MHA Awarded Grant to Address Disparity Among American Indians

Mental Health America has received a two-year grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation to develop a collaborative program addressing disparity issues facing American Indian populations.

In 2003, the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health challenged the mental health community to improve access to culturally-competent quality care, especially in rural and remote regions. Mental Health America and its affiliates in New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and North Dakota have enthusiastically risen to the challenge by focusing on this devastatingly underserved community. American Indians have a prevalence of suicide 1.5 times the national rate. Males aged 15 to 24 account for two-thirds of all American Indian suicides. Additionally, one-quarter of American Indians lack any form of health insurance, while Medicaid is the primary insurer for 25 percent.

The program is based on developing a regional approach across state borders, but within intact regional communities, specifically the Navajo, Ute and Mandan Nations.

The funded project will address:

• Improving health and increasing healthy choices for Native Americans living on their tribal lands;

• Supporting peer programs, providing training in mental health leading to employment and sustainability of programs;

• Addressing discrimination and expanding stigma-reducing activities in North Dakota, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado, including highlighting the need to eliminate disparities in access, awareness and inclusion.

Congratulations go to efforts by the national office and the affiliates in New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and North Dakota, and its partner and funder the Bristol-Meyers Squibb Foundation.

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