Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Tribal Opioid Response Program

The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes (C&A) Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) program will address the opioid crisis in the Tribes’ service area by providing a continuum of culturally appropriate evidence-based prevention, medication-assisted treatment, and coordinated recovery support services for tribal members diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD). To achieve the development of comprehensive OUD services, the following services will be provided: addition of Telehealth services to provide clients and their families with support from a licensed, behavioral health therapist; peer counseling services to deepen the understanding of OUD clients; support groups for families of those who suffer from OUD; increased workforce capacity to prevent and treat opioid misuse; raising awareness among the tribal population, with both broad-based messaging and targeted communications for high-risk populations; expansion of culturally appropriate community prevention activities; increased access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) through partnerships with IHS outpatient facilities as well as in-patient facilities; utilize an ongoing Continuous Quality Improvement framework to assess the implementation of MAT and other strategies on OUD recovery. The proposed work includes: the expansion of the Drug Take Back program to promote clear and consistent guidance on appropriate storage and disposal of medication; expand proven and effective strategies for the prevention of opioid use disorder and overdose prevention to law enforcement, social services, and other tribal personnel; and expanding peer recovery support services to promote mutual care among people struggling with drug or alcohol problems to regain a substance-free lifestyle. The C&A Tribes’ service area covers 9,000 square miles spanning 10 counties. The C&A Tribes operate emergency medical services, a community health representative program, health education, and an alcohol and substance abuse program under an Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act contract with the Indian Health Services and administers the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Partnership for Success grant to prevent underage alcohol abuse and other substance abuse priorities, such as marijuana, cocaine, or methamphetamine.