Release Date: Thursday, February 28, 2013
By Tony Choate, Media Relations Director
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
PAULS VALLEY, Okla. - Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said the opening of the Aalhakoffichi' adolescent transitional living facility helps complete a "circle of care" for at-risk youth and their families.
Gov. Anoatubby was joined by several tribal and local officials and special guests Thursday, Feb. 28 to cut the ribbon and officially open Aalhakoffichi, which means "a place for healing" in the Chickasaw language. It is located at 101 Arrowhead Drive.
"This healing place for young people is a vital part of our wide-ranging services designed to strengthen families," said Gov. Anoatubby. "Each family situation is unique and we want to offer the appropriate support to each and every family. Services offered here are designed to cultivate and nurture wellness of body, mind, spirit and culture."?
The 8,600-square-foot facility will serve Chickasaw and other Native American youth, ages 14 to 19, who are coping with mental health, substance abuse and family relationship issues.
Aalhakoffichi' is the culmination of years of research and development that indicated a significant need for treatment of at-risk youth in the Chickasaw Nation and throughout Oklahoma.
Aalhakoffichi' is also pivotal part of Gov. Anoatubby's family initiative, said Dr. Waymon Hinson, associate administrator of family resource system for the division of youth and family.
He said that the Chickasaw Nation is always searching to offer a more complete range of services to ensure that they are reaching at-risk youth and families.
Located on 2.3 acres, Aalhakoffichi' will offer 24-hour supervised care, including around-the-clock adult supervision by properly trained and credentialed Chickasaw Nation staff. An on-site cultural coordinator will provide Chickasaw and Native American cultural education classes.
Residents will have access to medical, dental, vision and other medical services through the Chickasaw Nation.
Treatment services by licensed professionals, education, recreation and physical fitness activities will be available to all residents.
Family enrichment services including counseling, visitation and structured family days are all part of emphasis to strengthen families.
Stemming from family systems theory, the multi-level treatment program at Aalhakoffichi' provides a unique opportunity for adolescents and their families to make important transitions into more interdependent living within the context of the tribe.
Additionally, Aalhakoffichi' will offer on-site, family-centered outpatient services that focus on helping families develop the tools necessary to achieve and sustain psychological and relational health.
"At Aalhakoffichi' when we think about substance abuse or mental health, and what kids need, we are just broadening the lens in the ways Chickasaw families have always considered broader kinship ties," Dr. Hinson said, "We are combining family systems theory with Chickasaw ways and coming out with family ways of thinking."
For more information, please call (405) 331-2300.
dodd frank Lark Voorhies Jennifer Livingston Orlando Cruz MLB Playoff Schedule arizona cardinals Big Bird
No comments:
Post a Comment