Abstract
On March 18, 2020, the Eastern Shoshone Tribe declared a state of emergency and there are 209 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Freemont County, the location of the WRR. This emergency and the relatively high number of cases dictated a stay-at-home-order for all residents. COVID-19 has impacted how individuals in our community access and receive services, with veterans, domestic violence victims, and the elderly placed at high risk for suicide. Before the COVID 19 pandemic, direct services to these groups were extremely limited. COVID-19 threatens our ability to reach these high-risk populations because direct service providers are not open, transportation resources are closed or limited, and many in this population lack access to the internet or have limited computer skills to access virtual services. In sum, the current conditions fail to fully support these high-risk populations, resulting in a high risk for suicide, domestic violence, and other behavioral health problems.
The purpose of the project is to develop and implement a plan for rapid follow-up of adults who have attempted suicide or experienced a suicidal crisis after discharge from emergency departments and inpatient psychiatric facilities. In addition, this project will establish follow-up care and transition protocols, provide suicide prevention training, screening and assessment, recovery support, telehealth, and enhance services for domestic violence victims and their dependents as a result of COVID-19. This project will increase access to services using evidence-based services, recovery support services, and crisis mental health services on the WRR. This will be accomplished by the following two goals:
1. Goal One: Develop and implement plans, protocols, and training opportunities to support direct services providers and adults over age 25 impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Goal Two: Expand access to community recovery supports, telehealth services, and enhanced services for victims of domestic violence.
Eastern Shoshone Recovery program will support these two goals through a variety of evidence and practice-based services including implementing the Zero Suicide Model. Suicide and domestic violence response protocols will be developed and revised to better serve victims. Additionally, cultural implementation of services such as sweats, talking circles, and community gatherings will also be used for the overall success and sustainability of the program.