AICA MAT PDOA (American Indian Center of Arkansas Medication Assisted Treatment - Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction) - Project Name: Expanding Access to Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) for Arkansas Native American Communities and Non-Native Communities Population: Native American and Non-Native American individuals residing in Arkansas, with a focus on the major population centers for active tribal members including Crawford Sebastian, Franklin, Pulaski, Madison, Montgomery, Garland, Grant, Phillips, and Union counties. AICA primarily serves members of Chickasaw/Mississippi Choctaw, Yurok/Karuk, Cherokee, Yup’ik, and Pawnee Tribes. Additionally, the center provides services to members of other federally recognized tribes and non-tribal citizens in Arkansas. Statement of Need: The opioid epidemic has been a public health crisis for decades, claiming the lives of thousands of Americans each year. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the crisis, particularly among Native American and Alaska Native populations. Arkansas has been significantly impacted by the opioid epidemic, with a high opioid dispensing rate per 100 people in 2020 (82.59) compared to the national average (43.3). In addition, several counties in Arkansas had high opioid dispensing rates in 2020, including Crawford, Montgomery, and Ouachita. Strategies/Interventions: The American Indian Center of Arkansas (AICA) seeks funding to expand and enhance access to MOUD for Native American and Non-Native American individuals in Arkansas. AICA will provide resources for MAT programs, mentoring, and job opportunities to decrease illicit opioid use and prescription opioid misuse. The project will involve outreach and education efforts to increase awareness of MOUD resources and treatment options. Goals and Measurable Objectives: The goal of this project is to decrease opioid use and opioid-related deaths among Native American and Non-Native American individuals in Arkansas by expanding access to MOUD resources. The project aims to serve a total of 100 people annually and 675 people throughout the lifetime of the project. The measurable objectives include: (1) increase the number of individuals receiving MOUD by 20% annually; (2) decrease the number of opioid-related deaths by 20% annually; and (3) increase awareness of MOUD resources and treatment options among the target population by 30% annually. Impact: Expanding access to MOUD resources in Arkansas will have a significant impact on the lives of Native American and Non-Native American individuals affected by the opioid epidemic. The project will provide crucial resources for MAT programs, mentoring, housing, and job opportunities to decrease illicit opioid use and prescription opioid misuse. By increasing access to MOUD resources and treatment options, the project will save lives, improve health outcomes, and contribute to the overall well-being of the Arkansas community. Conclusion: The American Indian Center of Arkansas seeks funding to expand access to MOUD resources and decrease opioid use and opioid-related deaths among Native American and Non-Native American individuals in Arkansas. The project will provide crucial resources for MAT programs, mentoring, housing, and job opportunities and increase awareness of MOUD resources and treatment options. By addressing the opioid epidemic in Arkansas, the project will save lives, improve health outcomes, and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
