Thursday, January 2, 2025
1/2/2025
The Tunica-Biloxi SAP aims to reduce the incidence of substance abuse, especially opioid abuse along with co-occurring mental health issues among tribal members. Through the implementation of the Tribal Opioid Resource grant, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe intends to build internal capacity and grow external partnerships to educate and train staff that are responsible for opioid and substance abuse treatment and prevention in using culturally appropriate services when treating Native Americans that involve Evidence-Based Practices. The tribal reservation is in Avoyelles Parish (County); and the tribal catchment area includes both Avoyelles Parish and the neighboring parish of Rapides. There are 1,580 enrolled Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Members. Approximately 42% live either on or near the reservation and designated tribal lands located in Central Louisiana. Although the average household income for Tunica-Biloxi Tribal members is $18,518 (Louisiana Workforce Commission 2017 Labor Statistics), nearly 50% of tribal households fall in the low-to-moderate income range based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development LMI household data (Household Income less than $23,850 for a family of four) which limits access to healthcare and substance abuse treatment services. Based on requests for treatment services from tribal members, Police Department arrests and calls, community interaction by the Social Services Department, and community complaints, substance abuse has been deemed an important issue for our community. Tribal members facing substance abuse issues are in desperate need of both culturally appropriate treatment services and supportive services. The use of prescription drugs, opioids, benzodiazepines and methamphetamines is especially prevalent among tribal members in our community. According to the Tribal Police Department, non-medical prescription drug use among Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Members is 8.3%; while illicit drug use is approximately 22.4% (Tunica-Biloxi Social Services Department). These rates greatly exceed the national average as well as the national average among American Indians per the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. This project will serve over 100 tribal members through direct services and outreach efforts. Goal Number 1: Decrease the rate of opioid and substance abuse among Tunica-Biloxi tribal members by providing comprehensive, culturally appropriate, wrap around substance abuse treatment services to tribal members within our service area. In addition, ensure that tribal youth have access to substance abuse treatment services. Goal 2. Increase access to mental health and counseling services available to tribal members with opioid and substance abuse addictions. The Health Department will provide substance abuse counseling services to a minimum of 8 tribal members with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. The Health Department will provide or refer mental health counseling services to tribal members with substance abuse addictions that lack adequate access to services. In addition, the SAP will provide comprehensive case management services to tribal members receiving substance/alcohol abuse services to support recovery. With increased access to counseling services, tribal members will be able to take advantage of out-patient treatment services.
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).