An organized effort is underway to support those affected by targeted fraud schemes. Call 211 (option 7) for immediate transportation and housing support.
Ethel Branch, Navajo Nation Attorney General, Kristie Mayes, Arizona Attorney General's Office, and community leaders gathered to provide statements regarding the behavioral health and "sober living" housing crisis affecting Native Americans across Arizona communities. Watch the full press conference online at https://fb.watch/kDCHrE2CcU.
Have you been affected by this crisis? Call 211 (choose option 7) for immediate transportation and housing support.
As a partner in this response and a trusted behavioral health service provider for 50 years, Native American Connections is dedicated to supporting the Navajo Nation, the state of Arizona, and all Native individuals affected by this crisis. The abuse perpetrated by these fraudulent groups is predatory, criminal, and shameful. Recovery housing is intended to be a supportive and secure place where individuals enjoy safety, develop skills, and ultimately transition to everyday life in a manageable way. That our relatives were preyed upon in moments of extreme vulnerability is distressing and disgraceful to say the least. We are prepared to use all available resources to support our relatives' access to credible behavioral health support and their safe return home.
Native American Connections' behavioral health programs are evidence-based, clinically supervised by healthcare professionals, and built with cultural relevance for Native Americans and all individuals experiencing substance use disorder. Visit our behavioral health page to learn more about the services and programs we offer, including intensive outpatient, residential treatment, and youth-oriented support.
More on this developing crisis:
The Arizona Attorney General's Office made a stunning announcement of Medicaid fraud that involved predatory schemes to sign up Native Americans for "sober living homes", many of which provided no behavioral health services and in some cases allegedly held individuals against their will. The state estimates hundreds of millions of dollars were defrauded from AHCCCS and the Medicaid system. View further coverage of this issue here and here.
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, AHCCCS, has announced a dedicated, 24/7 hotline at 2-1-1 (press 7) for any American Indian Health Program or other AHCCCS member who may need help due to the closure of a sober living home or residential facility. Navigators at the hotline are equipped to help callers with related transportation and immediate housing needs if they’ve been displaced and to help them find other healthcare services.