Page 6 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - May - June 2022

6

HEALTH/WELLNESS

Greetings from the Healing House

Contributed by Sissy DeLaCruz
GET IN TOUCH
et me first introduce myself.
My name is Gregori Gilanne
L “Sissy” DeLaCruz. I am a If you have
Skokomish tribal member and any questions,
have lived there my entire life. I please contact
am married to a Quinault artist Sissy DeLaCruz
and we have five children together (pictured) or
that range in age from 7 to 31. Erika Pickernell
I started as the Healing House at 360-709-
Coordinator in August of 2021. 1676. We welcome any ideas
The Meaning of the name is you have to better serve the
“Caring For Each Other” House. Chehalis tribal community.
The home provides services for
Chehalis community members
who are struggling with past or each other.
current trauma in their lives. n We will be hosting events
Living in the day and age of such as the tribe’s first Coastal Jam
COVID-19 proved very difficult Session. This is where many tribes
to provide services and classes. In gather to share songs and dances
that respect, that is trauma. in a joyful atmosphere.
We aim to keep the community n We have Mother’s Day and
as safe as possible during this the authenticity of the Chehalis n A Wellness Garden will be Father’s Day events.
time. Please watch for more tribal Heritage & Culture Program planted in hopes of having elders n More classes for trauma
classes, workshops and trainings and keep in mind that the clients and youth involved in growing relief practices will be
to occur soon. The following are we serve are a specific audience in and harvesting. Natural healing implemented soon.
activities and services the Healing need of deep healing. We welcome tea, medicines, salve, etc. will be Please stop by to check out the
House offers: Chehalis tribal teachings. gathered and made with love for Healing House. We welcome you
n Some of the classes we hold n Located at the Healing healing. to have a cup of coffee or tea and
provide a cultural experience House is Crime Victim Advocacy n We offer a place for families maybe even enjoy a meal we have
such as making drums, paddles and Domestic Violence Services. to gather during the time of a lost planned for that day while you
and bead work. We are careful n A trauma sensitive yoga class loved one. The family is given the learn about our services.
not to teach the Chehalis is held at noon each Thursday. house for a day and offered a meal. I look forward to meeting the
community non-tribal ways n On Wednesdays, a grief and They can utilize the space to plan community members that I have
during these classes. We respect trauma counselor is available. arrangements or just visit with not had the opportunity to greet.

An advocate for Behavioral Health patients

Familiar face at the who need She will also monitor the patient’s
Wellness Center to offer assistance with STAFF UPDATE lab tests to make sure medication
is working and not interfering
behavioral
important resources health needs. with other prescribed medications.
She will have She loves working for the
Jennifer O’Brien has been resources to assist Mental health and Chehalis Tribe’s tight-knit
a family nurse practitioner for with a variety abnormalities are often community and enjoys the
nearly six years and has been of conditions, stigmatized, which can prevent personal relationships her job
with the Chehalis Tribal Wellness Jennifer O’Brien including individuals from seeking the allows her to create with patients.
Center for more than four of those PTSD, anxiety, proper help. O’Brien hopes to O’Brien understands that tribal
years. depression and ADHD. end the stigma toward mental community members wish to build
As a family practitioner, O’Brien has experience in health to enhance the quality of a level of trust with providers to
O’Brien works with people the field from schooling and at life for tribal members. She wants ensure communication is effective
ranging from infant to later her previous job at Valley View to create awareness among the and patient needs are being
adulthood. The CTWC is Medical Center where behavioral community that she is here to addressed.
implementing a new service into health services were provided. provide support. O’Brien has dedicated each
those provided at the clinic. The CTWC and tribal leaders are O’Brien will be available to Wednesday to help Behavioral
O’Brien, who specializes in recognizing the importance of help consult with patients about Health clients with specific needs
behavioral health, is going to having such resources available to specific medication and help them at the CTWC. She also can assist
provide resources to help those community members. receive the proper treatment plan. with those needs on other days.