to reach populations at higher risk of suicide, including AI/AN youth, college students, and veterans, and connect them to culturally responsive peer and crisis support services. Continued monitoring and evaluation can guide next steps for marketing and outreach and will be useful to determine its impact on those who enroll.