Health and Wellness, Tribal Court announce modifications to services

By Dean Rhodes

Smoke Signals editor

As the Tribe’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic evolves, how the Tribal government deals with the threat remains fluid.

On Tuesday, March 17, the Health and Wellness Center announced more modifications to its services.

The Medical clinic will accept walk-in medication assisted treatment patients and any visits that will affect a patient’s immediate health if delayed.

Dental will only accept emergency cases and Optometry has suspended its services.

Lab/X-ray is offering all services with limited staff and the Pharmacy, as announced earlier, is offering drive-through service at the back entry.

Behavioral Health has no onsite staff, but is offering check-ins and telemedicine appointments.

Community Health is offering all services with provisions to Elders and the infirm being prioritized.

Adult Foster Care is offering all services, but visitors will receive a symptom check before being granted entry.

Health Services Executive Director Kelly Rowe said that all patients entering the clinic will be met at the entrance to be triaged for possible COVID-19 symptoms and receive a mask if necessary. If they do have symptoms, they will be directed to the old Behavioral Health area. All appointment reminders include screening questions to ensure patient health and staff protection.

“These modifications are to protect our patients, community and staff, and best utilize our protective equipment essential for treating patients that may have the virus” Rowe said.

Meanwhile, Tribal Court announced a temporary standing order regarding its services, including only holding hearings in April via the telephone.

The Tribal Court’s lobby will be closed to the public until May 1 and all notary and facilitation services are suspended until then as well.

Staff in the Tribal Court office will be available by phone, mail or e-mail at 503-879-2303 or Court@grandronde.org.

Meanwhile, entry into the Governance Center was reduced to one door on Wednesday, March 18, so that Security personnel can monitor visitors.