Phoenix Area Funded Projects 2009-2014
Desert Visions Youth Regional Treatment Center
The Desert Visions Youth Regional Treatment Center MSPI project provides comprehensive in-house substance abuse treatment services for Native American youth between the ages of 12 and 18. Through a partnership with the University of Washington and Behavioral Tech, LLC, the project provides Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to address co-occurring disorders. DBT focuses on mindfulness, interconnection, and lends itself to the incorporation of cultural and spiritual practices. The project also provides training for DBT in aftercare settings to improve the continuum of care for client transitions to follow-up services.
Gila River Indian Community
The Gila River Indian Community MSPI project aims to increase community awareness of methamphetamine use and suicide. The program also seeks to foster cultural and social connectedness, teach leadership skills, and support education efforts among youth. Project staff are trained in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainings (ASIST), safeTALK, and QPR (Question, Persuade & Refer) and the Signs of Suicide (SOS). The prevention program has been brought to the Gila River Community School to teach students to recognize the symptoms of depression and suicide and where to find help.
Phoenix Indian Medical Center
The Phoenix Indian Medical Center MSPI project is fully integrated into the vision, core values, and daily work of each member of the Behavioral Health Program. Best practices include open access to specialty behavioral health services, including psychiatric, substance abuse, psychological, and social service evaluation and treatment. A Provider Triage Model, developed and implemented by the MSPI team, utilizes licensed professional staff to screen every new patient for suicide related behaviors and substance abuse disorders. The Assertive Community Team (ACT) model has been modified to address the needs of the seriously mentally ill (SMI) population who are at high risk for suicide. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another evidence-based practice that the PIMC MSPI has implemented for two high risk groups: chronically suicidal adolescents and adult females. A PIMC child psychiatrist has developed continuing education programs through the Tele-Behavioral Health Centers of Excellence electronic platform to improve the psychiatric diagnosis and treatment skills of rural primary care providers.
Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic
The Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic MSPI project aims to address the suicide prevention, intervention, and aftercare needs of the community. The project does this by increasing community awareness about suicide and access to behavioral health services, and improving data collection about suicidal activities and the community’s capacity to intervene with at-risk individuals. The project addresses aftercare needs through National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Hampshire Connect post suicide community response trainings.
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony
The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony MSPI project aims to build upon methamphetamine and suicide prevention and treatment services for Native Americans living in Northwestern Nevada. The project trains tribal employees and community members on suicide awareness and suicide intervention skills and conducts community awareness campaigns regarding suicide. The project also provides culturally competent evidenced-based treatment in an outpatient setting.
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) MSPI project focuses on increasing community knowledge and attitudes about methamphetamine use and suicide through prevention and intervention education. The Great Body Shop and MethSmart curriculums are used throughout the SRPMIC’s Education Division to address methamphetamine abuse, bullying, and suicide. MSPI staff and community are trained in the Living Works Programs, including SuicideTalk, safeTalk, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and ASIST Tune-Up. Outpatient services use the Matrix Model curriculum.
San Carlos Apache
The San Carlos Apache MSPI project aims to reduce methamphetamine use and suicidal behaviors through school prevention education based on the Native Wellness Basic Life Skills and White Bison curriculums. The project also targets the community as a whole through community prevention events.
Washoe Tribe of California and Nevada
The goal of the Washoe Tribe of California and Nevada MSPI project is to reduce suicide and methamphetamine use among Washoe members. Tribal employees and community members are trained in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), safeTALK, and SuicideTalk and the project has partnered with the Washoe Tribal Education Department to provide the community with educational materials on youth suicide. Washoe youth attend local conferences about suicide prevention and drug use, and a youth group organizes cultural activities. The project provides mental health services and serves as a referral source for inpatient methamphetamine treatment.
White Mountain Apache Tribe
The White Mountain Apache Tribe MSPI project, Nowhi' Ida Bagoye' (Life Is Precious), is a prevention and treatment campaign based on Apache history, language, culture, and values. It emphasizes traditional crafts, ceremonies, and parenting styles. Project staff and community members are trained in safeTALK, SuicideTALK, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to provide suicide first aid to those at risk. Outreach and family support are available through the project, as well as therapeutic services, outpatient, referrals for inpatient care, and postvention care.
