LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s an epidemic that has plagued the country for decades; childhood suicide. Now, a new study out of New Mexico State University (NMSU) shows that a population that's quite high in New Mexico is more likely to fall victim. When it comes to childhood suicide rates, the United States is unfortunately highest in that statistic. “We have similar rates like other countries. The problem is we have more unattended mental illnesses, untreated and left without care children,” said Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani, Professor of Public Health at NMSU. A new study out of NMSU shows that Native American and Alaskan Native children are at a higher risk for childhood suicide. With rates more than double the national average it is ringing an alarm. Docs: Moccia placed on paid administrative leave as NMSU welcomes interim athletic director “What we find now is that Alaska Native American Indian children are less than 2% of the U.S. population, but their suicide rates have increased 50% for boys and 10% for girls, and they continue to escalate,” said Dr. Khubchandani. Dr. Khubchandani says several factors lead to high rates of childhood suicide, especially among indigenous children. “What kind of mental health support do they receive? On top of that, they live in dire poverty, have been discriminated against – there's high rates of interpersonal violence and bullying, the school quality is poor, the school support system is weak," says Dr. Khubchandani. New charges filed against man who shot New Mexico State Police officer in 2022 He’s calling for more programs and other initiatives to help combat the numbers that continue to rise. “We need to improve housing, reduce poverty, reduce homelessness, reduce access to guns and drug addiction. And for the local communities, I think they need to take this as a serious initiative where the schools are connected to local health care providers," he says. He hopes the study can help spark that conversation for change. “Even if we had more providers, better resources, the children have to come and seek help and get these resources. And that's where I want to focus my attention.” The study is available to read online.