In the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, September is recognized as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. In a proclamation established in 2022, the SRPMIC has promoted and supported the recovery efforts of its members while continuing to create a safe and supportive space for more to feel comfortable to do so. 

On September 26, the River People Health Center held an open house for Community members, their loved ones and clients of the RPHC to get to know the staff and the various services the clinic provides. “I am really grateful to be here today,” began RPHC Chief Behavioral Health Officer Priscilla Foote. “It’s National Recovery Month, and we are excited to celebrate recovery.” 

She added, “Recovery is so important in our communities, our families and our tribes. To be able to be part of that recovery process for individuals truly is a blessing.”

Vendor booths from RPHC departments filled the second level of the health center. At each of the tables, guests received free goodies as well as information on upcoming classes, which include the Drop-in Diabetes and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) groups. Both groups are free and do not require a behavioral health service intake to attend. 

Additionally, each RPHC staff member created a sign with their headshot photo and a brief introduction to the Community regarding their favorite foods, activities, sports teams and more. “We have booths from all of our programming and introduction sheets to match faces with names so we all can get to know each other,” shared Foote. 

Following her welcome, Foote asked Jarrod Lewis, cultural counselor from the SRPMIC Health and Human Services Department, to provide the open house with a blessing and a song. 

Introducing himself in O’odham first and then translating into English, Lewis thanked everyone for attending the open house. “How are you all this day? My name is Jarrod Lewis, and I feel very happy to see you all today,” he said. Lewis would later perform the song “O’oḑkam Va:ki/Sandy Ancient House.”

The RPHC Open House provided Community members with information and a rejuvenated level of support and guidance as people continue to navigate addiction and recovery in all its varying forms. 

Individuals interested in RPHC services can contact the health center and staff online at www.rphc.com or by phone at (480) 278-7742.