Presenter(s): Anthony Dekker, DO

Target Audience: This activity is designed for interprofessional teams, family/patients, nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and students and educators. 

Webinar Description: American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities have been deeply affected by the opioid crisis in the United States. The rate of drug overdose deaths among American Indians and Alaska Natives is well above the national average and 2020 data shows this trend continuing. Many Native communities also experience unique health care disparities that impact their access to quality, culturally adapted substance use treatment and recovery services. This webinar will address risk factors for opioid use disorder (OUD) among AI/AN populations and effective, prevention, treatment, and recovery strategies. 

Educational Objectives:

• Explore the current state of drug overdose and opioid use disorder (OUD) among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations.
• Examine health care disparities experienced by Native populations, including limited access to substance use disorder treatment and recovery services.
• Examine the historical/contextual issues that create barriers to treatment and negatively impact rates of OUD and opioid overdose in AI/AN populations.
• Discuss culturally adapted public health approaches and recovery supports to increase access and engagement in treatment for Native populations.

Support for the Program:
Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI081968 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.