Friday, November 22, 2024
11/22/2024
The Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin will address the high rates of mental illness and/or substance abuse/misuse in Native American and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, as well as the increase in domestic violence during the time of COVID-19, through the implementation of the Milwaukee Emergency Response for Suicide Prevention (MKE ERSP). MKE ERSP will use evidence-based practices supported with highly effective screening and clinical intervention tools to reach more deeply and broadly into the AI/AN community. About 1/3 of the state’s AI/AN population lives in the Milwaukee area, or about 18,239 people. Through prevention education, screenings, community events, outreach and through local AI/AN agencies, the program will reach 1,530 people between June 30, 2020 and October 30, 2021. MKE ERSP will have four overarching goals. Goal 1) Increase the capacity of GLIIHC staff to respond rapidly to attempted suicides or suicidal crises using a Zero Suicide in Indian Country framework. Obj. 1) Between August and September 2020, GLIIHC will review and improve care transition protocols to ensure patient safety for patients at all risk levels for suicide attempts or crises. Obj. 2) Between September and December 2020, train all GLIIHC clinical staff and offer key partner representatives (as COVID-allowable in a telehealth/ video based platform) in the Zero Suicide in Indian Country implementation model, and continue implementing existing evidence-based practices demonstrated to support and promote mental health in a culturally competent way. Goal 2) Ensure that all existing and new GLIIHC Behavioral Health Department (BHD) hires are familiar with and proficient at using the in-house suicide risk rating tools, and that any high-risk patients receive ongoing monitoring. Obj. 1) Provide training in and monitor usage of suicide risk rating tools used at GLIIHC, ensuring consistent usage for all relevant providers in the BHD. Goal 3) Offer ongoing telehealth opportunities for all BHD patients (regardless of suicide risk but providing ongoing monitoring) to receive evidence-based mental health and substance misuse treatment on an outpatient basis, connecting patients to inpatient treatment when indicated. Obj. 1) Offer evidence-based and culturally relevant services ranging from outpatient (telehealth) services to group therapy (telehealth) to family services as well as connections to inpatient treatment resources. Services will be provided virtually by video conference or by telephone. Goal 4) Implement screening tools that will allow GLIIHC staff to better assess patients in the BHD for exposure to family violence/domestic violence, including connecting them to safe shelter when indicated. Objective 1) Update intake/screening tools to screen for family/domestic violence. Objective 2) Identify situations where referrals to safe shelter/housing may become necessary.
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).
