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News- Follow Up Report on the 42 CFR Part 2 Tribal Consultation Recommendations June 2023 (PDF | 269 KB)
- A Tribute to Councilman Joe A. Garcia from the SAMHSA Office of Tribal Affairs (PDF | 161 KB)
- DHHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) has drafted a consumer alert regarding fraudulent activity targeting Native Americans. Please find that alert and related information here:
Consumer Alert: Fraud Schemes Targeting Native American Communities in Behavioral Health Treatment Centers - January 4, 2023 | SAMHSA Announces National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Results Detailing Mental Illness and Substance Use Levels in 2021
Featured ResourcesUpcoming Events
“Build it and they will come” rarely proves true in the practice of behavioral health. Instead, intentional distribution of engaging, clear, and actionable information on evidence-based programs and practices (EBPs) is essential to meaningfully improving outcomes.
SAMHSA’s Evidence Based Practices Resource Center (EBPRC) is charged with identifying, evaluating, and disseminating information on EBPs. To optimally satisfy this charge, SAMHSA has issued a request for information (RFI) asking for input on the following opportunities:
- Addition of a component to the EBPRC that reviews and rates specific behavioral health EBPs, as done through EBP Registries, such as the What Works Clearinghouse.
- Incorporation of resources borrowed from the fields of implementation science, process improvement, capacity building, and program evaluation into the EBPRC.
- Inclusion of culturally informed and community-driven programs and practices into the EBPRC.
If you have ideas related to any of the domains listed above, please review the RFI and provide your input. Comments will be accepted by SAMHSA through October 13, 2023.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in partnership with the federal Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Working Group, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Indian Law Enforcement Section invites federally recognized Indian Tribes to participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 10 - 2 p.m.
Each participating Tribe must register with the DEA point of contact in their state. The DEA point of contact list can be found online. DEA will provide the collection boxes, and it has promotional materials available to share with your community.
We encourage you to join this commitment to improving public health and safety by participating and inviting others – friends, family, and neighbors – to take part in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Individuals wishing to dispose of their medications safely and anonymously can find a collection location at National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
We ask that all Tribes who choose to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day please e-mail the Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy (OTAP) at otap@samha.hhs.gov for our records.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will hold virtual Tribal Consultation on the Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) grant program. Before any action is taken that will significantly affect Indian Tribes, it is the SAMHSA policy that consultation with Indian Tribes will occur to the extent practicable and permitted by law. The Tribal Consultation session will provide an opportunity for government-to-government dialogue.
The virtual Tribal Consultation will be held on November 9, 2023, at 2 p.m. ET.
Please join the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for a Virtual Tribal Listening Session on the Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources for Native Americans grant program. This program was authorized under Section 1201 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (PDF | 3.7 MB) (Section 1201). However, no funds have been specifically appropriated or budgeted to carry out the program currently. SAMHSA will hold the second listening session on this program on November 9, 2023, at 4 p.m. ET. The listening session will provide an additional opportunity for SAMHSA to share information about the statutory requirements and engage with Tribal Leaders and Tribal Behavioral Health professionals on the development of this program.
Past Events
September 12, 2 - 3 p.m. ET
This event will highlight federal partner efforts that support rural communities to advance health equity and recovery support services for healthy outcomes with particular focus on American Indian and Alaska Native communities. This event will increase knowledge of federal programs that address behavioral health conditions, promote opportunities for rural communities to transform health care access and address barriers to equitable access to recovery supports and services, share information and resources rural communities can incorporate into their programs and initiatives, and highlight innovative approaches to support recovery in rural communities.
Topic: American Indian/Alaska Native Communities Defining their own Principles of Recovery
August 29, 1 - 4 p.m. ET
Information about the SAMHSA TTAC and the agenda for this meeting can be found on the SAMHSA website. During the meeting, SAMHSA TTAC delegates and SAMHSA leadership will discussed SAMHSA programs/initiatives and tribal behavioral health priorities.
Review the TTAC Charter for more information on TTAC function, activities, and structure.
August 29, 4 p.m. ET
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) held a Tribal Listening Session on Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources for Native Americans. This is a new program, authorized but not appropriated, under the 2023 Omnibus Funding bill. The listening session provided an opportunity for SAMHSA to share information about the statute and engage with Tribal Leaders.
Dear Tribal Leader Letter: Invitation to the Tribal Listening Session (PDF | 255 KB)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy (OTAP) and Office of Recovery (OR) convened a Tribal Recovery Summit on August 15 - 16, 2023 at the Radiance Plaza located at 1301 Young Street in Dallas, TX. The purpose of the summit was to share best practices and experiences related to expanding recovery related programs and opportunities within American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities. The ultimate goal of the Summit was to provide all attendees with valuable insight and information that can help improve recovery related outcomes. This included opportunities to discuss strategies that provide evidence of successful service to the community, identify emerging and innovative areas that require focus to guide the further progress, and increase shared knowledge about approaches that may transform the future of recovery in AIAN communities nationwide. Over 200 people attended either in person or virtually.
Find out more about the 2023 Tribal Recovery Summit.
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Indian Health Service (IHS) are planning a two-part webinar series focusing on the behavioral health of children in Tribal communities.
The objectives for this two-part series include:
- Highlighting promising practices and outcomes of behavioral health prevention and services developed and implemented by and for children, youth, and families in Tribal communities;
- Sharing information about Federal programs and resources to support the behavioral health and well-being of children, youth, and families in Tribal communities;
- Creating a forum to discuss and learn about opportunities to strengthen the integration of relevant behavioral health services in human services and health care programs in Tribal communities; and
- Providing the opportunity for participants to ask questions and share information about what they are observing in their communities and where they see gaps and opportunities for resources and partnerships to support children, youth, and families.
Part 1
Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 12 – 2:30 p.m. (ET)
Focus on Early Childhood and School-Based programs
Part 2
Friday, May 12, 2023, from 12 – 2:30 p.m. (ET)
Focus on Whole Family and Workforce programs
Related Webinar Resources
Intended audience includes behavioral health program and school staff, federal grantees, and the general public. Presenters will include Federal leaders, Federal grantees, community-based programs, and national organizations.
April 25, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET
Information about the SAMHSA TTAC and the agenda for this meeting can be found on the SAMHSA website. During the meeting, SAMHSA TTAC delegates and SAMHSA leadership will discuss SAMHSA programs/initiatives and tribal behavioral health priorities.
Members of the public are invited to attend and observe the hybrid meeting, but active participation is limited to TTAC delegates.
Review the TTAC Charter for more information on TTAC function, activities, and structure.
On February 2, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced Tribal Consultation on the proposed changes to 42 CFR part 2 (also referred to as “Part 2”) Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records (PDF | 269 KB) via a Dear Tribal Leader letter and communication with various Tribal partners.
Virtual Consultation was held on March 10, 2022, from 4-5 p.m. EST. Written comments were accepted until April 6, 2022. There were 201 registered participants, including Tribal leaders, OCR and SAMHSA senior leaders, other HHS and government staff and other Tribal partners. Six written comments were received.
View All Past TTAC Advisory Council Meetings.
An Introduction webinar for SAMHSA TOR Grantees was hosted on December 8, 2022. In this webinar, presenters from the Opioid Response Network discuss technical assistance needs and processes for TOR grantees.
TOR Webinar: Introduction to the Opioid Response Network for TOR Grantees (44 minutes, 36 seconds)
The Summit brought together Tribes, Urban Indian Health Programs, and Tribal-serving organizations from across Region 7 to discuss behavioral health issues among Native communities.
SAMHSA Tribal Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) Informational Event for Future TTAC Delegates
On March 8, 2023, SAMHSA TTAC delegates and staff from the Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy met to learn about the vital work this group is doing regarding behavioral wellness. TTAC delegates are leaders in their tribes and regions and keep SAMHSA informed of behavioral health needs and concerns in Indian Country.
March 23, 2 - 4 p.m. ET
SAMHSA has been working with Tribal Leaders through our Tribal Technical Advisory Committee, those involved with the original TBHA development, and federal partners/colleagues to understand how the TBHA has been used to support Tribes and impact Tribal Behavioral Health. We have heard from Tribal Leaders that an update, including lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, is needed to ensure priorities and strategies of the TBHA continue to be reflective of tribal behavioral health. Please join us to discuss this important topic and to share thoughts into increasing visibility of the TBHA.
Objectives of the listening session:
- Discuss incorporating changes, like COVID 19, to the existing TBHA.
- Explore new ways to leverage the TBHA for improved coordination and collaboration.
Discussion Questions:
- What lessons have you learned through COVID-19 that could be applied to an updated TBHA?
- Have you identified other topics or areas of the TBHA that need updated?
- How can information and resources within the TBHA best be shared and utilized?
Dear Tribal Leader Letter: Updating the National Tribal Behavioral Health Agenda (PDF | 348 KB)
March 27, 12 - 2 p.m. ET
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will hold a tribal educator listening session on March 27, 2023, to gather tribal educator perspectives on implementing Section 1263 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, better known as the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act.
As SAMHSA/HHS and DEA continue to implement Section 1263 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, better known as the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act, SAMHSA and DEA seek views and perspectives from tribal educators on key OUD and other SUD training elements, particularly as it relates to tribally focused educational needs. This will help inform SAMHSA and DEA guidance and materials related to the implementation of MATE.
Objectives of the listening session:
- Elicit information concerning stakeholder views and perspectives on key opioid use disorders (OUD) and other substance use disorders (SUD) training elements, particularly as they pertain to tribally focused educational needs.
- Learn about existing OUD and other SUD-related educational and other training activities happening in Indian country, including by Tribal educational institutions.