The Journey Of Native American People with Serious Mental Illness
Executive Summary

Resolution 1

On Native American Health

Whereas serious mental illness is a major health problem in Native American communities and Native Americans have a suicide rate of more than twice the national average; and,

Whereas Native American adults, children and youth and their families are affected; and,

Whereas about 70 percent of mentally ill Native Americans are afflicted with substance abuse; and,

Whereas Indian Health Service (IHS), tribal and State government have grossly inadequate funds to address the needs of seriously mentally ill persons in Native American communities; and

Whereas family and consumer support services are almost totally unavailable in Native American communities; and,

Whereas representatives of families, consumers, State and tribal governments and Indian Health Services considered these issues at a major national conference for April 14 to 16, 1993;

Therefore be it resolved:

• That serious mental illness be considered one of the highest health priorities of Native American people and one of the highest priorities to be addressed by IHS and tribal funding;
  
  
• That funds be provided for treatment and prevention of co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders;
  
  
• That family and consumer networks be supported in all Native American communities;
  
  
• That an annual conference be supported in all Native American communities;
  
  
• That this resolution be sent to President and Mrs. Clinton, the Secretary of the Health and Human Services Department, the Director of the Indian Health Service, and Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, chairs of congressional committees and subcommittees related to Indian affairs and health, chairmen of tribes and governors of States represented at the conference, and major national Native American mental and substance abuse organizations.

William Bearsheild, Tribal Official, Rose Bud Sioux South Dakota
Max Dolchok, Anchorage, Alaska, Family Representative
Ruth Griffin, National Consumer Advocate, Shoshone-Hall, Idaho, Consumer Representative