Denise Middlebrook, PhD

The Behavioral Health Integration Initiative (BH2I) supports Tribal communities in weaving behavioral health care into primary care and other health systems—strengthening services and outcomes for Native individuals and families. But the work doesn’t end with implementation. To maximize impact, ensure sustainability, and inspire broader change, it is essential to tell the story of your BH2I grant.

Why Storytelling Matters

  • Secures Buy-In from Stakeholders
    Whether you’re presenting to Tribal leadership, funding partners, or community members, a well-told story helps others understand the “why” behind your work. Stories put data into context, make outcomes personal, and connect emotionally with audiences.
  • Builds Community Ownership and Pride
    Storytelling can highlight community strengths, resilience, and innovation. When people see themselves reflected in your work, it fosters trust, collaboration, and shared ownership of solutions.
  • Supports Sustainability and Future Funding
    Funders and partners want to see both impact and the heart behind the work. Compelling stories can demonstrate program value beyond the numbers and inspire continued or expanded investment.
  • Elevates Tribal Leadership in Health Innovation
    Tribes are leading the way in culturally grounded behavioral health care. Sharing your story shows Tribal-led solutions and contributes to the national dialogue about health equity, sovereignty, and systems transformation.

Tips for Telling Your BH2I Story

  • Know Your Audience
    Tailor your message to different groups: Tribal leaders, funders, community members, or national partners. While funders may want data-driven impact, community members may connect more with personal narratives or visuals.
  • Use a “People-Process-Impact” Structure
    • People: Who is affected by the issue or benefiting from the program?
    • Process: What strategies, partnerships, or innovations did you use?
    • Impact: What changed? Include both data and stories to show how lives and systems are improving.
  • Highlight Culture as Central, Not Peripheral
    BH2I grants emphasize culturally responsive care. Be sure to lift up how traditions, language, and Indigenous knowledge systems are central to healing.
  • Make Data Personal
    Blend statistics with lived experiences. Instead of “screening rates increased by 45%,” you might say, “Because our team now routinely asks about trauma, more relatives are being connected to care and feeling heard.”
  • Use Multiple Formats
    Newsletters, social media posts, short videos, radio segments, or community storytelling nights can all be ways to share your work. Choose formats that reflect community preferences and values.

Examples of Storytelling in Action

  • Case Narratives: An anonymous patient story illustrating how integrated care led to recovery and reconnection with family.
  • Staff Spotlights: Interviews with care coordinators or peer support workers about what the work means to them.
  • Visual Journeys: Before-and-after graphics showing the transformation of a clinic space, workflow, or team culture.
  • Community-Led Videos: Elders and youth reflecting on how culturally rooted care is bringing hope to the community.

Conclusion

Your BH2I grant is more than a project, it’s a movement toward healing and self-determination. Storytelling is how we honor that journey, build momentum, and ensure that others can learn, support, and grow from it.

References

National Council for Mental Wellbeing. (2019). How to Tell Your Story: A Toolkit for Behavioral Health Advocates. https://www.thenationalcouncil.org

SAMHSA. (2021). Strategic Communication for Behavioral Health Programs. https://www.samhsa.gov

NIHB. (2023). Behavioral Health Integration Stories of Impact. National Indian Health Board.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation. (2017). The Power of Storytelling for Social Change. https://wkkf.org

Native Americans in Philanthropy. (2020). Centering Indigenous Voices Through Storytelling. https://nativephilanthropy.org