ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says there are no excuses for government not do whatever it can to improve the quality of life for Indigenous youth and bolster programs aimed at preventing youth suicide. 

She made the remarks Friday during a virtual summit organized by the state and a panel of young people from Native American communities around New Mexico. It’s the result of numerous calls by tribal leadership and youth to improve access to behavioral and mental health services. 

Indigenous communities were hit particularly hard during the pandemic as internet connectivity and the lack of other basic infrastructure complicated matters.