The Mental Health and Addiction Working Group continues to support community-led efforts in Red Lake and Dryden, with a focus on addressing alcohol misuse in a compassionate and stigma-free way. This includes encouraging the use of screening tools as part of routine appointments, helping providers initiate respectful, early conversations about alcohol misuse.
The KHWOHT supports training for healthcare providers on the importance of language, focusing on how to avoid stigmatizing terms, use person-centered communication, and foster safe, respectful spaces for open dialogue. To ensure consistency across care teams, the training is complemented by script guidance that helps standardize how these conversations are initiated and navigated.