ABOUT US

THE HISTORY OF THE
NATIVE AMERICAN CERTIFICATION IN THE NORTHWEST

Beginning in 1978, Native American alcohol programs, which had been funded through the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse since 1972, began to be transferred to the USPHS Indian Health Service (IHS). This transfer of agency authority came about in part because of P.L. 94-437. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act, noted that alcohol abuse continued to be a major Indian health problem.

In order to continue the reservation, tribal and urban alcoholism/drug abuse programs the IHS is contracting with tribal governments and urban health boards to maintain, and expand, Native American alcohol/drug programs. In addition to maintaining existing programs, the IHS has committed itself in assisting with training and evaluation.

Anticipating this, the Northwest Indian Council on Chemical Dependency began a series of discussions with the IHS in Portland with respect to creating and staffing an Area Alcoholism Programs Coordinating office, and also requesting and receiving a grant to begin the development of a Certification Board.

History and Certification Standards

Information Pamphlet