Healing Pathways for Strong Communities - Healing Pathways for Strong Communities (HPSC) is a statewide prevention initiative led by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) to reduce opioid misuse and strengthen behavioral health through culturally responsive, community-driven strategies. This project expands access to prevention education, workforce training, and family-centered supports, with a focus on Alaska Native communities across urban, rural, and remote regions. HPSC serves communities across Alaska, reaching 670 unduplicated individuals annually and 3,350 individuals over five years under the Prevention Services category. This program supports individuals across the lifespan, including youth, adults, Elders, and families, with an emphasis on youth and family systems. Participants include individuals at risk for or experiencing substance misuse, opioid use disorder (OUD), trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and co-occurring mental health conditions, as well as families and caregivers seeking prevention and support resources. Key strategies include behavioral health workforce training, culturally responsive educational material development, community outreach, family engagement programming, as well as land-based and cultural activities. This program also expands naloxone access, reduces stigma, and supports the development of a statewide behavioral health resource directory. All HPSC activities integrate Alaska Native knowledge and values through collaboration with Elders and community partners. Project goals are to increase workforce capacity, improve access to prevention and recovery supports, strengthen family systems, expand cultural engagement, and reduce opioid misuse and related harms. Measurable objectives include delivering 30 training courses annually, reaching 500 workforce participants, and engaging 170 individuals annually through outreach, education, and participation in family and cultural programming. Healing Pathways for Strong Communities (HPSC) aligns with SAMHSA's strategic priorities by advancing prevention, improving access to culturally responsive care, strengthening protective factors, and addressing behavioral health disparities in Alaska Native communities.
