The Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin Drug Addiction Intervention Team (DAIT) is encouraging the community to take the opportunity to begin conversations about mental health and addiction.
“It is not unusual to have mental health issues contribute to addictive behaviors or substance abuse,” said Addie Caldwell, DAIT co-chair and director of wellness programs at Maehnowesekiyah Wellness Center. “When we open ourselves up to the conversations around mental health, we can help people find resources and solutions before moving to harmful actions.”
In 2022, the Menominee Tribe issued an emergency declaration about the epidemic of drugs and addiction. Since then, tribal and county programs and departments have teamed together to identify and assess challenges and problems and then collaborate to provide valuable and needed resources and programs to the community.
Resources available on the reservation provide assistance and guidance to individuals and families facing mental health situations, addiction, substance use, recovery and more.
“Unfortunately, not everyone is willing to talk about these types of issues, sometime because they feel ashamed of what’s happening,” said Ben Warrington, DAIT co-chair and emergency management coordinator. “But hiding in shame doesn’t help and can make it worse. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to talk about it and do something about it.”
Mental health and substance use resources available within the Menominee Reservation include:
• Maehnowesekiyah Wellness Center: 715-799-3835.
• Menominee Tribal Clinic: 715-799-3361.
• MITCAAP/Recovery Coaches Hotline: 715-972-3280.
• Menominee Tribe Family Services: 715-799-5161.
• Menominee County Human Services: 715-799-3861.
“Everyone is going through something — battling their own stressors or worries,” said Caldwell. “Talking about those concerns in a safe and comfortable environment can create a healthier and happier home, work, school and social life for everyone. We have to join together and get this out in the open.”
For additional services available within the reservation to assist with mental health, addiction or substance use, visit the Menominee Nation website at www.menominee-nsn.gov and click on the Community tab.
