Cherokee Nation Makes Big Investment in Overdose Prevention and Addiction Recovery

Mar 15, 20230

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The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma opened its Harm Reduction Program in January to its citizens and the public with focus on addressing the opioid epidemic. (Photo by Darren Thompson)

TAHLEQUAH, Oklah. - A new addiction treatment center on the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma is making a dent in the proliferation of opioid use on the Tribe's reservation.

Since opening in January of this year, the Cherokee Nation Harm Reduction Progam - funded in part by a $1.9 million Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Harm Reduction Grant- has treated more than 120 people to reduce opioid use on the Cherokee reservation in northeastern Oklahoma.

In October 2022, Cherokee Nation was one of 25 award recipients to receive a SAMHSA Harm Reduction Grant to start a harm reduction program, a public health approach to addressing substance abuse through prevention, treatment, and recovery.

https://nativenewsonline.net/health/cherokee-nation-makes-big-investment-in-overdose-prevention-and-addiction-recovery