Native group joins new substance abuse program

ALASKA NEWSPAPERS STAFF

December 06, 2007 at 9:13AM AKST

An Alaska Native organization is involved in a new one-of-its-kind national strategy to help combat substance abuse and its related problems.

The Cook Inlet Tribal Council in Anchorage is part of an effort that involves a one-year, $1 million in funding contract under the Programs of Regional and National Significance program.

Funding is coming through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which has announced its financial and technical sponsorship of the Native American Center for Excellence, Prevention Technical Assistance Resource Center.

Once it is established, the center's database will be accessible through SAMHSA's Web site.

The center will serve as the repository for the best available information on effective services and strategies for preventing substance abuse and related disorders in Alaska Native and American Indian populations.

It also will identify innovative and promising programs and practices that prevent substance abuse disorders and related problems. The center will provide these programs with technical support and additional opportunities for demonstrating their efficacy.

"This program will further empower tribal communities and foster cooperation and scientific innovation among Native American substance abuse prevention and mental health service providers," said SAMHSA administrator Terry Cline.

The Native American Center for Excellence will also work with five tribal grantees currently implementing SAMHSA's strategic substance abuse prevention framework.

In addition to the Cook Inlet Tribal Council, grantees include the Native American Health Center of Oakland, Calif.; Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa of Peshawbetown, Mich.; Cherokee Nation of Tallequah, Okla.; and Great Lakes Intertribal Council of Lac du Flambeau, Wisc.

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation's substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment, and mental health services delivery system.