About the Data: Percent of Population Diagnosed with Mental Illness

Data Description

Data Source(s):
Cherokee Indian Hospital RPMS data

Used on Prior EBCI THIP:
No

Measure Definition:
Percent of CIHA AI/AN active user population diagnosed with a mental illness:
(# of individuals diagnosed with a mental illness / Total CIHA active user population).

Baseline (Annual):

2018:

• Percent: 5.06%
• Numerator: 579 diagnosed individuals
• Denominator: 11,444 active users

Target:

4.55%

Target-Setting Method:

10% improvement from baseline

Annual Data Overview

Comparable National Data:
Unknown

Data Collection Frequency:
Annual

Story Behind the Curve

The percentage of CIHA active users diagnosed with a mental illness has increased from 5.06% in 2018 to 5.88% in 2023, reflecting a growing recognition of mental health needs within the community. This trend likely stems from improved access to mental health screenings, increased awareness of mental health issues, and reduced stigma surrounding diagnoses.

Initiatives such as enhanced youth mental health assessments, school-based mental health programs, and the integration of cultural components into care have been pivotal in identifying and addressing mental illness earlier. Additionally, the use of referral platforms for social determinants of health (SDOH) has helped connect individuals to relevant mental health resources.

However, the ongoing rise in diagnoses suggests that unmet mental health needs persist, requiring sustained investment in community outreach, culturally relevant programming, and expanded behavioral health services.

Partners

Efforts to address mental health diagnoses were supported by collaboration with the following partners:

• Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA): Provided mental health diagnoses, treatment, and referrals through their RPMS system.
• Cherokee Central Schools: Partnered on school-based mental health assessments and youth-focused initiatives.
• EBCI Public Health and Human Services (PHHS): Led community-wide education campaigns and facilitated access to SDOH resources.
• Cherokee One Feather Newspaper: Disseminated mental health awareness materials and promoted community events.
• Community Recovery and Advocacy Groups: Offered peer support and expanded access to culturally relevant mental health services.

These partnerships were instrumental in creating a comprehensive approach to addressing mental health within the EBCI community.

What Worked

Several strategies contributed to improvements in identifying and addressing mental health within the community:

1. Youth Mental Health Assessments: Expanded mental health screenings in schools helped identify at-risk youth earlier.
2. Referral Platforms for SDOH: Connected individuals to resources addressing underlying social determinants of mental health, such as housing, transportation, and financial assistance.
3. Culturally Tailored Interventions: Integrated traditional cultural practices and community values into mental health services to make them more accessible and effective.
4. Community Awareness Campaigns: Used platforms like the Cherokee One Feather Newspaper to reduce stigma and promote mental health resources.
5. Collaborative Programs: Partnerships between healthcare providers, schools, and advocacy groups enhanced access to care and prevention efforts.

Strategy

The strategies implemented to address the percentage of individuals diagnosed with mental illness under the THIP included:

1. Expanding Mental Health Screenings:

   • Conducted youth-focused assessments through partnerships with schools.
   • Improved access to screenings in community and healthcare settings.

2. Integrating SDOH Referrals:

   • Implemented referral platforms to address underlying factors contributing to mental health challenges.

3. Promoting Cultural Relevance in Care:

   • Incorporated traditional practices and community engagement to align mental health services with EBCI cultural values.

4. Community Engagement and Education:

   • Disseminated mental health awareness materials and hosted educational events to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking.

5. Strengthening Collaborative Partnerships:

   • Worked closely with schools, recovery groups, and public health entities to provide holistic mental health support.

These strategies reflect the EBCI community’s commitment to addressing mental health through prevention, early intervention, and culturally relevant programming.