Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
The Southern Plains Tribal Health Board’s (SPTHB) Tribal Epidemiology Center (TEC) is one of 12 TECs in the nation and supports 43 federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. Our agency has long history of providing training and technical assistance (TTA), guidance, and consulting services to public health professionals, nurses, doctors, community health representatives, community members, tribes, state and local agencies, non-profits, and many other organizations, as well as acting as the fiscal agent responsible for multiple funding opportunities. Disparities exist in Caddo County at several levels: rural, racial (as it relates to AI/ANs), and socio-economic. In addition, the data illustrate Caddo County as a medically underserved area and a health professional shortage area with regards to rural health clinics, community mental health centers, and being a low-income mental health catchment area. There is a clear need for suicide prevention and other mental health interventions and treatment options in the catchment. Data reported from the Violent Death Reporting System and the Oklahoma Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicate the Oklahoma youth suicide rate increased 41% since 2006, compared to a 33% increase in the youth suicide rate nationally for the same time period. The Oklahoma youth male suicide rate increased 23% since 2006, and the youth female suicide rate increased 79% in the same time frame. In the 10-24-year-old age group, the male suicide rate was nearly three times that of the female rate in Oklahoma. American Indian/Alaska Native youth had the second highest rate of suicide among the 10-14 age group. In the 10-24 age group, AI/ANs had the highest suicide rate among all gender, race, and ethnic groups, with a 39% higher rate than white males who had the second highest rates among all groups. Goal 1- Increase the capacity of the local tribal community to provide tools, services, and resources that promote the mental health of AI/AN youth. Goal 2: Increase access to mental health services for AI/AN youth by enhancing cross-system collaboration within and across tribes, as well as among various non-tribal sectors. Goal 3: Decrease suicide among AI/AN students and their peers by implementing an evidence-based, peer-to-peer, school-based program that provides knowledge, skills, and resources in suicide prevention. Goal 4: Decrease substance use among AI/AN youth by conducting activities that address substance misuse and overdose.
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).
