Project Grant H79SM091519

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana Tribal Office $324,135 under the Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program (CFDA 93.532) on September 30, 2026.

The Tunica-Biloxi Circles of Care project will develop a comprehensive tribal system of care for tribal youth and young adults ages 24 and under who suffer from behavioral and mental health disorders, serving the Avoyelles and Rapides Parish catchment area. The project integrates culturally-based practices with Western evidence-based practices through education and training of tribal employees and partner organizations in culturally appropriate service delivery. Key deliverables include establishment of a System of Care Board and tribal system blueprint to improve behavioral and mental health care coordination; 12 annual System of Care Board meetings; 12 policy and procedure changes to strengthen system coordination and cultural inclusion; and outreach to add 12 additional partner organizations providing mental health and behavioral services. Performance occurs in Marksville, Louisiana, through September 29, 2029. The project aims to expand the Tunica-Biloxi Health Department's capacity to deliver coordinated mental health and supportive services addressing the varied needs of children, youth, young adults, and families, with enhanced community involvement and partnership coordination across internal and local partners.