Statewide collaborative partnerships among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities in California to target the opioid epidemic: Preliminary results of the Tribal Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) key informant needs assessment

Abstract American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities have disproportionately been impacted by the opioid epidemic with the second highest opioid-related overdose death rates compared to other ethnic groups. The diversity among California AI/AN tribes, including regional differences in economic opportunities, tribal affiliation and organization, resources and infrastructure, requires a strong community-based partnership approach to assess global statewide patterns in service availability, acceptability, and utilization, as well as capturing the unique challenges and service needs within each region. This article describes a statewide community-based needs assessment of strengths and weakness among key informants in CA to identify facilitators and barriers to treatment of substance use disorders (SUD) and opioid use disorders (OUD). We conducted structured interviews of 21 healthcare professionals from Urban Indian Health Programs, Tribal clinics and community-based organizations throughout California. The interview assessed (1) barriers to accessing services; (2) risk factors; (3) protective factors; (4) community substance use description; (5) SUD and OUD services available; and (6) service system needs. Findings indicate an overall increase in SUD and OUD in AI/AN communities. Key informants discussed the importance of comprehensive and culturally centered care, wrap-around services, such as treatment of mental health issues alongside substance abuse, and the need for AI/AN-specific treatment facilities that integrate traditional and cultural activities into western health services.