Mar 2019 05
Today, President Jonathan Nez was joined by the Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services as they visited three sites to meet with behavioral and mental health officials and others to discuss ways to bring such services to the Navajo Nation to help those struggling with substance abuse and addiction.
On the campaign trail, President Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer visited over 70 Navajo communities and met many people who said that alcohol and substance abuse among Navajo people should be a top priority. Since taking office in January, the Nez-Lizer Administration has begun taking initial steps to establish behavioral and mental health facilities on the Navajo Nation to provide much needed assistance close to home.
This morning, the group visited the Tuba City Juvenile Center to hear directly from the employees to assess how more funding and resources can be secured to help Navajo youth and to instill hope in them so they can persevere and live better lives.
The group also visited a vacant facility in the community of Birdsprings, which may serve as a behavioral and mental health center to allow for Navajo people to be treated for alcohol and substance use near their homes rather than seeking assistance off the Navajo Nation. Navajo Housing Authority officials provided a tour of the facility, which will require some changes and upgrades to meet certain standards to provide treatment and care onsite.
President Nez also spent several hours visiting with employees and patients at Community Bridges, Inc. in Winslow, AZ and Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services in Gallup, NM, each of which provide many services to Navajo people who need help with alcohol and substance abuse and addiction.
President Nez also had the opportunity to speak to the patients and offer words of encouragement, speaking from his personal experiences. Many of the patients have the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities, spiritual ceremonies, educational classes, arts and crafts, and other activities that help build their knowledge and professional development.
The Nez-Lizer Administration continues to prioritize the establishment of behavioral and mental health facilities on the Navajo Nation and will continue to pursue partnerships that benefit those who need help with alcohol and substance addiction. Ahe’hee’
Story from Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer (@NezLizer2018). View full post here.