At our March 25 meeting, speakers Leon John and Bev Keys spoke to us about the wellness center didgwálič which is Swinomish for the flower camilis.
The clinic is located next to Moka Joe Coffee on S March Point Rd and they are seriously looking at the drive in property for expansion. The idea for the wellness center started in 2016 when in one week the tribe at 4 deaths from drug overdoses. Though the tribe runs the center, it is open to anyone who suffers from addiction and they serve Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties. 67% of people with addictions live on the street and therefore are without resources. Their main source of funding is Medicaid. They are a holistic clinic and address many aspects of addiction including transportation, housing, employment assistance. They have medical staff, counselors. Their mission statement is to "Remove Barriers to Care" They have purchased the apartment complex on Maple at the base of the bridge and the adjacent house. The facility will be transitional housing and there will be security and counselors on the premises.
The grant committee presented Taylor Podroga, Alicia Schwind and Jess from the drama club a check to support the program.
