Turtle Island Resources

Tag: health

  • Wellness and self-care videos

    Wellness and self-care videos

    Indigenous approaches to self-care often focus on the interconnection of the mind, body, spirit, and community. 

    • Cambrian College: “Working Your Wheel: Indigenous Self Care”: This video presents an Indigenous model of self-care, contrasting it with mainstream versions and showing how it can be integrated into student support.
    • Sacramento Native American Health Center: “Native Ways To Wellness Ep. 2”: This video highlights Lucero Valle (Zapotec, Yaqui, Carrizo, Isleta Pueblo), who shares her own “Native Way To Wellness”.
    • Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness: “Healing Together”: This video explores how the Wabanaki people have drawn on tradition and community to respond to challenges. 
    • Native Women in Wellness: Ancestral Voices in Today’s World | W+G Talks:The practices of Indigenous communities have been appropriated by the wellness community for years, with little to no acknowledgment of their cultural roots. Sit down with five powerful Indigenous women working to change and reclaim well-being as a birthright, while also bridging the gap of knowledge for all by educating, advocating, and continuing ancestral traditions in today’s world.

  • Paying Family Caregivers through Medicaid Consumer-Directed Programs Webinar

    Paying Family Caregivers through Medicaid Consumer-Directed Programs Webinar

  • Woman’s Health Resources

    Woman’s Health Resources

    Native American women face unique health challenges, including access to care, health disparities, and the impact of historical trauma. There are numerous resources and organizations dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of Native American women. Below is a list of key resources for Native American women’s health:

    Indian Health Service (IHS)

    • Website: https://www.ihs.gov/
    • Description: The Indian Health Service provides a wide range of health services to Native American communities, including women’s health care. IHS offers services in areas such as prenatal care, reproductive health, cancer screenings, mental health, and substance use prevention.

    Native American Women’s Health Education Resource Center (NAWHERC)

    • Website: https://nawherc.org/
    • Description: NAWHERC focuses on improving the health of Native women through education, empowerment, and support. They provide resources on reproductive health, mental health, substance abuse, and overall wellness, offering workshops and materials that are culturally appropriate.

    National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC)

    • Website: https://www.niwrc.org/
    • Description: NIWRC works to end violence against Native women and advocates for resources and support for survivors. Their services include resources related to physical and mental health, reproductive rights, and violence prevention.

    American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF)

    • Website: https://www.aicaf.org/
    • Description: The AICAF focuses on cancer prevention and care for Native Americans, including Native women. They offer educational programs on cancer risk factors, screenings, and wellness practices, with a focus on culturally appropriate services.

    The National Native American Women’s Health Initiative (AI/AN WHI)

    • Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/tribal-affairs
    • Description: This initiative, led by SAMHSA, provides resources to address the mental health and substance use issues facing Native American women. They promote wellness and access to behavioral health services with a focus on culturally informed practices.

    Women of the Cloud Forest: Native American Women’s Health and Wellness Network

    • Website: https://www.nativeamericanhealth.org/
    • Description: This network provides health and wellness support for Native American women, focusing on mental health, wellness, nutrition, and physical health. They offer resources for stress management, self-care, and culturally appropriate therapies.

    National Native American Women’s Health Education Resource Center

    • Website: https://www.nativeamericanhealth.org/
    • Description: This organization focuses on improving the health of Native American women through health education, advocacy, and empowerment. They provide resources on reproductive health, cancer prevention, and substance use disorders, as well as promoting health and wellness among Native women.

    The Native American Women’s Health Project

    • Website: https://www.tribalhealth.org/
    • Description: This organization provides information and resources focused on improving the health and wellness of Native American women. They offer programs addressing physical and mental health, maternal health, and social well-being, all with a cultural focus.

    Mending the Sacred Hoop

    • Website: https://www.mshoop.org/
    • Description: This nonprofit organization works to end violence against Native women and provides healing services to those impacted. They offer resources on trauma recovery, mental health, and culturally appropriate care for survivors of violence.

    Native American Breast Cancer Coalition (NABCC)

    • Website: https://www.nabcc.org/
    • Description: The NABCC focuses on raising awareness of breast cancer within Native communities, offering support, education, and resources for Native American women dealing with breast cancer, as well as promoting early detection and prevention.

    The Native American Wellness Institute (NAWI)

    • Website: https://www.naihc.net/
    • Description: The NAWI offers programs that support physical, mental, and spiritual health in Native communities, with an emphasis on empowering Native women. They provide wellness programs, education, and information on a variety of health topics.

    Native Hope

    • Website: https://www.nativehope.org/
    • Description: Native Hope provides support and resources for Native American women who are dealing with trauma, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. Their focus is on healing, resilience, and well-being, with an emphasis on cultural healing practices.

    The American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF)

    • Website: https://www.aicaf.org/
    • Description: AICAF offers health services focused on cancer prevention and support for Native women. They focus on early detection, education, and cancer care that aligns with Native cultural practices and beliefs.

    National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) – Tribal Programs

    • Website: https://ncadv.org/
    • Description: NCADV works to end domestic violence, including providing resources and programs for Native American women facing intimate partner violence. Their programs support mental health, counseling, and safety for survivors.

    The American Indian/Alaska Native Women’s Health Initiative (AI/AN WHI)

    • Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/tribal-affairs
    • Description: This initiative, led by SAMHSA, provides resources to address behavioral health and wellness issues, including mental health and substance use challenges. They support Native American women’s health, well-being, and recovery in a culturally sensitive manner.

    These organizations offer vital health resources and services designed to meet the unique needs of Native American women. Whether focusing on physical health, mental wellness, reproductive health, cancer prevention, or violence prevention, these resources ensure that Native American women receive culturally relevant and comprehensive care. Accessing these organizations can help Native women improve their health and well-being, both individually and as part of their communities.

  • Mental Health Resources

    Mental Health Resources

    If you are in a crisis please call 911. Thank you for seeking help.

    Native Americans face unique mental health challenges, including the impacts of historical trauma, isolation, and barriers to access, but there are several mental health resources available to support us. Below is a list of important organizations and services that provide mental health resources specifically for Native American communities:

    Indian Health Service (IHS)

    • Website: https://www.ihs.gov/
    • Description: The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a federal agency that provides health care services to Native Americans, including mental health services. IHS offers counseling, crisis intervention, and treatment programs at healthcare facilities across the U.S., particularly in rural and reservation areas.

    National Indian Health Board (NIHB)

    • Website: https://www.nihb.org/
    • Description: The NIHB advocates for the health and well-being of American Indians and Alaska Natives. They provide resources and advocacy around mental health, offering support for tribal communities to address mental health needs and wellness.

    The Native American Mental Health Alliance (NAMHA)

    • Website: https://namha.org/
    • Description: NAMHA works to address the mental health needs of Native Americans by improving access to services, developing culturally appropriate mental health care, and providing training for health professionals. They also advocate for policy changes to improve mental health outcomes for Native communities.

    StrongHearts Native Helpline

    • Website: https://strongheartshelpline.org/
    • Phone: 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483)
    • Description: StrongHearts is a confidential, anonymous helpline for Native Americans affected by domestic violence and dating violence. It offers emotional support, resources, and safety planning. It’s a culturally tailored service designed to support Native people in need of assistance for domestic abuse and related trauma.

    National Native American Suicide Prevention Technical Assistance Center (NNASP-TAC)

    The Trevor Project – Native American Resources

    • Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
    • Description: While The Trevor Project is generally focused on LGBTQ+ youth, it also offers dedicated resources for Native American youth, particularly those struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts. They provide a helpline, text and chat services, and other resources specifically for LGBTQ+ Native youth.

    Crisis Text Line

    • Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/
    • Text: Text HOME to 741741
    • Description: This service provides free, 24/7 text-based support for individuals in crisis. While not specific to Native Americans, it is widely accessible and serves a broad range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.

    American Indian/Alaska Native Resource Center (AI/ANRC)

    Indian Country Child Trauma Center (ICCTC)

    • Website: https://oklahoma.edu/icctc
    • Description: The ICCTC provides training, tools, and resources on child trauma and mental health for Native American communities. They focus on the trauma experiences of Native children and families, offering culturally responsive programs and services.

    The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – American Indian and Alaska Native Programs

    • Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/tribal-affairs
    • Description: SAMHSA provides funding, resources, and technical assistance for tribes to improve behavioral health services in their communities. They focus on substance use, mental health, and wellness programs tailored for Native American populations.

    Native American Wellness Institute (NAWI)

    • Website: https://www.naihc.net/
    • Description: The Native American Wellness Institute focuses on building healthy communities through culturally relevant programs that support mental, emotional, and physical wellness. They provide resources for both individuals and tribes to promote mental health and overall well-being.

    Native Hope

    • Website: https://www.nativehope.org/
    • Description: Native Hope provides mental health resources to Native American communities, with an emphasis on supporting those dealing with grief, trauma, and emotional distress. Their programs provide culturally relevant support to improve emotional resilience.

    We R Native

    • We R Native
    • Website: www.wernative.org
    • Description: Provides mental health resources, cultural information, and support for Native youth.

    Native American Counseling, Inc.

    • Website: https://www.nativeamerican-counseling.org/
    • Description: This organization provides mental health counseling and therapy services for Native Americans, with a focus on addressing trauma, grief, substance abuse, and general emotional health. They offer both in-person and remote counseling options, with therapists who understand the unique experiences of Native individuals.

    The Native American Healing Center

    • Website: https://www.nativeamericanhealingcenter.org/
    • Description: This center offers a variety of healing services, including therapy and counseling, for Native American individuals. The center provides culturally relevant therapy techniques that integrate traditional healing practices with modern therapeutic methods.

    The Red Circle Project – National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (NNAAPC)

    • Website: https://www.nnaapc.org/redcircle
    • Description: The Red Circle Project provides mental health services, including therapy, for Native American individuals who may be affected by HIV, substance use, and mental health disorders. They work to integrate cultural healing practices into therapy and support individuals in managing their mental health in the context of their culture.

    Telehealth Counseling Services for Native Americans

    • Various Providers: Many therapists and counselors offer telehealth services, which are especially beneficial for those in rural or remote Native American communities. Telehealth can be a valuable resource for therapy, allowing individuals to receive counseling from culturally competent therapists without the need to travel long distances.

    Sage Counseling Services

    • Website: https://www.sagecounselingservices.com/
    • Description: Sage Counseling Services provides therapy and counseling to Native Americans, particularly focusing on the effects of historical trauma, addiction, and community-based mental health challenges. Their therapists work with Native individuals and families to create a healing plan that is culturally informed and accessible.

    These resources represent a variety of services for mental health support, suicide prevention, and overall wellness that are tailored specifically for Native American communities. If you or someone you know needs help, reaching out to these organizations can provide access to confidential counseling, support services, and community resources designed to address the unique needs of Native peoples.

  • Healthcare Resources

    Healthcare Resources

    Indian Health Service (IHS)

    • Website: www.ihs.gov
    • Provides comprehensive health services for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

    Urban Indian Health Institute

    • Website: www.uihi.org
    • Focuses on health research and services for Native Americans living in urban areas.

    National Indian Health Board (NIHB)

    • Website: www.nihb.org
    • Advocates for healthcare improvements and provides health policy support.

    Federal and State Programs
    Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
    Overview: American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) can access health coverage through Medicaid and CHIP, which offer free or low-cost health coverage. These programs provide a range of services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions.
    Special Provisions: AI/ANs may have certain protections and benefits, such as the ability to apply for enrollment at any time and the option to receive services from Indian Health Service (IHS) providers.
    More Information: HealthCare.gov – American Indians and Alaska Natives

    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Tribal Affairs
    Overview: CMS provides outreach and education resources tailored for AI/AN communities to enhance understanding of health coverage options and benefits.
    Resources: Offers materials to support Indian health care providers and educate AI/AN individuals about their health coverage rights and options.
    More Information: CMS Outreach and Education Resources

    Regional Health Consortia
    Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC)

    Overview: ANTHC provides comprehensive health services to Alaska Natives, including hospital care, construction of water and sanitation facilities, and health education.
    Services: Operates the Alaska Native Medical Center and offers programs in community health, environmental health, and research.
    More Information: ANTHC

    Advocacy and Policy Organizations
    National Indian Health Board (NIHB)

    Overview: NIHB advocates for improved health care in AI/AN communities and provides policy analysis, training, and technical assistance.
    Resources: Offers information on behavioral health, public health initiatives, and legislative updates affecting Native health.
    More Information: NIHB Behavioral Health Resources

    Legal Support and Health Equity
    Recent Supreme Court Decision on Healthcare Funding

    Overview: In June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government must cover additional overhead costs for tribes managing their own health care programs, reinforcing support for tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
    Implications: This decision ensures that tribes receive adequate funding to manage health services without bearing extra financial burdens.
    More Information: AP News – Supreme Court Sides with Native American Tribes