OTAP News and Events
Get the latest announcements on SAMHSA’s efforts to address substance use among Native people. Access the latest news, upcoming events and more.
Latest News
- American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (CoE) launches its new website!
- SAMHSA holds Tribal Listening Session on the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (NSSP)
- Tribal Access to Capital Clearinghouse provides one-stop-shop for Tribes and Native businesses to find federal funding
Related Events
We are excited to relay that the link to the 60-day federal register notice (FRN) has been published. The FRN is an opportunity for stakeholders to provide comments on the SUPRT and burden estimates associated with the use of the tool. Please send comments to the SAMHSA Reports Clearance Officer, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 15E45, Rockville, Maryland 20857, OR email a copy to samhsapra@samhsa.hhs.gov. The draft tool can be found at GPRA Modernization Act of 2010. Written comments were due October 15, 2024.
SAMHSA remains committed to improving Tribal behavioral health and continues to honor the government-to-government relationship. If you have any questions about Tribal behavioral health, please contact the SAMHSA Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy (OTAP) at otap@samhsa.hhs.gov.
This session will illustrate the power of traditions and cultural practices in healing. For example, many communities hold ceremonies when service members leave for their service and again when they return. Practices like sweat lodges, talking circles, honor songs, and drumming all work to heal the mind, body, and soul.
Presenters:
- Barbara Aragon (Laguna Pueblo, Crow), Technical Assistant, SAMHSA TTA
- Raymond Daw (Navajo Nation), Behavioral Health Consultant, National Association of Behavioral Health Consultants
- Ivan Sam (Navajo Nation), Cultural Ambassador, The Veterans Art Project
Time: 2 – 3:30 p.m. ET
This session will provide an overview of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Tribal Behavioral Health Agenda and will describe resources available to promote the mental health and well-being of Tribal communities.
Presenters:
- Captain Karen Hearod, M.S.W., LCSW (Choctaw Nation), Director, Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy, SAMHSA
- Sienna Hunter-Cuyjet, LMSW, LCSW, LICSW, ACSW (Shinnecock Nation), Certified Trauma & Resilience Practitioner, SAMHSA Tribal Training & Technical Assistance (TTA) Center, Three Star Government Solutions, LLC
This session will provide an overview of the history of military service among American Indian and Alaska Native people. It will emphasize the importance of practicing cultural humility and trauma-informed care.
Presenters:
- Gregorio Kishketon, D.Ph. (Tribal Elder with the Water Clan – Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma), Program Analyst, Center for Minority Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Scott Barton (Mashantucket Pequot/Mohawk), Director of Tribal Initiatives, Suicide Prevention Resource Center, University of Oklahoma