Sokaogon Chippewa Community

Based on existing and increasing patient needs, the Sokaogon Chippewa Health Clinic will add a comprehensive suboxone program to more effectively and systematically treat opioid users on-site since 9.2% of Sokaogon Chippewa Tribal Members are actively participating in opioid treatment at the Health Clinic and many more suspected to be in need of treatment and recovery services. The Tribe is entirely rural and many community members lack access to personal vehicles, making off-reservation services highly inaccessible. Ongoing services and activities include outreach and educational programming, as-needed MAT for OUD patients, and staff training for naloxone use. The Health Clinic also seeks to expand access to telehealth services to ensure patients in OUD recovery can safely and reliably connect with their counselor and case manager. The clinic will also add a new electronic health record system that better supports telehealth modality. Sokaogon Chippewa Community Family Services and Tribal Court departments will serve as referral sources, directing potential patients to the Clinic's opioid treatment services. Additionally, the clinic will refer SUD/OUD patients to the Family Services Department for enrollment in workforce development programming, financial assistance, food assistance, and other essential social supports. The Sokaogon Chippewa Community Cultural Preservation team will also continue and expand drug abuse prevention and recovery-themed cultural and community events in close coordination with the clinic, this has proven a highly effective tool for connecting with community members in need of AODA services.