PRESORTED
STANDARD MAIL
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PORTLAND, OR
PERMIT NO. 700
JANUARY 1, 2019
Community meeting
focuses on opioids
New treatment and support
options discussed on Dec. 13
By Danielle Frost
Smoke Signals staff writer
O
regon has the highest rate in the nation
of senior citizens who are hospitalized
for opioid-related issues. The state also
has the sixth highest percentage of teenage
drug users, according to a recent audit from the
Secretary of State’s offi ce.
Across the United States, the problem of opioid
use has become so pervasive that it has been de-
clared an “epidemic” by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, with 2017 seeing the
highest number of drug overdoses – 72,000 – in
U.S. history.
Native Americans have the highest overdose
rates of prescription opioids, according to Oregon
Health Authority data.
With these sobering statistics in mind, the
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Health
& Wellness Center sponsored a town hall-style
discussion about the state’s efforts to reduce
opioid addiction and overdoses, and how local
communities can assist in the effort. Thirty-two
community and staff members attended the
event.
“There are lots of services we provide around
substance use,” Health Services Executive Di-
rector Kelly Rowe said. “What we want to do is
inform the community about opioids. It’s a crisis
that is happening at every level and we want to
be able to have a conversation about it.”
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the
illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as
fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by
prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone,
codeine, morphine and many others.
See OPIOIDS
continued on page 9
Photo by Timothy J. Gonzalez
Spirit Mountain Community Fund Board member Sho Dozono is presented with a saddle blanket
by Tribal Council member and former Community Fund Director Kathleen George and Spirit
Mountain Casino Facilities Manager Ron Reibach as Tribal Council member Denise Harvey looks
on during an appreciation luncheon held at Spirit Mountain Casino on Wednesday, Dec. 12.
Harvey George and Reibach all serve on the fund’s Board of Trustees. Dozono is retiring after
serving on the Community Fund Board of Trustees from the very beginning in 1997. The former
owner of Azumano Travel agency plans to continue doing volunteer work.
Community Fund readies for no Sho
Dozono retires from Board of Trustees after 21 years of service
By Danielle Frost
Smoke Signals staff writer
S
ho Dozono could be considered one of
the most generous philanthropists in
Oregon. During the past 21 years, he has
helped give away almost $80 million.
But none of it was his own money.
Dozono, 74, is retiring from his position
as chairman of the Spirit Mountain Com-
munity Fund Board of Trustees. He is its
longest-serving member, appointed in 1997
when the fund was established.
Kate Brown is the next longest-serving
See SHO
continued on page 10
44 employees honored for 625 years of service
Tresa Mercier marks 34 years of working for the Tribe
By Danielle Frost
Smoke Signals staff writer
F
orty-four Tribal employees,
all hired in the last quarter
of their respective hire date
years, were honored for a combined
625 years of service to the Grand
Ronde Tribe at an awards ceremo-
ny held Thursday, Dec. 20, during
Photo by Timothy J. Gonzalez
the Employee Christmas Party at
Spirit Mountain Casino.
Health & Wellness Center Busi-
ness Offi ce Manager Tresa Mercier
continues to set the longevity re-
cord of working for the Tribe with
See SERVICE
continued on page 11
Health & Wellness Center Business Offi ce Manager Tresa Mercier embraces
Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy while being recognized for
34 years of service during the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Employee
Christmas Party held at Spirit Mountain Casino on Thursday, Dec. 20. Mercier
was one of the fi rst three employees hired by the Tribe when she was 19. She
was hired as the fi rst health clerk for the Health Department.