The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc. (ITCMI) is a consortium of the 12 federally-recognized Tribes in Michigan. We have a 50-year history collaborating with Michigan Tribes on health and human services initiatives and have formed partnerships to maximize the impact of resources in Native communities across the State. ITCMI has received consistent grant funding for programs treating opioid and co-occurring disorders for 15+ consecutive years. ITCMI is well-positioned to deliver a community awareness campaign with updated information and maximize resources for the implementation of culturally-enhanced and evidence-based services to make a positive impact on the opioid crisis for the Indigenous populations of Michigan. The ITCMI will collaborate with 12 federally-recognized Tribes and the Urban American Indian and Health & Family Services (AIHFS) center over the five-year project. The service area for this project includes 55 out of the 83 counties in Michigan.
The American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population is susceptible and heavily affected by the opioid crisis in the United States. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the 2021 fatal overdose crude rate (198.6) for the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population in Michigan exceeded the state-wide rate of 196.3; and was an alarming 49% higher than the overall national rate (133.2). The age-adjusted overdose rates for Michigan from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), further corroborate the health disparities that AI/ANs experience. The AI/AN overdose rates in Michigan have exceeded both the national and state-wide rates for more than five consecutive years. This data represents the need to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery services in Michigan tribal communities.
The ITCMI Anishnaabek Community Opioid Intervention Prevention Program (ACOIPP) will provide technical assistance and program support services to tribal communities in Michigan to inform communities/providers about resource and services available that address the opioid crisis. The goals listed below ae responsive to Tribal self-determination and will address the complex cultural and healing needs of the AI/AN population:
1) Developing and expanding community education and awareness of prevention, treatment and recovery activities for opioid misuse and opioid use disorder. ACOIPP will host training events each year to provide at least 200 tribal workforce and community members with Anishinaabe cultural teachings that support community healing and wellness. An annual Tribal Behavioral Health Conference will host 100 attendees to provide updated information and resources regarding the opioid crisis and treatment options in Michigan.
2) Increase knowledge and use of culturally appropriate interventions and to encourage an increased use of medication-assisted treatment/medications for opioid use disorder (MAT/MOUD).
3) Supporting Tribal and Urban Indian communities in their effort to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery services to address the impact of the opioid use disorder.
4) Supporting Tribal and Urban Indian communities in their effort to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery services to address the impact of the opioid crisis.
5) Increase harm reduction within their communities. ITCMI and the participating
The focus of this program is to support efforts to provide prevention, treatment, aftercare, and recovery services to address the impact of the opioid crisis in Native Communities. All COIPP activities will be culturally based and family oriented.