Project Grant H79FG001484

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services) awarded the American Indian Center of Arkansas, Inc. $974,313 on September 30, 2026, under the 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Services Programs (CFDA 93.00R) to implement the 988 Tribal Response Program.

The recipient will strengthen culturally responsive crisis response systems for American Indian and Alaska Native communities in Arkansas and Louisiana over the three-year period ending September 29, 2029. Work performed from North Little Rock, Arkansas includes capacity-building efforts to strengthen tribal referral pathways, expand culturally responsive workforce training, improve coordination between tribal organizations and 988 crisis centers, enhance data collection and evaluation systems, and increase awareness and utilization of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Direct services will serve tribal members of all ages who contact or are referred through the 988 system and require screening, referral, care coordination, crisis follow-up, behavioral health treatment, recovery supports, or other culturally responsive services, with special attention to individuals experiencing suicidal ideation, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or co-occurring behavioral health conditions.

Implementation occurs through partnerships with the Arkansas Crisis Center, Inter-Tribal Council of Louisiana, Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, and the Oklahoma Tribal 988 Workgroup, with formal relationships outlined with the Arkansas Department of Health and Louisiana Department of Health.