NCUIH Native Healthcast
This is the official podcast of the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH). These episodes elevate conversations about Native health and the development of quality, accessible, and culturally competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban settings.
Produced by: Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Director of Communications and Events at the National Council of Urban Indian Health
NCUIH Native Healthcast
Investing in Wellness: Financing Behavioral Health in Indian Country
In this episode, host Jessica Gilbertson, director of communications and events at the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), interviews NCUIH CEO Francys Crevier about the need for sustainable funding for behavioral health programming in Indian Country and NCUIH’s new “Investing in Wellness” toolkit. The conversation covers the state of behavioral health care in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities and prospective future funding ideas. AI/AN communities experience higher rates of alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and suicide, yet continue to lack adequate funding.
Behavioral health services are funded through a combination of public and private insurance and grants tend to be restricted and short-term. In addition, Traditional Healing programs are often not recognized or adequately funded. NCUIH’s “Investing in Wellness” toolkit was built by voices across Native communities. The toolkit includes a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, funding options, actionable strategies including optimizing Medicaid reimbursement, and a comprehensive resource guide. Visit NCUIH.org/InvestingInWellness to access the toolkit.
The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), director of communications and events, and introduced by River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), policy and communications associate at NCUIH.