Swinomish Indian Tribal Community didgʷálič Wellness Center Model | September 11, 2024
Date of Presentation: September 11, 2024
Type: Past Presentation Training
Audience: Clinical
Program: Ending the Epidemics in Indian Country ECHO Program
Keywords: #fentanyl #harm reduction #medications for opioid use disorder #MOUD #risk reduction #Screening #substance use disorder #SUD #SUD treatment
Many tribal governments have begun to institute promising solutions that could be expanded upon as well as serve as models for other tribes. The didgʷálič (deed-gwah-leech) model is a proven tribally driven solution that is lifesaving and can be modified to fit local community needs. didgʷálic Wellness Center, owned and operated by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, is a multi-specialty community health organization that provides SUD counseling, full-service medications for opioid use disorder (Suboxone, Methadone and Vivitrol), child care, group counseling, acupuncture, mental and behavioral health, primary medical care, free transportation, and social worker case management to both Native and non-Native patients with substance use and behavioral health disorders. In this presentation, John Stephens, former CEO of didgʷálic and current consultant, shares the story and mission of didgʷálic Wellness Center, and speaks on the importance of removing barriers to care.
Recording:
Presented by:
John Stephens
Former Chief Executive Officer | Current Consultant
John Stephens is the former CEO of the Swinomish didgʷálič Wellness Center and the Senior Health Policy Advisor for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. He served as the Programs Administrator for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community for 38 years and was responsible for administration for all Health, Education, Social Services and Self Governance. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Washington University in Public Policy and Administration. He also has a Graduate Certificate from the University of Washington in Community Health Leadership. He has served terms on the LaConner School Board, LaConner Town Council and 10 years on the Skagit Valley College Board of Trustees. He served for 20 years on the Washington State DSHS Indian Policy Advisory Committee. He has worked on health policy issues with the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board and the Washington American Indian Health Commission. He was the Northwest Portland Area representative to the CMS-TTAG advising on Medicaid and Medicare issues relating to Tribal governments and American Indian and Alaska Natives. He also served as a Technical Advisor as to the DHHS Secretary’s Advisory Committee (STAC). He has been working on Dental Health Aide Therapy policy issues for the Swinomish Tribal Community for the past 10 years and helped to develop and manage the didgwalic Wellness Center intensive Outpatient Treatment Model to address service delivery needs to people with Opioid Use Disorder.
Resources Provided:
Date added: August 27, 2024
