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Indian Health Council awarded $ 1,369,899 for 988 Tribal Response


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Indian Health Council awarded $ 1,369,899 for 988 Tribal Response


Sept. 3, 2024 - VALLEY CENTER, CA: Indian Health Council, Inc. (IHC) is proud to announce the funding of the 988 Tribal Response Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration (SAMHSA) received October 2023. This grant award in the amount of $1,369,899 is for the period 9/30/2024 to 9/30/2026. Through this strategic grant, IHC and the rural San Diego north county Tribes aim to significantly improve the crisis line and response services for American Indians at risk of suicide and mental health.


In response to this funding opportunity IHC will work to enhance the effectiveness, reach and response of the 988-crisis line. The primary goals of this 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


As part of our efforts to work together to find solutions for addressing the mental health challenges facing our Native community. We are proud to announce our first annual 988 Tribal Response Conference on September 16th at the Pala Casino Event Center. 8:00am-5:00pm. Key partners that will be attending or presenting will include:


• Vanessa Brierty (District Director)- representative of congressperson James C Ramos

• North San Diego Tribal Leaders and their First Responders

• Christopher O’Malley (Chief, Community Health Statistics)- County of San Diego Health Human Services

• Amritha Roser (Program Manager)- Molina Healthcare

• Lane Breawna (Administrator)- Telecare MCRT

• Kristie Preston, LMFT (Clinical Director)- Optum San Diego Public Sector, 988 call center


“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,” states IHC 988 Program Coordinator Arthur Moen.

Founded in 1970, Indian Health Council (IHC) is a healthcare institution serving nine federally recognized consortium tribes of the Native American reservations in San Diego's north county region. This nonprofit 501 (c) (3) Tribal Organization occupies two campuses in Rincon and Santa Ysabel; headquartered in an expansive Rincon facility. 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 Diegueno 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 and "Empowering Native Wellness." Executing a combination of modern medicine and traditional practices, IHC is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). In addition, IHC serves as a California Native American Research Center for Health (CA-NARCH) funded by Indian Health Service and the National Institutes for Health. This innovative partnership with four local colleges including Cal State University San Marcos, San Diego State University, University of San Diego, and Palomar College works to conduct research and increase the number of Native scientists and health professionals.


To learn more about Indian Health Council, go to www.indianhealth.com or follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram.


Contact Information:

Indian Health Council, Inc.

Orvin Hanson, CEO

(760)749-1410 ext. 5228



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