**Due to the overwhelming number of abstract submissions, the notification to presenters has been delayed.**

Call for Abstracts

Who Should Respond?
The Indian Health Service welcomes and encourages all interested individuals committed to strengthening and serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities to submit an abstract. 

Conference Audience
Tribal leaders, doctors, nurses, behavioral health program providers, substance abuse program providers, psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, traditional service providers, health program administrators, youth, elders, and other concerned community members are highly encouraged to attend.

Conference Objectives

• Create an opportunity to collaborate, network, and share effective strategies on behavioral health issues prevalent in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
• Provide the most up-to-date information regarding best and promising practices on a variety of behavioral health topics.
• Increase awareness and understanding of current and emerging behavioral health programs and initiatives.
• Pursue professional development opportunities.

Conference Tracks and Suggested Topic Areas

• Substance Abuse, such as, Methamphetamines, Structured Intensive Outpatient Programs (MATRIX), Prescription Drugs, Alcohol, Drug Courts, Motivational Interviewing, and Pharmacotherapy of Addictive Disorders.
• Mental Health, such as, Suicide Prevention, Co-Occurring Disorders, Serious Mental Illness, Psychotropic Updates, Intensive Day Programs, Cognitive Behavioral and Psycho-Educational Methods, and Using Tele-video Conferencing to Support Behavioral Health Services.
• Child and Family Protection, such as, Child Abuse, Integration of Child Welfare and Behavioral Health, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Elder Abuse, and Early Childhood Interventions, such as Family Spirit and Early Nurse Visiting Programs.
• Behavioral Health Integration, such as, Behavioral Health/Primary Care, Screening and Diagnostic Tools, Medical Issues in Behavioral Health, and Home/Community-Based Interventions.
• General Topics, such as Historical Trauma, Traditional Healing, HIV/AIDS, Best and Promising Practices, American Indian/Alaska Native Research, Professional Development Workshops, Behavioral Health Leadership (e.g., Developing Mentorship Programs, Strategic Planning for Behavioral Health Services), and Cultural Competence (e.g., Culture as Prevention, Indigenous Models for Behavioral Health).
  
  Note: Presentations outside the topic areas noted above are welcome.

Abstract Submission Steps

1. Download the abstract submission guidelines. 
2. Complete the online abstract submission registration form.
3. Download, sign, and return the disclosure form to Barbara Gongyin, Kauffman & Associates, Inc., S. 165 Howard St., Suite 200, Spokane, WA 99201. You may also return by fax to 509-747-5030.

Submission Deadline
We are no longer accepting abstracts.

Approximate Notification Date
Friday, June 19, 2009 **Due to the overwhelming number of abstract submissions, the notification to presenters has been delayed.**