Public Health staff with a plaque presented by Wappi Kani Mental Wellness & Recovery Services on April 11.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Community Health and Public Health staff were honored with a plaque at Waapi Kani Mental Wellness & Recovery Services Toiletry Drive and Feast on Thursday, April 11.
Accepting the Community Health Award was Nancy Wahtomy, patient navigator. Who was praised for her advocacy for community members. Public Health Departments included Diabetes Program, Community Health Representatives, Nursing and Health Education.
The event began with a prayer and smudge by Jason Butler, Behavioral Health Manager.
He explained one of the things their department does in working with substance abuse and mental health is they refer their clients to other services.
“So we not only get to see the work that happens within our own offices, we also get to see the work that’s happening in other offices and important issues that they’re doing within other programs and the hard work that people do,” he said.
Butler said it’s not every day that people are praised for their work and told they’re doing a good job and are appreciated. This is one of the reasons Waapi Kani is doing this is to get into the habit as a community to tell each other when they’re doing something positive.
He said there is power people have as individuals to uplift and guide one another.
“As Native people that’s a part of our teachings. That’s a part of who we are as a community,” he said. “It’s important we get back to that.”
Items collected for the Toiletry Drive were things such as toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and hygiene items, which will go to clients in need. Donations are still being accepted at the Waapi Kani offices.