Absentee Shawnee Tribal Opioid Response (TOR)

The Wi Si Ka To Wi Project

The Wi Si Ka To Wi Project is a federally funded Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) initiative designed to address the opioid epidemic through culturally responsive, evidence-based interventions that are tailored to the needs of Native American communities. The project focuses on prevention, treatment, recovery support, and overdose deterrence while promoting holistic wellness and long-term recovery.

Services Provided

Prevention -Educational materials and presentations are provided to the public, school districts, First Responders, Public Safety officers, and other surrounding organizations to raise awareness of substance misuse and reduce initiation of opioids and fentanyl.

Treatment -TOR assists eligible individuals with 30-day detox/rehabilitation placement into substance use treatment programs, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). When grant funding is unavailable for private-pay services, TOR Program works to secure placement through state-funded and tribal treatment facilities. Below are some resources that Wi Si Ka To Wi Project uses to ensure treatment:

• South Coast Behavioral Health (OKC/Lawton/Enid)
• Great Plains Recovery Services (Tulsa)
• Haven Detox (Tulsa)
• Catalyst Behavioral Services (OKC/Lawton/Enid)
• Valliant House (Konawa/Vinita)
• Pawnee Nation Behavioral Health Services (Pawnee)
• Chickasaw Nation Treatment Programs (Ada)
• Choctaw Nation Treatment Programs (Talihina/Durant)
• Cherokee Nation Treatment Programs (Tahlequah)

By leveraging a network of public, tribal, and private treatment partners, TOR Program strives to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent individuals from accessing quality care and treatment services.

Overdose Deterrence -Free naloxone (Narcan) kits are available to the general public, regardless of age or tribal affiliation, in order to support overdose prevention throughout the community. TOR staff also provides trainings and demonstrations on how to administer naloxone for any program and/or organization interested. Narcan kiosks can be found at the following locations:

• Little Axe Resource Center
• AST Health Clinic (Little Axe)
• Thunderbird Casino (Norman)
• Thunderbird Express Convenience Store
• AST Police Department
• Domestic Violence Program
• Indian Child Welfare Program
• AST Housing Authority
• Sac & Fox Housing Authority
• Thunderbird Casino (Shawnee)
• AST Health Clinic (Shawnee)

Recovery Support -The Wi Si Ka To Wi Project facilitates weekly talking circles that are rooted in Wellbriety principles, healing through cultural connection, peer support, and holistic wellness. These circles encourage participants to strengthen their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being while building a supportive recovery community. TOR staff also works closely with clients to ensure they remain engaged in recovery by helping transport them to required medical appointments, court obligations, treatment services, and other recovery-related activities (when available*). Through comprehensive case management, community partnerships, and culturally grounded support, the Wi Si Ka To Wi Project seeks to empower individuals and families on their journey toward lasting recovery and wellness.

TOR Program Eligibility

Services are available to any federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native individuals within the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System service area (Cleveland/Pottawatomie/Oklahoma/Lincoln/Logan County), who can provide proof of tribal citizenship and is affected by opioid and/or methamphetamine use disorder.

*Individuals interested in treatment, recovery support services, prevention resources, or overdose prevention supplies are encouraged to contact the Wi Si Ka To Wi Project directly for eligibility screening, referrals, and additional program information.

This publication was made possible by Grant Number T1087877 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the SAMHSA or HHS.