The Department of Health and Human Services strives to make high-quality health and social programs and services more accessible to everyone in the community. The department is overseen by the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, who is appointed by the Chief Executive and ratified by the Band Assembly. The current Commissioner is Rebecca St. Germaine. The Executive Director is Noya Woodrich.
Health and Human Services operates three medical clinics, behavioral health services, community support services, public health services, family services, the Circle of Health program, and an office of quality and compliance.
Health Services offers medical care at clinics in all three districts, including family practice, internal medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, dental, podiatry, optometry, and audiology. Health Services also offers traditional healing, a laboratory, a diabetes program, and a pharmacy, with services in all three districts.
The Public Health Department is a division of Health Services and offers the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, Maternal and Child Health, Home Care, Transportation, Tobacco Programs, and the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP).
The Behavioral Health Department assists Band members suffering from addiction and mental illness by providing a full range of services, including Rule 25 assessments, Alcoholics Anonymous and Wellbriety groups, relapse prevention and aftercare, a halfway house, outpatient treatment, an adolescent chemical health group, mental health evaluations and counseling, and inpatient treatment at Four Winds in Brainerd.
Community Support Services includes the Elder Services Program, Family Violence Prevention Program, Elder Abuse Program, Women’s Shelter, Sexual Assault Program, Community Advocates, Food Distribution, Food Shelf, Emergency Loan Program, and Wraparound.
The Family Services Department provides social services to Mille Lacs Band members and American Indians who reside in the identified service areas of the Band. Most Family Services offices are currently located at 101 Pony Farm Road, Onamia, on the east side of Hwy. 169 near the Soo Line Trail bridge.
Circle of Health is a tribal member benefit program for enrolled members and their descendants under 18 years of age. Circle of Health supplements the Band member’s primary insurance coverage by paying or reimbursing premiums, co-pays, and deductibles for insurance-covered services. One policy per family/household is allowed.
Circle of Health is the Ultimate Payer of Last Resort. Circle of Health also pays for specific items such as hearing aids, eyeglasses, orthodontia, and durable medical equipment for enrolled tribal members only. All enrolled members are eligible for Circle of Health benefits no matter where they live.
You can learn more about Health and Human Services at millelacsband.com/government/ department-of-health-human-services. To contact Health and Human Services, call 320-532-4163.