Authors: Sophie Chishty and Mary Jomia

Publication Year: October 2025

Keywords: Culturally Informed Care, Health Care Access, Mental and Behavioral Health, Substance Use, SUD, substance use disorder, opioid use disorder, oud, native connections, policy recommendations, overdose, barriers, treatment, UIOs

Abstract: American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities are disproportionally impacted by substance use disorder and overdose compared to other groups. Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) provide critical care and services for substance use disorder and opioid use disorder for those within their communities. However, UIOs still face barriers in providing needed care for their patients. NCUIH advises that certain policy actions could help overcome those barriers faced by UIOs, such as, funding the Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources for Native Americans programs and continuing support for tribal behavioral health grants (i.e. Native Connections).

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Type of Resource: NCUIH products (infographs, urban data reports, etc..)