Native connections: tribal behavior health - native american young adults, aged 18-24, are at higher risk than their peers to use opioids, experience an overdose, and DIE by overdose or DIE by suicide

This program is taking an innovative and practical approach to increase the protective factors for preventing death. The healing circle and native internship program at indigenous peoples task force is a long-term intervention building capacity among this high-risk group. The participants will be trained in QPR, narcan, the mending broken hearts curriculum, and as peer recovery support specialists. Additionally, the capacity of 25 native american specific organizations in the twin cities metro area will be increased. The healing circle and native internship program at indigenous peoples task force will decrease risk factors for suicide and substance use among twin cities metro area native american adults 18-24 years old through developing cultural strengths, education on dangers of opioid use, connection to resources for treatment, mental health, and financial well-being through job training, paid internship, and connection to sustained employment opportunity in the native american community. At least 75 native american young adults will complete 237 hours of training, and internship over 5 years. The 75 participants will refer at least 225 other peers to treatment and or resources for suicide prevention and substance abuse prevention. The 75 program participants will move closer to financial wellness and managing their mental health will positively impact an estimated 300 family members (siblings, children, relatives) within their homes. Accurate and current information will be collected about the twin cities metro area native american community members on current needs assessment, development of a strategic action plan. Throughout the project a postvention protocol will be developed and implemented.