DURANT, Okla. (KTEN) — Representatives from the Choctaw Nation are heading to a two-day meeting dedicated to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The Choctaws are among seven other Oklahoma tribes receiving millions of taxpayer dollars from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department.  Those funds were intended to improve responses and to address the unique needs of tribal members in distress.

"Statistics show that Native Americans do have a higher rate of suicidality and also a higher rate of depression and substance abuse," said 988 tribal response manager Andrea Holley.

Tribal representatives and mental health experts will share resources and discuss how the lifeline can better serve tribal members in crisis at the seminar in Lawton on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers. The line is open 24 hours a day and there is no charge.