Wednesday, January 15, 2025
1/15/2025
The Penobscot Nation Health Department (PNHD) is requesting $173,330 in funding from the Indian Health Services (IHS) Fiscal Year 2021 Community Opioid Intervention Pilot Project (COIPP). If awarded, IHS will approve up to $500,000 per year for a three-year project period. This funding request will facilitate the PNHD’s efforts to develop and expand community awareness and education about culturally-appropriate and family-centered opioid prevention, treatment and recovery activities. The Penobscot Nation Health Department is a tribally operated Title V Compact facility funded, in part, by Indian Health Services. The only tribal Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in the state of Maine, PNHD has provided Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) for the treatment of opioid dependence for over a decade. PNHD’s plan targets culturally appropriate community awareness and education through: a comprehensive marketing plan to raise awareness of existing opioid-specific services; the implementation of a consistent, culturally-based island school program for students in grades 1-8; a safety campaign to provide medication lock boxes to all households on the reservation as well as a comprehensive “take-back” program that will include the health center, pharmacy and police department; youth, family and MAT program participant engagement activities that will promote a connection to the earth, tribal traditions and a healthy lifestyle. PNHD’s plan will expand MAT services through: provider continuing education; distribution and education on the use of naloxone; and TeleMAT services. The plan will also strengthen the existing support system for recovery by increasing community partnerships. The addition of a Project Coordinator position will allow for the planning, tracking and facilitation of all activities within PNHD’s plan and will ensure program sustainability after the grant period.
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).