Purpose
After years of effort, Mógúán Behavioral Health Services (MBHS) has opened its doors on the Ute Mountain Ute reservation – a monumental occasion that brings mental and behavioral health services to the Ute tribal lands for the first time. Mógúán translates to “my heart” in the Ute dialect.
The leading cause of death
In Colorado, suicide is the leading cause of death for individuals ages 10 – 24. For example, in 2015 – 2016, there were 533 suicides by children and teens – a 72% increase according to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. Montezuma County, home of the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation, has the fourth-highest suicide rate in Colorado at 42 deaths per 100,000 people – more than double the statewide average.
A desperate need
Historically, UMUT suffers between 2 – 5 youth suicides per year. But this doesn’t tell the whole story. Reported rates do not take into account youth living off-reservation, attempted suicides, drug overdoses or youth whose death is not ruled an ‘obvious’ suicide.
This is a wakeup call. There is a desperate need to develop and deploy community-driven solutions across all organizational levels of the tribal infrastructure.
Culturally appropriate services
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (UMUT) has long faced the devastating impact of substance abuse and suicide, particularly among its youth. Committed to proactive efforts to build a better life, MBHS is offering culturally appropriate services to confront long-held stigmas that surround suicide, substance abuse and mental health. With on-site trained clinicians and case managers, these services represent a major step towards addressing the hundreds of years of historical trauma, substance abuse, and domestic violence that permeate this isolated community.
Community taboos
Available trauma-informed care cannot make a difference if the community taboos related to mental illness prevent individuals from seeking help at MBHS. There is an immediate and desperate need to systemically strengthen the safety net for tribal members. MBHS aims to accomplish this through evidence-based mental health awareness, crisis prevention training, formal policies and procedures, and increased prevention and intervention services.
An organized action plan
Substance abuse and addiction are common throughout the population, leading to high levels of domestic violence and sexual assault. Stigmas associated with seeking treatment for substance abuse and addiction have largely abated through an organized action plan which implements discussions, workshops, and prominent role models.
Weaken taboos and encourage treatment
Now, it is crucial that this action plan be applied to address mental health and suicide. It is time to weaken taboos and encourage treatment. UMUT maintains MBHS and is here to engage in a community-driven campaign to raise awareness and save lives. Positive change is not only possible – it is within reach. MBHS represents the first-ever mental and behavioral health services available on Ute tribal lands. Efforts must be undertaken to ensure that the community includes a safety net of Tribal Members, capable of recognizing warning signs and taking appropriate immediate action.
