The MolinaCares Accord Donates $25,000 to Expand Traditional Native American Healing Services for Members of the Navajo Nation
MolinaCares’ donation brings commitment to improve access to care for families across New Mexico to over $425,000
Farmington, NM – June 15, 2023 – The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of New Mexico (“Molina”), has donated $25,000 to the Totah Behavioral Health Authority in Farmington to expand traditional Native American healing services used to treat behavioral health issues, including substance abuse. This is a part of the MolinaCares for Families initiative investing over $425,000 towards expanding access to care in New Mexico.
Significant disparities remain in the treatment of behavioral health issues among tribal community members. The adjusted death rates from alcoholism and suicide among American Indians and Alaska Natives outpace the general US population by a rate of 520% and 60% respectively.
“With our state’s vast rural areas—especially in tribal areas—it’s often difficult for community members to access specialty and behavioral health care services,” said Carolyn Ingram, plan president for Molina Healthcare of New Mexico. “We’re honored to partner with Totah Behavioral Health Authority in their mission to offer traditional Native American healing services in conjunction with western behavioral health practices.”
The only service of its kind in New Mexico, Totah Behavioral Health Authority provides traditional healing services from healers who are certified through the Diné Hataałii Association. Services are provided in Navajo and English and include a sweat lodge, talking circle, traditional education, cultural activities, Navajo wellness and parenting, women’s and men’s groups, counseling, community support services, long term treatment, and more.
“The issue of substance use is very close and personal to me, as I have lost many loved ones to alcoholism,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. “I greatly appreciate the work that Totah, Molina, Presbyterian Medical Services, and the City of Farmington are doing at the Totah Behavioral Health Authority. Those we have lost greatly needed these services, and we applaud the work being done to make sure all Navajos experiencing substance use issues have resources—especially those that combine the best of western practices and our own Navajo traditional healing ways.”
The funding was presented to the Totah Behavioral Health Authority in a ceremony featuring Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, Farmington Mayor Nathan Duckett, as well as city and county elected officials.
Learn more about the MolinaCares for Families initiative and all of the community-based organizations supported by MolinaCares here.
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About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.
Molina Healthcare of New Mexico
Molina Healthcare of New Mexico has been providing government-funded, quality health care since 1998. The Company serves members through Medicare and Health Insurance Marketplace programs throughout New Mexico. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company (currently ranked 125), provides managed healthcare services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. Molina Healthcare served approximately 5.3 million members as of March 31, 2023, located across 19 states. For more information about Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.