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National Resources

The National Indian Health Board is working to increase awareness of the Behavioral Health needs in Indian Country. We aim to identify challenges and highlight successful strategies so that our communities have the information they need to promote and protect the health of all American Indian and Alaska Native people. In working towards this goal, we are joined by many partners, supporters and friends, including Tribal Leaders, National Tribal Advisory Committees, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), private foundations, elected civic leaders, and tribal health consortiums.

This page provides the contact information of many of these partners working to assist in the development of healthy individuals, families, communities, and Tribal Nations.

Federal Partners:

Department of Health and Human Services

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.

HHS represents almost a quarter of all federal outlays, and it administers more grant dollars than all other federal agencies combined. HHS’ Medicare program is the nation’s largest health insurer, handling more than 1 billion claims per year. Medicare and Medicaid together provide health care insurance for one in four Americans.

HHS works closely with state and local governments, and many HHS-funded services are provided at the local level by state or county agencies, or through private sector grantees. The Department’s programs are administered by 11 operating divisions, including eight agencies in the U.S. Public Health Service and three human services agencies. The department includes more than 300 programs, covering a wide spectrum of activities. In addition to the services they deliver, the HHS programs provide for equitable treatment of beneficiaries nationwide, and they enable the collection of national health and other data.

Web Link: http://www.hhs.gov/

DHHS Operating Divisions:

Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. ACF programs aim to achieve the following: families and individuals empowered to increase their own economic independence and productivity; strong, healthy, supportive communities that have a positive impact on the quality of life and the development of children; partnerships with front-line service providers, states, localities, and tribal communities, to identify and implement solutions that transcend traditional program boundaries; services planned, reformed, and integrated to improve needed access; and a strong commitment to working with vulnerable populations including people with developmental disabilities, refugees, and migrants, to address their needs, strengths, and abilities. The Administration for Native Americans is located within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Web Link:https://www.acf.hhs.gov

Administration for Native American (ANA)

ANA promotes the goal of economic and social self-sufficiency for American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and the peoples of Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. ANA provides competitive financial assistance grants in support of locally determined and designed projects that address community needs and goals. Grants are provided through three programs to promote economic and social self-sufficiency, to ensure the survival and vitality of Native languages and to improve Tribal capability to regulate environmental quality.

Web Link:https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ana/factsheets_ana.pdf

Administration on Aging (AoA)

The Administration on Aging (AoA) is the Federal agency responsible for advancing the concerns and interests of older people and their caregivers. AoA works with and through the Aging Services Network to promote the development of a comprehensive and coordinated system of home and community-based long-term care that is responsive to the needs and preferences of older people and their family caregivers. AoA is part of the Department of Health and Human Services and is headed by the Assistant Secretary for Aging, who reports directly to the Secretary.

Web Link:https://acl.gov/about-acl/administration-aging

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) mission is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans. As 1 of 12 agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services, AHRQ supports research that helps people make more informed decisions and improves the quality of health care services. AHRQ was formerly known as the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.

Web Link: http://www.ahrq.gov/

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ATSDR serves the public by using the best science, taking responsive public health actions, and providing trusted health information to prevent harmful exposures and diseases related to toxic substances.

Web Link: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Collaborating to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health – through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats. CDC seeks to accomplish its mission by working with partners throughout the nation and the world to monitor health, detect and investigate health problems, conduct research to enhance prevention, develop and advocate sound public health policies, implement prevention strategies, promote healthy behaviors, foster safe and healthful environments, and provide leadership and training.

Web Link: http://www.cdc.gov/about/organization/cio.htm

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:

Web Link: http://www.cms.gov/home/aboutcms.asp

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It consists of six product centers, one research center, and two offices. FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off radiation, and regulating tobacco products.

Web Link:https://www.fda.gov/

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable. Comprising six bureaus and 13 offices, HRSA provides leadership and financial support to health care providers in every state and U.S. territory. HRSA grantees provide health care to uninsured people, people living with HIV/AIDS, and pregnant women, mothers and children. They train health professionals and improve systems of care in rural communities. HRSA oversees organ, bone marrow and cord blood donation. It supports programs that prepare against bioterrorism, compensates individuals harmed by vaccination, and maintains databases that protect against health care malpractice and health care waste, fraud and abuse.

Web Link:https://www.hrsa.gov/

Indian Health Service (IHS)

The Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The provision of health services to members of federally-recognized tribes grew out of the special government-to-government relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes. This relationship, established in 1787, is based on Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, and has been given form and substance by numerous treaties, laws, Supreme Court decisions, and Executive Orders. The IHS is the principal federal health care provider and health advocate for Indian people, and its goal is to raise their health status to the highest possible level. The IHS provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 1.9 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who belong to 565 federally recognized tribes in 35 states.

Web Link:https://www.ihs.gov/

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services External Web Site Policy, is the nation’s medical research agency. NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a specific research agenda, often focusing on particular diseases or body systems. NIH’s mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce the burdens of illness and disability.

Web Link: http://www.nih.gov/

Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

The HHS OIG is the largest inspector general's office in the Federal Government, with more than 1,700 employees dedicated to combating fraud, waste and abuse and to improving the efficiency of HHS programs. A majority of the OIG's resources goes toward the oversight of Medicare and Medicaid — programs that represent a significant part of the Federal budget and that affect this country's most vulnerable citizens. The OIG's oversight extends to programs under other HHS institutions, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration.

Web Link: http://oig.hhs.gov/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. In order to achieve this mission, SAMHSA has identified 8 Strategic Initiatives to focus the Agency's work on improving lives and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Over the years SAMHSA has demonstrated that - prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover from mental and substance use disorders. Behavioral health services improve health status and reduce health care and other costs to society.

Web Link: http://www.samhsa.gov/

Non-Federal National Organizations:

American Association of Suicidology

The goal of the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is to understand and prevent suicide. Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, Ph.D., AAS promotes research, public awareness programs, public education, and training for professionals and volunteers, and serves as a national clearinghouse for information on suicide. Membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center volunteers, survivors of suicide and a variety of lay persons who have an interest in suicide prevention.

Web Link: http://www.suicidology.org

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is dedicated to advancing our knowledge of suicide and our ability to prevent it. The Foundation's activities include: supporting research projects; providing information and education about depression and suicide; promoting professional education for the recognition and treatment of depressed and suicidal individuals; publicizing the magnitude of the problems of depression and suicide and the need for research, prevention, and treatment; and supporting programs for suicide survivor treatment, research and education.

Web Link: http://www.afsp.org

Children's Safety Network (CSN)

Children's Safety Network (CSN) is a resource center for maternal and child health and injury prevention professionals in State and Territorial health departments who are committed to reducing injuries and violence among children and adolescents. CSN helps state MCH agencies address MCH Performance Measures related to injuries, suicide and violence. CSN staff offer expertise, resources, and contacts on any injury topic and helps professionals develop, implement, and evaluate injury and violence prevention activities.

Web Link: http://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org

Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators (CJCA)

CJCA is a national non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of youth correctional services and practices. Incorporated in 1994, CJCA has served to unite the nation's youth correctional chief executive officers to promote and aid advancements within juvenile justice.

Web Link:https://cjja.net/

Harvard Injury Control Research Center (HICRC)

The primary focus of the Harvard Injury Control Research Center (HICRC) is on the interdisciplinary study of the causes and etiology of injury and its application for the development and evaluation of prevention and intervention strategies and policy. HICRC currently has two primary areas of strength: Violence - primarily youth violence and family violence, and Cross-Cutting Issues - including alcohol and other drug use, firearm use, and treatment setting. HICRC is particularly concerned with identification of vulnerable populations to identify specific determinants of injuries among these populations and investigate how to reduce injuries. Areas currently under study include suicide, intentional injuries in family or community settings, and unintentional and intentional injuries related to the use of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms.

Web Link: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/research/hicrc/

Indian Country Child Trauma Center at the University of Oklahoma

The Indian Country Child Trauma Center (ICCTC) was established to develop trauma-related treatment protocols, outreach materials, and service delivery guidelines specifically designed for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and their families. The Indian Country Child Trauma Center is part of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network funded by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. It is housed at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in the Center on Child Abuse and Neglect. A current program includes Project Making Medicine (PMM).

Web Link: http://www.icctc.org/

Jed Foundation

The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established to prevent suicide on college campuses and focus on the underlying causes of suicide. The Foundation is committed to reducing the young adult suicide rate and improving mental health support provided to college students nationwide

Web Link: http://www.jedfoundation.org

NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill)

NAMI is dedicated to the eradication of mental illness and to the improvement of the quality of life of people whose lives are affected by these diseases. NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses. NAMI works to achieve equitable services and treatment for more than 15 million Americans living with severe mental illnesses and their families.

Web Link: http://www.nami.org

National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD)

NASMHPD is a national association that represents state mental health commissioners/directors and their agencies and provides policy development, information dissemination, and technical assistance. As a private, not-for-profit membership organization, NASMHPD helps set the agenda and determine the direction of state mental health agency interests across the country, historically including state mental health planning, service delivery, and evaluation.

Web Link: http://www.nasmhpd.org

National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is a trade association representing providers of mental health, substance abuse and developmental disability services. The goal of the National Council is to establish and maintain effective and comprehensive community behavioral health programs for all persons in the United States.

Web Link: http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/

National Organization for People of Color against Suicide (NOPCAS)

The National Association for People of Color Against Suicide (NOPCAS) was founded by three African-American suicide survivors. Its goals are to bring suicide and depression awareness to minority communities that have historically been discounted from traditional awareness programs.

Web Link:https://nopcas.com/

One Sky Center

One Sky Center is a federally funded national resource center dedicated to the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and mental health issues among Native people. The goals of One Sky Center are to: promote and nurture effective and culturally appropriate substance abuse prevention and treatment services for Native populations; identify culturally appropriate effective evidence-based prevention and treatment practices and disseminate them so that they can be applied successfully across diverse tribal communities; and provide training, technical assistance and products to expand the capacity and quality of substance abuse prevention and treatment practitioners serving this population.

Web Link: http://www.oneskycenter.org

Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE)

The Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation's (PIRE) mission is to undertake projects in the public interest. The Institute's work includes investigator-initiated and contract research, evaluation and program development. Among other activities, PIRE provides economic analyses of illness and injury, including suicide.

Web Link: http://www.pire.org

Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH)

Screening for Mental Health Inc. (SMH) is a non-profit organization that first introduced the concept of large-scale mental health screenings with National Depression Screening Day in 1991. SMH programs include in-person and online programs for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, alcohol problems, and suicide prevention.

Web Link: http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/

Social Science Research and Evaluation (SSRE)

Social Science Research and Evaluation, Inc. (SSRE) is a non profit research firm that consults to government, industry, and private organizations. SSRE staff have extensive experience in basic and applied research and program evaluation in several areas, including alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment, health care, and criminal justice.

Web Link: http://www.ssre.org/

Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN USA)

Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA) is a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to leveraging grassroots support among suicide survivors (those who have lost a loved one to suicide) and others to advance public policies that help prevent suicide. The organization raises awareness, builds political will, and calls for action to create, advance, and evaluate a national strategy to address suicide.

Web Link: http://www.spanusa.org

University of Rochester Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide (UR/CSPS)

University of Rochester Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide (UR/CSPS): The UR/CSPS is dedicated to reducing mortality and morbidity from suicide and attempted suicide. The center contains five labs for research: Suicide Studies, Personality and Development, Depression and Medical Co-morbidity, Suicide Prevention, and Interpersonal Violence. The aims of the center include: promoting rigorous methods of evaluation outcomes of programs to prevent suicide, establishing a resource for research methodology development and program evaluation, and fostering collaborative, multidisciplinary suicide research and prevention programs.

Web Link: http://www.rochesterpreventsuicide.org/

Tribal Specific Resources

The Following is a resource list of National Tribal-Specific / Tribal supportive organizations, programs, and resources dedicated to the health and well-being of our Tribal citizens. The following list is not a complete list and partners to advance Tribal Mental Health policies, education, access, utilization, and support will continually be pursued by the NIHB to move our mission forward.

Organizations, Programs, and Resources:

National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH)

The National Council of Urban Indian Health is a 501(c)(3), membership-based organization devoted to support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally sensitive health care programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban communities. NCUIH fulfills its mission by serving as a resource center providing advocacy, education, training, and leadership for urban Indian health care providers. NCUIH strives for healthy American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban settings, supported by quality, accessible health care centers and governed by leaders in the Indian community.

Web Link: http://www.ncuih.org

American Indian National Housing Council (AINHC)

The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) was founded in 1974 as a 501(c)(3) corporation. NAIHC is the only national organization representing housing interests of Native people who reside in Indian communities, Alaska Native Villages, and on native Hawaiian Home Lands. The NAIHC is composed of 271 members representing 463 tribes and housing organizations. NAIHC also has associate and individual members and organizations that support our mission. NAIHC is guided by a 10-member Board of Directors representing Native housing entities in nine geographical regions throughout the United States. NAIHC promotes and supports Native housing entities in their efforts to provide culturally relevant and quality affordable housing on behalf of Native people.

Web Link: http://www.naihc.net/

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) was founded in 1944 in response to termination and assimilation policies that the United States forced upon the tribal governments in contradiction of their treaty rights and status as sovereigns. The National Congress of American Indians has been working to inform the public and Congress on the governmental rights of American Indians and Alaska Natives. NCAI serves to secure for ourselves and our descendants the rights and benefits to which we are entitled; to enlighten the public toward the better understanding of the Indian people; to preserve rights under Indian treaties or agreements with the United States; and to promote the common welfare of the American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Web Link: http://www.ncai.org

National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)

The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) is a national voice for American Indian children and families. NICWA is a private, non-profit, membership organization based in Portland, Oregon, that provide a comprehensive source of information on American Indian child welfare and the only national American Indian organization focused specifically on the tribal capacity to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Web Link: http://www.nicwa.org/

National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA)

The National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) advocates for improved comprehensive services to American Indian and Alaska Native elders. Since the organization was formed in 1976, by a group of tribal chairmen, it has evolved into the nation's foremost non-profit advocate for this population. As a national contractor currently operating the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), NICOA provides employment training opportunities for nearly a thousand elders in 14 states. The organization also partners with federal agencies, universities, and other aging organizations to conduct activities benefitting Indian elders.

Web Link: http://www.nicoa.org

American Association of Indian Physicians (AAIP)

The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) was founded in 1971 as an educational, scientific, and charitable non-profit corporation. AAIP’s mission is to pursue excellence in Native American health care by promoting education in the medical disciplines, honoring traditional healing principles and restoring the balance of mind, body, and spirit. AAIP also fosters forums where modern medicine combines with traditional healing to enhance health care delivery to American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Web Link: http://www.aaip.org/

Indian Gaming Associations (IGA)

The mission of Indian Gaming Association is to protect and preserve the general welfare of tribes. IGA works with the Federal, State and Tribal governments to develop sound policies and practices and to provide technical assistance and advocacy on gaming-related issues. IGA works to maintain and protect tribal sovereignty.

Web Link: https://indiangaming.org/

Indian Country Child Trauma Center at the University of Oklahoma

Web Link: http://www.icctc.org/

National Tribal Committees:

National Tribal Advisory Committee

Click here to view National Tribal Advisory Committee page

NIHB Contacts:

Nathan Billy, MEd, LPC
Behavioral Health Programs Director

National Indian Health Board
50 F St NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-996-4165
[email protected]