Agency Mission and Philosophy

Mission Statement

To deliver the highest quality behavioral health services that are guided by science and anchored in traditional Lakota culture, philosophy, and worldview in order to eliminate alcohol, commercial tobacco, and other drug abuse on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Philosophy

Comprehensive alcohol and substance abuse intervention programs have the ability to make a tremendous impact at both an individual/personal level as well as within the broader community when services are:

1. Rooted in behavioral health science
2. Informed by a community’s specific epidemiological data
3. Delivered with fidelity by passionate, qualified professionals

Investing in evidence-based programming not only decreases the social, economic, and health consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD’s), but also contributes to the development of healthy communities. In 2015 (latest year for which this data is available), substance abuse was among the most expensive public health problems in the United States, costing the national 510.8 billion. High quality prevention, treatment, and recovery support services return on their investment and are a fundamental part of the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s plan to improve the health and wellbeing of its population.

Anpetu Luta Otipi utilizes best and promising practices, the latest behavioral health literature and technology, and continuous quality improvement data to inform its practice. As the lead tribal addiction treatment organization, Anpetu Luta Otipi works in collaboration with federal, state, nonprofit, and other intra-tribal partners to increase the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s ability to effectively reduce the health, economic, and social burden attributed to the abuse of alcohol, commercial tobacco, and other drugs.

Traditional concepts of health among many American Indian families within the Pine Ridge Reservation involve the intersection of physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, which are all seen as inextricably linked. As a result, Anpetu Luta Otipi utilizes a comprehensive approach within its behavioral health programming and is guided by traditional Lakota values which include, but are not limited to wacaŋtognaka (generosity), woohitika (courage), wowaciŋťaŋka (perseverance), waoholaka (respect), wauŋśila (compassion), and woksape (wisdom).