Authors: Katherine A. Hirchak PhD, MHPA, Melanie Nadeau PhD, MPH, Angel Vasquez PhD, Alexandra Hernandez-Vallant MS, Kyle Smith, Cuong Pham MD, Karen Anderson Oliver PhD, Paulette Baukol BS, Karen Lizzy CDP, Racquel Shaffer CPC, Jalene Herron MS, Aimee N. C. Campbell PhD, Kamilla L. Venner PhD, and the CTN‐0096 Collaborative Board

Journal: American Journal of Community Psychology

Publication Year: August 23, 2022

Keywords: Culturally Informed Care, Substance Use, Traditional Healing

Abstract: American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities are disproportionally impacted by the opioid overdose epidemic. There remains a dearth of research evaluating methods for effectively implementing treatments for opioid usedisorder (OUD) within these communities. We describe proceedings from a 2-day collaborative Board (CB) meeting tasked with developing an implementation intervention for AI/AN clinical programs to improve the delivery of medication to treat OUD (MOUD). The CB was comprised of Elders, cultural leaders, providers, individuals with lived experience with OUD, and researchers from over 25 communities, organizations, and academic institutions. Conversations were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded by two academic researchers with interpretation oversight provided by the CB. These proceedings provided a foundation for ongoing CB work and a frame for developing the program-level implementation intervention using a strength‐based and holistic model of OUD recovery and wellbeing. Topics of discussion posed to the CB included engagement and recovery strategies, integration of extended family traditions, and addressing stigma, and building trust with providers and clients. Integration of traditional healing practices, ceremonies, and other cultural practices was recommended. The importance of centering AI/AN culture and involving family were highlighted as priorities for the intervention.

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Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajcp.12620

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed journal article