Cherokee Nation council backs opioid-settlement funding for new treatment sites in Tahlequah and Bonita

The Cherokee Nation Health Committee voted to back a resolution using opioid settlement dollars under the Public Health and Wellness Fund Act to develop substance use disorder treatment facilities in Tahlequah and Bonita.

Chief Hoskin urged support for the proposal, saying the plan includes an outpatient site in Venita — the former Veterans Administration clinic the Nation acquired — and an inpatient facility in Tahlequah. "This resolution would embrace is the expanded vision of that project and the addition of Venita," he said, describing the Venita building as "really perfect" for outpatient services.

Health staff outlined services that will be offered at the sites. Mr. Asbill and Cherokee Nation health leaders described medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as the core outpatient service, paired with counseling and efforts to provide primary care, dental and eye exams while clients access recovery services. Committee discussion noted the integrated model is intended so the recovery center can also be a primary point of contact for other health needs.

Committee members asked about inpatient capacity and how the facilities will affect current out-of-state referrals. Health staff said the initial inpatient phase is planned for 50 beds, with the ability to expand to 80 and then to 100 in later phases. "So the first phase would be 50 inpatient and then with the ability to expand in the future," a health official said. Staff estimated the Nation currently refers roughly 60–70 people per month for treatment outside the service area and said the new capacity should reduce, but not eliminate, those referrals.

The committee voted in favor of the resolution and the motion carried.

Next steps recorded by the chair direct items C and D to special rules and full-council consideration later the same day.