Saturday, May 4, 2024
5/4/2024
The communities of Cowlitz and Clark Counties of Washington State are facing a public health crisis, substance abuse, and suicide. Between 2016 and 2021, Cowlitz Tribal Treatment has seen an increase in alcohol use by 9.1%, opiate use up by 6.6%, and methamphetamine use by 40%. Substance abuse and suicide death rates have been increasing in Washington State. According to a 2019 analysis by the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. suicide rate is up 33 percent since 1999. The rate is larger for American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) women and men. The AI/AN suicide rate for that period increased by 105 percent. There is a disparity in both substance abuse and suicide death rates in AI/AN populations. Cowlitz Tribal Treatment is addressing this health crisis with the Cowlitz Substance Abuse Prevention Treatment, and Aftercare (SAPTA) Connect Project. Two of the strongest predictors of suicide risk are mental illness and substance abuse. Cowlitz Tribal Treatment utilizes cultural wellness traditions, SUD, and Mental Health treatment for individuals struggling with substance abuse or suicidal ideation. The wellness-centered instructions bring teachings to our clients who desire to begin a life of recovery. Substances use and suicidal ideation rob individuals of their hope, identity, and connection. Participating in healthy activities with cultural components allows individuals to develop a sense of purpose. Our Cowlitz SAPTA Connect Project will reduce suicidal ideation and significantly impact the communities’ suicides and accidental suicides. We will show that addressing mental health and substance use will increase the success rate of treatment completions and retention. Through implementing consistent cultural activities within our prevention and treatment program, clients will have a more vital purpose and better outcomes in early recovery. Fusing traditional wellness activities into our prevention, treatment, and aftercare groups, our clients will be able to implement activities into their recovery journey that fills the void where substances or suicidal thoughts linger. This funding will support the reduction of suicide death rates, a decrease in suicide ideation, and substance abuse in the communities that Cowlitz Tribal Treatment provides direct SUD services.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
