Indian Health Service staff join Native youth at a powwow on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota in August 2016. Photo by IHS
The Indian Health Service will be awarding $1.4 million in grants to support Native youth programs. The grants come from the Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative at the IHS. Through the Generation Indigenous Initiative Support, the money will be used to address suicidal behavior and substance misuse among Native youth. "A positive step we can take to help build stronger connections in Native families is to develop and implement appropriate prevention, treatment and aftercare for those that are at risk for suicidal behavior and substance misuse,” Mary L. Smith, the principal deputy director of the IHS, said in a press release. “IHS is committed to working within Native communities to identify and address how we can better share data, educate and train staff to deal with this epidemic in Indian Country.” The grants are open to tribes, tribal organizations and IHS facilities in Navajo, Phoenix and Tucson areas. Applications are due January 9, 2017. According to the IHS, the Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative has suppoted more than 12,200 individuals entering treatment for methamphetamine abuse, more than 16,560 substance use and mental health disorder encounters via telehealth, over 16,250 professionals and community members trained in suicide crisis response; and more than 690,590 encounters with youth provided as part of evidence-based and practice-based prevention activities. Federal Register Notice:
Division of Behavioral Health, Office of Clinical and Preventive Services; Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative-Generation Indigenous (Gen-I) Initiative Support (December 7, 2016)
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