Tuesday, September 10, 2024
9/10/2024
American Indian Health Service of Chicago will ensure that American Indians/Alaska Natives within the state of Illinois have access to culturally competent, trained 988 crisis center support along with access to our culturally relevant, trauma informed care services. Our Chicagoland AI/AN community suffers from a loss of self-confidence and identity from historical and intergenerational trauma as well as health disparities from systemic discrimination and exclusion. We will spearhead a decolonizing data project to ensure AI/AN individuals are no longer miscategorized by first responders, medical staff, local law enforcement, and coroners when completing death certificates. We will promote suicide awareness and prevention within our immediate indigenous community and the general Illinois population. To get community stakeholder input about suicide and needs, we will perform a community needs assessment through the facilitation of a Gathering of Native Americans for youth and adults. Our goal is to integrate indigenous ways of healing and cultural practices within our standards of care, especially for behavioral health. AIHSC utilizes culturally based Promising Practices to facilitate healing of our patient population including Wellbriety, Mending Broken Hearts, and an indigenized Operation Snowball program. It is also vital to implement community activities such as a Pow Wow to honor the community as a whole and allow families to reclaim traditional teachings about Pow Wow dances and cultural etiquettes, such as entering a dancing circle. The best way to prevent suicide is to use a culturally relevant integrated approach that includes culturally resonant practices, connection to community’s resources to create a shared vision of wellness, and the gathering of information from Elders and community members to gain knowledge and understand the community beliefs regarding suicide. Using the input from our most important stakeholder, our AI/AN community, AIHSC will work to help those activating 988 to receive the best care possible using a culturally sensitive approach with access to the unique services our clinic offers for the holistic healing of mind, body, and soul.
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).
