The Indian Health Council has announced the funding of a 988 Tribal Response Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration in the amount of $1,369,899 for a two-year period starting Sept. 30.
As part of the Indian Health Council’s efforts to seek solutions for addressing the mental health challenges facing Native American communities, the organization will hold its first 988 Tribal Response Conference on Sept. 16 at the Pala Casino Event Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Through the strategic grant, which was awarded in October 2023, IHC and the rural tribes of North San Diego County aim to significantly improve the crisis line and response services for Native Americans at risk of suicide and mental health crises.
In response to the funding opportunity, IHC will work to enhance the effectiveness, reach and response of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The primary goals of the initiative include:
✔ Ensuring access to culturally competent support.
✔ Improving integration and support.
✔ Promoting partnerships with tribal, state and local health providers, law enforcement and other first responders while respecting tribal sovereignty.
“This conference represents a significant step forward in addressing the mental health needs of our American Indian communities by building upon IHC’s commitment to providing comprehensive and culturally competent care and establishing partnerships with other organizations,” Indian Health Council 988 Program Coordinator Arthur Moen said.
Founded in 1970, the Indian Health Council is a healthcare institution serving nine federally recognized consortium tribes of the Native American reservations in North San Diego County. The nonprofit tribal organization occupies two campuses in Rincon and Santa Ysabel.
IHC is collectively representative of several divisions including medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, health promotions and marketing, research and student development, tribal family services, administration and support services. Within these departments a multitude of programs and services are implemented through an integrative care model.
Nine tribes and associated reservation populations are served by and participate in the IHC healthcare consortium: La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians, Los Coyotes Band of Indians, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians, Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians, Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, San Pasqual Band of Diegueño Mission Indians, Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel and Inaja-Cosmit Band of Mission Indians.
IHC partners with numerous grant-funded programs and local institutions to implement culturally competent programs and activities promoting good health through the motto “Empowering Native Wellness.”
To learn more about Indian Health Council, go to indianhealth.com.
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