A place to start, Meeting the transition needs of urban American Indian/Alaska Native youth through culturally based services.

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11414-014-9447-2

By Friesen, Barbara J.; Cross, Terry L.; Jivanjee, Pauline; Thirstrup, Ashley; Bandurraga, Abby; Gowen, L. K.; Rountree, Jen

The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, Vol 42(2), Apr 2015, 191-205.

This article reports findings from three qualitative studies exploring supports for positive transitions of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth to adulthood. Community-based participatory methods were employed through a research partnership involving a culturally based community agency, the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), the National Indian Child Welfare Association, and Portland State University. Studies utilized a Relational Worldview (RWV) framework, where well-being is understood as a balance among the domains of mind, body, spirit, and context. Collectively, findings demonstrate that NAYA employs culturally grounded interventions to overcome the traumatic histories and current oppressive conditions affecting low-income urban AI/AN youth with mental health challenges and to support their well-being and transition to adulthood. In addition, addressing the mental health and well-being of AI/AN youth in culturally appropriate ways involves consideration of all RWV domains. Recommendations for behavioral health practice are to connect AI/AN youth to culturally specific services whenever possible, utilize cultural consultants, and implement holistic and positive approaches to mental health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)

Tribal-based participatory research: The Wellness Circles Project.

By Hodge, Christopher Elliott; Schanche Hodge, Felicia; Palacios, Janelle F.

Huff, Robert M. (Ed); Kline, Michael V. (Ed); Peterson, Darleen V. (Ed), (2015). Health promotion in multicultural populations: A handbook for practitioners and students (3rd ed.). , (pp. 405-424). Thousand Oaks, CA, US: Sage Publications, Inc, xxi, 534 pp.

This chapter provides an outline for health care providers and students to develop and implement mental health programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives. In a study of American Indians, the researchers conducted focus groups as a preliminary step to start a cross-sectional assessment and an intervention to meet the physical and mental health needs of the tribal communities. The development and implementation of these programs required consideration of the culture, situational and adverse events that can impact a community, as well as cooperation and partnership from the community. In the developmental phase, a good working knowledge of the community in terms of preferred communication styles, illness beliefs, cultural constructs of mental and physical health, and community priorities was essential. Utilizing participatory research methods advances the process to identify health service needs and barriers to care, and it secures buy-in and participation of the community. During the implementation phase, collaborating with local providers and lay personnel captured the community's social capital ensuring feedback, participation, and improved communication within the medical and political environment. Documenting the process used in developing and implementing health care programs among American Indians not only shares knowledge and experience, but also helps to improve educators' and providers' efforts as they work to provide the best care possible in areas of psychosocial health care needs for American Indians. Since there is a dearth of educational materials and knowledge in this area, sharing experiences by way of a case study illustrates research efforts and reviews effectiveness and deficiencies in all phases of the project. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)

 Dear Dr. Vande Kemp, thank you for such a thorough answer. I will research all your suggestions. 

Johns Hopkins' School of Public Health has a long history of advocating for improved health services for Native Americans

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Thank you very much Dr.Opler- will investigate. Wasn't aware of that.