The creation and dissemination of direct, accessible information informing the Deaf community of suicide prevention resources and information including the availability of the 9-8-8 hotline fills a severely unmet need in Austin’s Deaf community. Research has shown that fear, mistrust, and frustration are most prominent in Deaf individuals’ descriptions of healthcare experiences. The Deaf community requires linguistically and culturally appropriate care and resources, and studies show that the most effective services are provided by culturally competent resources in ASL.

DeafHealth, with the support of CSD as a long-time, trusted community resource based in Austin, Texas, is working towards providing accessible and authentic virtual health information in ASL. A $1000 grant from the Austin Awesome Foundation will be used to to create seven 30-60 sec. videos on suicide prevention within the Deaf community.