American Indian/Alaska Native UsCC Subcommittee 2021-2022 Community Mental Health Needs Assessment Project Summary
- So’oh-Shinálí Sister Project (SSSP)
- Jun 14
- 1 min read
The Community Mental Health Needs Assessment Project was identified by the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Underserved Cultural Committee in 2020 and brought to the community by Indigenous Circle of Wellness (ICOW) in 2021-2022. The project was completed in five distinct phases. These phases can generally be summarized as: (1) outreach for participant recruitment and development of focus group facilitation guides, (2) facilitation of five focus groups dedicated to highlighting sub-groups within the AI/AN community, (3) development of outreach materials for an Indigenous Community Mental Health Forum, (4) recruitment and facilitation of the community forum, and (5) the development of this final project summary report. The AI/AN UsCC was provided flyers and updates regarding progress of the project. AI/AN UsCC participants were also encouraged to participate in focus groups and the Indigenous Community Mental Health Forum. Following the completion of the forum, many community members, staff of community-based organizations and participants within the AI/AN UsCC also received digital copies of the event slides that emphasize major findings from this project along with the associated recording of the community forum.
This assessment summarizes findings from five focus groups held with Indigenous youth, elders, parents/caregivers, Two-Spirit and Indigequeer community members, and general community. This may be used by educators, wellness providers and those looking to expand community-based services.
