HCA Tribal Opioid Solutions Campaign Spotlight: Quileute Human Services Department

The Tribal Opioid Solutions Campaign, developed in partnership with Tribes, urban Indian organizations and WA State agency partners, aims to address opioid misuse and prevention in tribal communities across the state. One of the campaign’s year 4 efforts includes an interview spotlighting Quileute’s Health and Human Services Department. The interview was conducted by Native-owned radio station, Daybreak Star Radio, with Miss Ann-Penn Charles and Jody Heller from Quileute.

The Quileute Tribe has been hit hard by the pandemic. Challenges they already face, such as lack of access to the internet, transportation and mental health services have worsened. However, under the leadership of Miss Ann and Jody (and many others), they have adapted to the needs of their patients by organizing community events, cultural activities and working with HCA and other state agencies to utilize grant funding for initiatives such as recovery support services, phone cards, laptops and more.

Watch the full interview here to learn more about how Quileute’s services continue to evolve as well as the importance of native-led substance use programs having access to the tools and resources they need to effectively meet the needs of their communities.