Who We Are

The Tribal Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) 

Center is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental 

Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). We use 

a culturally relevant, evidence-based, holistic 

approach to support Native communities in their 

self-determination efforts through infrastructure 

development and capacity building, as well as 

program planning and implementation. 

What We Do

The Tribal TTA Center provides TTA on mental and 

substance use disorders, suicide prevention, and 

the promotion of mental health. We offer broad, 

focused, and intensive TTA to federally recognized 

tribes, other American Indian and Alaska Native 

(AI/AN) communities, SAMHSA tribal grantees, and 

organizations serving Indian Country.

Who We Serve

• Rural and urban tribal nations and organizations

• SAMHSA tribal grantees

• A select group of communities for intensive TTA

• TTA contractors who serve tribal grantees and

tribal members

• Governmental and non-governmental entities

How to Request TTA

Tribal communities and SAMHSA tribal grantees can 

contact the Tribal TTA Center to submit TTA inquiries 

via:

Tribal TTA Center Webpage

www.samhsa.gov/tribal-ttac

SAMHSA Tribal TTA Center

Phone: 1-800-953-1379

189 E Nelson #249

Wasilla, AK 99654

Email: TA-Request@tribaltechllc.com

Following your request, you will be contacted by 

Tribal TTA Center staff.

AI/AN communities have the cultural knowledge, 

skills, and resilience to address and prevent mental 

and substance use disorders, prevent suicide, and 

promote behavioral health. Their cultural beliefs and 

practices provide a foundation for promoting lasting 

wellness, solving problems, and taking action. 

Strategic Cultural Framework

The SAMHSA Tribal TTA Center is based on 

these principles:

Vision

Behavioral health and wellness for tribal 

communities begins with acknowledging the 

effects of historical trauma, honoring cultural 

values, and developing a vision of success.

Circles of Relationships

The quality and authenticity of relationships 

provides the critical pathway for this 

work to be effective and sustainable.

These circles of relationships must emerge 

from the community and be based on the 

successful integration of memberships and 

responsibilities. 

Sense of Hope 

Tribal communities believe spirituality is 

at the core of their survival. A sense of 

hope includes interconnectedness (circles 

of relationships), sacredness of inner spirit 

(cultural resilience), balance (awareness), and 

responsibility to be lifelong learners (growth).
How We Deliver TTA

• National and regional trainings

• Gathering of Native Americans/Gathering

of Alaska Natives

• Learning communities

• Assistance with Tribal Action Plans

• Intensive community engagement

• Onsite and virtual technical assistance

• Production and dissemination of resources

Collaborative Partnerships

The Tribal TTA Center partners with other TTA 

providers and federal agencies servicing AI/AN 

tribes and communities to maximize resources 

and efforts in Indian Country that promote 

mental health and support the prevention of 

suicide and substance abuse. Some of these 

partners are:

• Collaborative for the Application of

Prevention Technologies 

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Center for

Excellence

• Office	of	Indian	Alcohol	and	Substance

Abuse 

• SAMHSA Regional Administrators

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center 

The Path Ahead

• Provide TTA to federally recognized tribes, other

AI/AN communities, SAMHSA tribal grantees, and

organizations serving Indian Country.

• Work collaboratively with governmental and

non-governmental entities to leverage resources

and address a variety of issues affecting tribal

communities, families, and youth.

• Work with SAMHSA tribal grantees and other TTA

contracts that serve tribal grantees and tribal

members.

Need for Services

Suicide rates of AI/AN populations are higher than 

any other group in the United States. The National 

Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that AI/

AN populations drink less overall than the national 

average, but the rate of binge drinking is higher. 

Alcohol abuse, and particularly binge drinking, 

has been shown to contribute to higher rates of 

suicide.

Data Source: Research Society on Alcoholism (2013)

Suicide Deaths: Rates per 100,000 (by age group)

50

40

30

20

10

0

AI/AN Males

AI/AN Females

U.S. Males

U.S. Females

Percent of Suicide Decedents Who Had a 

Blood Alcohol Content > 0.08

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

White AI/AN

• Assist tribal communities in mobilizing,

planning, and implementing communitybased and culturally tailored evidence-based

interventions.

• Increase protective factors linked to the healthy

and safe development of AI/AN children,

families, and communities.

15-24 25-34 35-64 65-84 85+