Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

On Wednesday, November 18, 2015, MCA's Wholistic Health and Wellness Program hosted an Addiction Services Expo at the Senior Center. The event was free and open to the community and was held to create awareness of what services are available in and around Akwesasne to cope with addictions. Organizations had interactive informational tables and displays about addictions ranging from alcohol, drugs, to smoking and more. Attendees also got a chance to win some great door prizes and refreshments were available.

There were about 21 programs, departments and services in attendance. Organizer Kyle Thompson from MCA Wholistic Health said, "It's about creating awareness to showcase services available, not only in Akwesasne, but in the surrounding areas. We wanted to think outside the box and invite services people may not think of to help with things like the financial aspect of addiction, like the Tribe's Child Support Enforcement."

Another outside the box program that attended was the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's Vocational Rehabilitation Program (TVR). Holley Boots, TVR Counselor, said not many people realize that addiction is one of the invisible disabilities that the program will help someone with the goal of become gainfully employed.

Some of the basic requirements to receive services at TVR include

• The applicant has a documented disability

• There is a substantial barrier to employment due to the disability

• A determination that the individual can provide documentation of his/her enrollment with a federally recognized tribe

• The applicant is currently residing on or near the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (50 mile radius)

They offer individualized services including assessment, counseling and guidance, referrals, job related services, vocational and other training services, financial support and many more.

For information call Shelley Jacobs, TVR Program Manager. at 358-2272.

Amanda Jacobs from SRMT Child Support Enforcement had a table at the event. It is a rather new program but their cases are growing. They can take new cases, or if you have an existing case in New York State needing amendments, they can help with that as well. They also offer mediation instead of going to court. In relation to addictions, Amanda mentioned people who may be in rehab who may be providing support or who may need support. This is where they can help you.

Aaron Jock with MCA Community Health had a table on smoking cessation. The STOP Program will have smoking cessation workshops in Cornwall on November 26th and December 15th. For more information or to register call 1-877-376-1701.

Tribal Police Officer Sharon Oakes was accepting prescription medications. Remember the Prescription Medication Drop Box is always available at the Tribal Police Station and they take all prescription medications, but no needles or liquids.

Serge Perreault, Mental Health and Addictions Counselor, had new and exciting news about the programs at Cornwall Community Hospital. Mental Health and Addictions are moving to one building in a program called "No Wrong Doors." All services will be in one building and they are able to serve youth, adults and elders with what they call "Single Point Access." For instance, if you go in with an addiction but also need services to deal with depression, they can connect you with those services right down the hall. The number to call for more information is 613-938-9909.

Of course all the services offered by MCA Wholistic Health were on hand including Mental Health, Prevention, and Addiction Services, and also attending were the Partridge House, Onen'to:kon Healing Lodge, ACDP, Seven Dancers and others.