Project Grant H79FG001468

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services) awarded $816,497 to Osage Nation Si-Si A-Pe-Txa on September 30, 2026, under the 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Services Programs (CFDA 93.00R) to expand culturally responsive behavioral health crisis services across the Osage Nation service area and Osage County, Oklahoma.

The project will strengthen and expand the organization's previously funded Tribal 988 Response effort by enhancing coordination between the National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, tribal healthcare providers, behavioral health services, emergency responders, and community partners. Activities include strengthening referral coordination, implementing structured post-crisis follow-up services, increasing workforce capacity through crisis intervention and culturally responsive training, expanding public awareness of the 988 lifeline, and integrating culturally grounded wellness activities that promote resilience and recovery. The organization will conduct at least twelve community outreach and educational events annually and provide crisis education and prevention activities to address elevated rates of suicide, substance use disorders, trauma exposure, and limited access to behavioral health services in rural American Indian communities.

Key personnel include a full-time project director, behavioral health program coordinator, crisis care navigator, peer recovery support specialist, and community outreach and education specialist, supported by a part-time data and evaluation coordinator. Project implementation will be supported by contracted cultural consultants, an independent evaluator, professional graphic design services, and a comprehensive public awareness media campaign.

Performance runs through September 29, 2029, with all work based in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.