Indian Health Service: Basic Services Mostly Available; Substance Abuse Problems Need Attention
HRD-93-48
Published: Apr 09, 1993. Publicly Released: May 12, 1993.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
Pursuant to congressional requests, GAO reviewed the availability of health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives residing in five Indian Health Service (IHS) areas, focusing on: (1) the differences in health care delivery in the five areas; (2) the availability of basic health care services; and (3) major health care needs warranting additional attention.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Health and Human Services | To ensure that limited federal resources are put to the best possible use in addressing the serious problem of alcohol and substance abuse in IHS service areas, the Secretary of Health and Human Services should ensure that the directors, IHS, NIH, and SAMHSA collaboratively develop a plan and identify potential sources of funds to collect and evaluate data on: (1) the prevalence of alcohol and substance abuse among Indians; and (2) the nature and effectiveness of alcohol and substance abuse prevention and treatment programs available to Indians in IHS areas. |
Closed – Implemented
In its response, HHS stated that the Department concurred with GAO's recommendation and had approved a corrective action plan developed by IHS to address the findings and the recommendation contained in the GAO report. As recommended by GAO, IHS's plan includes collaboration with NIH, SAMHSA, and other federal agencies to address the need for research and evaluation on the prevalence of alcohol and substance abuse among Indians and the nature and effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs available to Indians. IHS has also set aside $300,000 in FY 1993 to support a study of its regional treatment centers. Future budget recommendations will reflect further attention to ongoing data needs.
|
Full Report
Office of Public Affairs
Topics
Substance abuseSubstance abuse treatmentDental servicesSubstance abuseSubstance abuse treatmentHealth care servicesIndian landsMedicaidMental health care servicesNative AmericansSubstance abuse