Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness (WPHW) serves the Wabanaki, the People of the First Light; Mi’kmaq Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Passamaquoddy at Pleasant Point, Passamaquoddy at Indian Township, and Penobscot Nation. The indigenous population in Maine is estimated at over 13,000 people, most living on or near one of the 5 reservations spread over three large rural counties (Aroostook, Washington, and Penobscot). WPHW’s mission is to provide community-driven, culturally centered public health and social services to all Wabanaki communities and people while honoring Wabanaki cultural knowledge, cultivating innovation, and fostering collaboration. Wabanaki traditions, language, and culture guide our approach and describe the ways we live in harmony with each other and the land we collectively share.
Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness seeks funding through SAMHSA's Tribal Opioid Response Program to continue addressing the persistent disparities in health outcomes faced by tribal people in Maine. Current TOR funding has set the stage for foundational growth and allowed for our Healing & Recovery Division to continue the development of our care network. This proposal will focus on supporting the work of the Wabanaki Careline (24/7 Crisis Response Warmline) and Detox Center, known as Cedar Road, as integral parts in the expansion of our continuum of care. The activities to be conducted under our proposed goals and objectives will directly address the concerns and areas of improvement outlined in the tribal communities’ Community Health Improvement Plans 2017-2019. WPHW will focus on assessing and connecting individuals to services providing MOUD/MAT, behavioral health treatment and support services that center around culture and tradition.