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S moke S ignals
JANUARY 15, 2019
General Council briefed on health and wellness issues
By Danielle Frost
Smoke Signals staff writer
In the recent past, the Grand
Ronde Pharmacy was often known
for its frequent lines and long wait
times, which sometimes resulted in
customer complaints.
Due largely to workflow improve-
ments, including an electronic
prescription organizer, wait times
are down substantially and so are
complaints.
In 2018, there was a 70 percent
decrease in complaints, according
to Executive Director of Health
Services Kelly Rowe, who provided
an annual Health & Wellness pro-
gram report at the Sunday, Jan. 6,
General Council meeting.
“In Pharmacy, we are always
trying to improve our (customer
service) so people are not waiting,”
Rowe said. “We instituted a process
for complaints and grievances so
we could find out what was causing
those. I’m thrilled our pharmacy
had a 70 percent decrease in com-
plaints and have worked through
this.”
Rowe also highlighted 2018
achievements in the Medical, Den-
tal, Behavioral Health and Commu-
nity Health departments.
“At the clinic we have amazing
staff who are looking out for how we
can best deliver services,” she said.
A major success in the Medical
Department is the Hepatitis C
Elimination Project, Rowe said.
Before its implementation, only 14
percent of those at risk had been
outstanding service
to the hepatitis C
community.
Other highlights
include having pe-
diatrician Dr. Alli-
son Empey at the
Health & Wellness
Center, the first
Tribal member to
serve in that capac-
ity. Her presence
has increased youth
access by 20 per-
Photo by Timothy J. Gonzalez
cent, Rowe said.
Health Services Executive Director Kelly Rowe gives a
“We are also look-
presentation during the General Council meeting held
ing at alternative
medicine more in
in the Tribal Community Center on Sunday, Jan. 6.
2019, such as phys-
screened for the disease. Now, that
ical therapy, acupuncture and pain
number is up to 67 percent and
management,” Rowe said. “I’m ex-
the clinic worked with 36 hepatitis
cited about this. A holistic look at
C positive patients. Of those, five
the body is very important.”
have been cured and five are await-
In Behavioral Health, efforts are
ing final lab results. The other 26
underway to collaborate with other
are in various stages of the treat-
departments in an effort to “treat
ment process.
the whole person.”
“The idea was if someone has it,
Other updates include launching
there is now a medication that can
a medication-assisted treatment
cure it,” Rowe said. “It is not com-
program for those struggling with
mon that we have this kind of sit-
opioid dependence, adding a staff
uation in health care … Thirty-six
psychiatrist two days a week and
people being worked up is huge.”
adding space in the building using
Dr. Randy Blome was the project
grants.
lead, and received national and
Optometry Department staff will
state accolades for his work. He
attend additional training on fitting
received a Local Impact Award
glasses and look at more communi-
from the National Indian Health
ty involvement opportunities, while
Board and also was recognized with
the Dental program will continue
an award from the Caring Ambas-
work with youth to help them learn
sadors Program of Oregon City for
to properly care for their teeth and
gums, and take the portable X-ray
unit to the Veterans Summit in
July to offer services.
Community Health is looking at
how to best help Tribal members
manage chronic conditions.
“They’re also trying to increase
their outreach into the Portland
area because several of our Tribal
members live there,” Rowe said.
She also said that Community
Health Events Coordinator Kandee
Little was named 2018 Health &
Wellness Center Employee of the
Year.
“She has been an excellent ex-
ample of an employee for Health &
Wellness,” Rowe said.
After the presentation concluded,
Rowe received four questions and
comments.
Following the presentation, Trib-
al Council Chairwoman Cheryle
A. Kennedy announced that there
would be a break for lunch and to
conclude vote tallying for the Elders
Committee election.
After the break, it was announced
that Dan Ham, Penny DeLoe and
Julie Little received the most votes,
which were cast at both the Gen-
eral Council meeting and during
the Wednesday, Dec. 19, mealsite
luncheon.
Immediately following the Elders
election results was the Health
Committee report by Vice Chair
Alan Ham.
See MEETING
continued on page 9
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