Pawnee Nation Hosts Town Hall to Discuss Upcoming Behavioral Health Facility

Click here to view Online Press Release — Pawnee Nation Hosts Town Hall to Discuss Upcoming Behavioral Health Facility

This past week, Pawnee Nation held a Town Hall at the local community center to provide updates on the new Behavioral Health Facility currently under construction. The event, which drew about 40 community members of all ages, featured a meal provided by Electa Hare, Iriratutakicisu (“I-dee-daa-doo-daa-kee-chee-soo”) Initiative Coordinator.

The facility is expected to be completed by late February 2025, with services beginning in the spring or early summer. The center will offer a range of services, including substance use disorder (SUD) outpatient treatment for adults and adolescents, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for adults, mental health counseling, psychiatric medication management, detox services, and residential care for SUD. Peer support will also be available, with staff providing lived experience to help those in need.

A lively discussion during the event addressed the need for more adolescent services, including residential treatment and crisis intervention, as well as housing solutions. Community members were also asked to give input on naming the facility, with suggestions collected from this summer’s health fair and social media surveys. The Nasharo did meet on Saturday September 14. They were able to review the community’s suggestions, and they joyfully selected “Pawnee Nation Behavioral Health”.

An art contest, organized by Substance Abuse Program, is underway to create artwork for the new facility. The intent is to encourage individuals that are going through this transformation by promoting prosperity and positivity. Art supplies are available at 331 Maintenance Rd. for pickup for anyone interested. All entries accepted through March 14th.

This facility has been in development since 2018, and the Pawnee Nation is excited to see the progress. Another Town Hall event will be planned for January, with further updates to come.

For more information, contact: Brian Kirk, Acting Executive Director, (918) 762-3621 x127, bkirk@pawneenation.org

Mike Ortiz, Substance Abuse Coordinator/Counselor (918) 762-3621 x187, ortiz.mike@pawneenation.org

About the Pawnee Nation: The Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma is a Federally recognized Native Nation. It has a treaty relationship with the United States. Information about the full-service Pawnee government is available at https://pawneenation.org/