For Indigenous Relatives
Fraudulent treatment operators have targeted Native communities. Native families deserve support that respects their culture and sovereignty.
“Fighting patient brokering is a matter of protecting Indigenous survival in the 21st century.”
Sequoyah Marie Thiessen, Founder & Director
You are not alone
If you or a relative were recruited, moved, or harmed by a treatment program or sober living home, it is not your fault. You deserve support without judgment, and help that honors who you are and where you come from.
What to watch for
Recruiters may approach Native people with promises of free treatment, free travel, housing, or money. Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to move far from home, asks about insurance first, or offers rewards for entering a specific program.
Where to get help
Find where to start by state and by what happened on our Get Help page. The federal Office of Inspector General has also issued an alert about fraud schemes targeting Native American communities in behavioral health treatment.
PBPI is Indigenous-led
PBPI is an Indigenous-led initiative. PBPI respects Tribal sovereignty. We work with Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native student groups to protect relatives from recruiters and fraudulent programs.
Addiction has deeply impacted our communities, and fraudulent operators have taken advantage of that pain.
Our commitment
We work to protect Native patients and families, and to hold accountable the people who profit from their exploitation.