Tribal Mental Health Gets New Focus, But Equity Barriers Remain

Drug overdose deaths among American Indians and Alaska Natives grew 43% between 2019 and 2020—the highest rate of deaths in 2020 and 30% higher than for White individuals.

Suicides were the second leading cause of death for that group in 2019, with a rate around 20% higher than that of non-Hispanic Whites.

But now, the federal government is trying to direct more money toward policies meant to help the unique population that has long suffered from mental health challenges, advocates say.

“You’ve got to notice when these very high-consequence drug issues are coming into our tribal nations,” such as skyrocketing ...