The Eastern Shoshone Tribe is located on the Wind River Reservation (WRR) located in central Wyoming. With more than 2.2 million acres of land, the WRR is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. With separate governance structures, tribes operate independently of one another—the Eastern Shoshone Recovery (ESR) Program of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe developed this proposal. According to the 2018 tribal enrollment records, there are 4,368 enrolled Eastern Shoshone tribal members living on the WRR.
A review of SPARS data from active ESR SAMSHA-funded grants indicates that 32% of all clients report alcohol-related disorders, 10% opioid-related disorders, 8% cannabis-related disorders, and 10% other stimulant-related disorders. Additionally, 27% of clients experience mental health diagnoses. Marijuana is the most commonly reported drug used in the past 30-days, with 18% of clients reporting use, followed by alcohol (16%), methamphetamines (11%), and oxycontin/oxycodone (7%). Trauma and violence are shared among clients; 100% of transgender clients and 71% of female clients report lifetime trauma. Fremont County is a designated healthcare provider shortage area, and low pay, burnout, and COVID-19 have compounded issues related to OUD treatment. The proposed project will address these issues and fill gaps in services with the activities described in this proposal.
The ESR MAT Program will address the opioid crisis on the WRR from the growth of opioids and OUD on the reservation. The project has one primary goal and three objectives. The overall goal of the ESR MAT Program is to increase the number of individuals with OUD receiving MOUD and decrease illicit opioid use and prescription opioid misuse.
The Program will provide MAT and mental health services to at least 20 individuals with OUD per year for all five years for a total of 100 unduplicated individuals served. ESR will provide evidence-based services to participants and their families during the project period, totaling 500 hours of service and reaching 50 unduplicated individuals per year impacted by OUD. ESR plans to utilize a three-pronged approach to reach participants with office locations in Riverton, Fort Washakie, and one mobile outreach unit.