title: Identifying and Reducing Disparities in Mental Health Outcomes Among American Indians and Alaskan Natives Using Public Health, Mental Healthcare and Legal Perspectives.
abstract: The purpose of this paper was to investigate disparities in mental healthcare delivery in American Indian/Alaska Native populations from three perspectives: public health, legal policy and mental healthcare and provide evidence-based recommendations toward reducing those disparities. Data on mental health funding to tribes were obtained from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. As a result of analysis of these data, vital statistics and current literature, we propose three recommendations to reduce mental health disparities. First, where possible, increase mental health funding opportunities for federally-recognized tribes. Second, model funding practices on principles of tribal self-determination. Finally, support diverse interventions that are culturally-based and culturally-appropriate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, 2048 Life Sciences Building, Provo, UT, 84602, USA.
authors.forename: Hannah E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Payne
authors.affiliation: J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.
authors.forename: Michalyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Steele
authors.affiliation: Counseling and Psychological Services, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.
authors.forename: Jennie L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Bingham
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, 2048 Life Sciences Building, Provo, UT, 84602, USA. chantel.sloan@byu.edu.
authors.forename: Chantel D
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-8959-8536
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Sloan
mesh_terms: D000072957:Alaska Natives; D065246:Culturally Competent Care; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D035082:Federal Government; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006291:Health Policy / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000208:ethnology*; D061889:Healthcare Financing; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D011634:Public Health; D014481:United States; D014482:United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
keywords: Depression; Disparities; Federal grants; SAMHSA; Suicide