A cross-collaboration roundtable discussion was held at Seneca Fire on the Cattaraugus Territory last week to discuss the upcoming Journey to Wellness addiction treatment program being developed by the Opioid Response Department. This program is modeled after the City of Buffalo Opioid Court and is a diversion initiative aimed at moving individuals from the criminal justice system toward treatment.
The Seneca Nation is expanding this program to serve as a tool in family court matters within the Seneca Nation Peacemaker’s Court as well. The Opioid Response Department is working with consultants Carrie Garrow, B.A., J.D., M.P.P., and Danielle Mayberry, B.A., J.D., on the development of this treatment program. Carrie and Danielle were instrumental in the development of the Drug Court Program in Akwesasne and have extensive experience in this area.
Over 30 stakeholders came together to discuss this model within the Seneca Nation, including Employment & Training, Marshals Departments, Veterans Programs, Elderly Programs, Health & Behavioral Health Systems, Human Service Division, Peacemakers, Leadership, and SMADD (Seneca Mothers Against Drug Dealers).
Interested individuals can contact Dawn Colburn, Opioid Response Director, at (716) 945-1790 x3009.
