MHFA5 - Representation and Relavance: Adapting YMHFA for Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Communities

Sunday, April 30, 2023

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

Location: 511 ABC, Level 2, LACC

None of the planners/faculty, unless otherwise noted, for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Relias, LLC and National Council for Mental Wellbeing guarantee this educational conference is free from bias.

Presenter - MHFA Summit(s)

Teresa Gomez, MA

Program Manager
University of New Mexico - Community Behavioral Health Division
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jennifer S. Nanez, MSW, LMSW (she/her/hers)

Senior Program Therapist
University of New Mexico, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Community Behavioral Health
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Slides
Suzanne L. Pearlman, MA (she/her/hers)

National Trainer
Mental Health First Aid
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Staff Moderator - MHFA Summit(s)

Kathleen Stone, EdD (she/her/hers)

Director, Curriculum Development and Evaluation
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Clermont, Florida

Historical trauma and present-day experiences contribute to challenges for the mental wellbeing of Indigenous youth. US data consistently notes American Indian and Alaskan Natives youth have the highest rates of suicide completion and suicide attempts of any ethnic group, yet there are few evidence-based practice models for mental health education and early intervention designed for and with Indigenous populations. We will discuss the national, collaborative adaptation process for YMHFA for Tribal Communities and Indigenous Peoples – a first step toward creating material to reflect the history, worldview, traditions, resilience and cultural values of Indigenous youth.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize the role that historical trauma, cultural trauma and intergenerational trauma have in the development of mental health challenges for Indigenous Youth, their families, Tribes and communities.
Understand the importance of the role culture plays in helping protect and heal Indigenous youth and their families.
Examine how the YMHFA for Tribal Communities and Indigenous Peoples better aligns with the unique history, challenges and resilience of Indigenous Youth, their families, Tribes and communities.