SAULT STE. MARIE — Chippewa County's fight against addiction just became easier with the opening of a new clinic in downtown Sault.
On Monday, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians announced the opening of Naandwejgegamig, otherwise known as the "healing place," the first clinic within the tribe's health division to serve patients with opioid and alcohol use disorders.
The clinic, which focuses on medical intervention to help combat addiction withdrawals, is something that was previously not available to most of the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Tribe chairman Austin Lowes, who is a former social worker himself who dealt with addiction issues in his career, has been working on creating this clinic for more than a year, as it was part of the tribe's healthcare revitalization program.
According to the tribe, the need for a program such as this is even larger in tribal communities that often face a higher percentage of people suffering from addiction.
“Addiction is a horrible disease that can trap anyone, regardless of their social status," Lowes said. "It’s something that has been especially damaging to Native American communities both here in the U.P. and across the country, so the Sault Tribe is very proud to be able to offer a safe and effective place for those seeking help."
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the National Center for Drug and Alcohol Statistics, Michigan has seen 2,536 opioid deaths in 2021 and more than 4,548 related to excessive drinking.
Research has shown that medication can help relieve withdrawal symptoms and the cravings caused by substance use. The clinic will focus, not on the psychological affects of addiction, but providing medications to combat the withdrawal symptoms that make sobriety difficult for addicts.
"When people are chemically addicted to certain substances, their withdrawal symptoms can become so severe that it makes them feel really sick," said Lowes. "So at a certain point, it's no longer about getting high, but avoiding those withdrawal symptoms."
The clinic supervisor Teresa Plummer is a certified nurse practioner with a Master of Science in Nursing and a specialization in addiction medicine. She has experience not only in addiction, but also in treating tribal members and people throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Teresa during my career as a medical social worker helping patients overcome addiction, and I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and attentive care she provides to her patients,” said Lowes. “We are very fortunate to have her lead addiction treatment on behalf of the Sault Tribe Health Division.”
Subscribe:Get unlimited access to our content
The Naandwejgegamig is located at 2861 Ashmun St. in Sault Ste. Marie and is open to the entire community, not just tribal members and accepts all forms of insurance. People will not be denied treatment even if they don't have insurance.
The clinic opened its doors officially on Monday, June 24, and more than 200 patients have signed up to receive treatment.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
Most Popular
Comments / 0