LCO liaison outlines expanded health‑center programs, new counselor and food‑assistance schedule

The LCO liaison reported that the tribal health center has expanded prevention and intervention programming, including a newly joined licensed professional counselor and a continuing medication‑assisted‑treatment (MAT) partnership with the sheriff’s department.

“The new provider…he’s a counselor therapist. He comes with a lot of experience, especially with working with veterans,” the LCO liaison said, describing the recent hire and the health center’s intent to fill additional openings for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. The liaison added that the health center’s MAT program will continue coordination with inmates to maintain care after release.

The liaison also described community supports available to residents: a Food Shop open Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the first Saturday of each month, hosted at the former elder center; the facility’s weight/exercise room is open Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. with parental consent required for ages 16–17.

School‑based counseling was another focus. The liaison said counseling services are continuing this school year in Hayward, LCO and Winter school systems and highlighted cultural and traditional‑teaching elements built into programs aimed at recovery. The liaison invited committee members to request enrollment and school‑population statistics, noting some increases but saying final counts would be supplied later.

Committee members also heard that the health center will participate in a Sept. 25 community health event and continue recurring weekday groups (early‑recovery, relapse‑prevention, driver‑safety, family substance‑use education) to support those in recovery.

The liaison concluded by encouraging residents to use the available services and by noting new family‑support staff hires that will assist school‑linked counseling efforts.