To meet the goal of this project, CVTC plans to further develop TOR staff qualifications and expand current TOR programming while maintaining current partnerships with existing community partners. CVTC plans to expand the current service array and provide extensive outreach, education, and prevention activities within the community for all community members that are evidence based and culturally culturally-centered. Data will be gathered, maintained confidentially, and shared back with SAMHSA as appropriate to improve best practices for caring for communities experiencing similar challenges.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB), the continued fastest growing region in the State of Alaska covers an area of about 23,000 square miles, and experiences high rates of opioid misuse according to local community needs assessments performed in 2019. Chickaloon Native Village (CNV), governed by Chickaloon Village Traditional Council (CVTC) is located within the MSB and its service area encompasses nearly half of the MSB.
This broad area of coverage, and the rapidly increasing population, presents unique challenges to service delivery and resource accessibility for those who are struggling with Opioid and other Substance Misuse Disorders.
Since 2019, CVTC’s Health and Social Services Department has been offering a Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) Program focused on culturally-centered prevention activities, connecting clients with Medication Assisted Services and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy treatment in partnership with Southcentral Foundation and Cook Inlet Tribal Council, and supportive recovery services utilizing harm reduction and motivational interviewing approaches.
Progress is being made in building trust within the community; however, due to the magnitude of the problem, coupled with the COVID pandemic, we have a way to go. The aim of this project is to continue meeting CNV Tribal citizens and community members where they are by assisting those who are experiencing Opioid and other Substance Misuse Disorders in accessing services and resources that are evidence-based and culturally centered while remaining in their community. We anticipate serving a minimum of 75 individuals in year one and 100 in year 2 of the project through prevention, treatment, and supportive services.