Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 1992)
r HEALTH & EDUCATION A IMMUNIZATION CLINIC Sponsored By The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde To be held at: Tillamook County Health Department 800 Pacific Ave on January 24, 1992 10:30am to 3:00pm - iuiiuuuuuuui mi mi iii iihi uwuuuu u n cin mm MM EJUsSHBBgogafi I : I .-Li ' 5 - - tr$ The tribe is sponsoring this immunization clinic to be sure that tribal children are adequately immunized. There will be no charge for the immunizations. Dentist Tammy McClung will be available to do dentist screenings and answer any ques tions. Even if you are up-to-date on immunizations, please stop by to meet the staff. For further information contact Joe Brisbois or Bonnie Martin at 1-800-422-0232. Nanitch Sahallie Guides Native American Indian Youth Editor's Note." 77ij is the first in a series of articles that will follow a client through the process of drug and alcohol rehabilitation at the Nanitch Sahallie Native American Youth Residential Treatment Program in Keizer. Tlie identity of the client, who will be referred to as "Jay," will remain anonymous at the request of the Nanitch Sahallie Coordinator. Tlie purpose of this series is to highlight the destmc tion that occurs when drugs and alcohol become an indispensable part of a Native American's life. To bring into the forefront our reader's minds the thin line that exists between casual use and dependency. And, finally, to share with you the personal battles that must be fought and won before one can turn hisher back on drugs or alcohol. Tlie process of becoming chemically dependent usually starts as a young child for total dependency to occur during adolescence. Following "Jay" through his rehab process, you will see just how innocently his dependency started and just how difficult it is to stop. "If I only had one minute in front of the entire Indian Nation Youth, I would tell them 'You are the future, drugs for the Native American people aren't good enough'," Randy Butler said. Fortunately, Butler has more than one minute to help the chemically dependent Native American Indian youth. lie works with youth from eight surrounding counties daily as the Program Coordi nator for Nanitch Sahallie and is also a tribal member. Some Native American Indian youth find drugs and alcohol to be a release; something to make them relax, be happy, work orjust deal with life from day to day. "I see them killing themselves, their family, their tribe and Native American Indians as a people," hesaid. "That is the hardest part of my job." Another part of his job is to help clients under stand and incorporate the 12 steps to recovery into their lives. The 12 steps to recovery are spiritually oriented. Butler, who considers himself to be a spiritual man, believes they were especially created for Native American Indians. Educating clients on the psychological and physiological effects of drugs and alcohol on them, their families and communities is also a major part in a client's realization that heshe is chemically dependent. Admitting it is the first and most crucial step to recovery. "If clients can't seem to manage the first step, then their chances of making it in recovery are very little," Butler said. "Our youth look to their tribe for identity, he said. "We need to help our youth start claiming what is theirs and standing by them for it; that is being a Native American Indian." Case in Point "Jay," a 17 year-old, started drinking when he was only two years old. He smoked marijuana with his family at the age of five. Dealing drugs was a part of his life in his early teens. "I just considered it a family thing; to get high with your family," he said. "I didn't understand why some of my friends were so shocked when I told them I was buying for my mother." For the last three years, he has been living on the streets, in his car, or with friends. During the last two years, "Jay" claims to have been sober for only 20 days. "I knew I needed help when I woke up one day with bruises all over my arms from needles," he said. "Not realizing that I did have a problem was the hardest thing about being on drugs," "Jay" said. "Coming to Nanitch Sahallie was the best thing I ever did," "Jay" said. " "Jay" is looking forward to a two week period away from Nanitch Sahallie before he comes back for the six month TLC program. "I'm not worried about slipping back into drugs or alcohol while I'm out," he said. "Even though most of my family still do drugs and drink." He advises other teenagers to think before they act. "I never did and look where it got me," he said. Update of Tribal Community Program Transporting Policy in Effect January 1992 who have transportation but are incapaci- organized the transport, tated. A11 transports will be assigned and scheduled 3. Children whose parents cannot transport by the CHR Supervisor. A transport log sheet because of their own illness or incapacitation. WU1 De maintained listing the patient's name, 4. Members who have transportation but It is the policy of the Community Health Program to assist the members of the tribe by transporting patients to obtain their health service and to participate in health presenta tions. In providing this service the following priorities for transportation are: 1. Elders who have no transportation or who have transportation but are incapacitated. 2. Members who have no transportation or purpose for transport, destination, date and because of extenuating circumstances cannot name f CHR who is providing the transport, drive or it is impractical to do so. A tnree day notice is necessary for schedul- 5. Groups who are attending a tribal health in8 purposes. Use of seat belts are required in function and the Tribal Health Program has a11 tribal vehicles by all passengers being transported.
