November 15, 2003
Clockwise: Arleata Snell, Advocate Coordinator; Valerie Warren, Clinician; Rita Oscar, Family Representative; and Greg Simmons, clinician.
by Sandra Klevens
After many months of consideration, most village clinician positions within Behavioral Health have been filled. A 90-day training and orientation period has begun that includes both classroom sessions and days spent shadowing providers in the various elements of Behavioral Health. This includes time spent with the emergency "on call" staff, and days at the Residential Diagnosis and Treatment Center (RDT) and McCann Inhalant Treatment Center (MTC).
Valerie Warren, who relocated from California, will serve the "tundra" villages. Greg Simmons, from Oregon, will provide services to Akiak, Akiachak, Kwethluk, and Tuluksak. Rufas Reese who comes from Savannah, Georgia, serves Toksook Bay and surrounding villages. Each clinician serves as a member of a core team which includes a Field Supervisor, Wellness Counselors, Family Advocate, and Elder. See chart for village assignments of all clinicians.
Valerie Warren offered this first impression of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, "Words fail me. My impression developed over days. It was very different. It was wet and I found it interesting that no one used umbrellas. I was getting wet." In spite of this she says, "I was really affected and moved by the friendliness of the people."
Valerie arrived when the sky was grey and overcast. This didn't bother her at all, but a few things stood out as unexpected. "I was surprised that everyone wore jeans and dressed 'appropriately' for the weather. I didn't even wear the blazer I brought and I haven't worn it yet."
Valerie holds a dual position in partnership with the Child Advocacy Center, housed at Tundra Woman's Coalition, and YKHC Village Services. Her office is at TWC but her phones and computer are part of the YKHC system. "I provide 20 hours per week at the Children's Advocacy Center as a clinician and the balance of my time as a Village Clinician. The challenge comes in figuring out how to negotiated both parts of that role but it's a fabulous job because the opportunities to make a difference are enormous."
Valerie came to Bethel with her children, a son and a daughter. She adds "We are here to stay. We are not going back to California."
Behavioral Health Services for adults and children can be accessed through the following numbers: Bethel 907-543-6100 or 1-800-478-2642.
Village AssignmentsTeam 1 - Stephanie Stuart (arriving mid-November)
Hooper Bay, Scammon Bay, Chevak, Mekoryuk
Team 2 - Stacy Michelle Rasmus (arriving mid-November)
Alakanuk, Emmonak, Kotlik, Nunum Iqua
Team 3 - Open
Marshall, Mountain Village, St Mary's, Pitka's Point, Pilot Station
Team 4 - Greg Simmons
Akiachak, Akiak, Kwethluk, Tuluksak
Team 5 - Donald Mironov
Eek, Kipnuk, Kongiganak, Kwigillingok, Quinhagak, Tuntuliak
Team 6 - Rufus Reece
Toksook Bay, Newtok, Nightmute, Chefornak, Tununak
Team 7 - Valerie Gifford
Atmautluak, Kasigluk, Napakiak, Napaskia, Nunapitchuk, Oscarville
Team 8 - Debbie Hewitt
Anvik, Grayling, Holy Cross, Lower/Upper Kalskag, Russian Mission, Shageluk