By Kathryn Rutz, September 30, 2020, Rural Health Hub.
“One great thing about being a service-based organization: when people need us more, we’re there.” Lisa Sockabasin works for Wabanaki Public Health based in Bangor, Maine. Their organization is one of the recipients of the Rural Tribal COVID Response (RTCR) grant, created by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy to help rural tribal communities during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Indigenous communities are one of the demographics hit hardest by the current crisis, often already facing scarcity before the outbreak, lacking basics such as adequate stock of testing kits and personal protective equipment (PPE). To address this disparity, the grant funds a variety of efforts for the tribes, from offering hazard pay for providers and establishing robust telehealth services, to creating testing sites. Wabanaki Public Health has used these funds to continue their mission in serving their tribal communities, distributing much needed supplies and organizing socially distanced activities to maintain sacred spaces and interpersonal connections.
Wabanaki Public Health
The Wabanaki Public Health District was created in June of 2011 through a partnership with Maine’s four federally recognized tribes, collectively known as the Wabanaki people. Wabanaki Public Health serves five communities that make up the district: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians, the Passamaquoddy at Indian Township and at Pleasant Point, and the Penobscot Nation members on and off reservation. These sovereign nations work together with the state and federal government to tackle a variety of health problems facing tribal communities, from obesity to addiction. Their programs target the community holistically, with focus groups from youth to elders, building a nexus of programs to help support and educate Native people. Promoting and preserving both linguistic and spiritual components of their cultures is central to their work. 
Lisa Sockabasin joined Wabanaki Public Health in 2018, and currently serves as the Director of Programs & External Affairs. She has a rich background in government and philanthropy, and was compelled to join the public health sector after an inspiring conversation with her father about service and compassion for others. When discussing her vision for the organization, she explains: “We are creating a multigenerational approach. It can be a place of healing, of service; [it] can be a place where you can reconnect with your culture and learn your language. This organization is a healing place — is home — and we will serve you. That’s what we’re building with Wabanaki Public Health.” 
Wabanaki Public Health has delivered a mobile smudging ceremony, where cultural medicine such as sage and sweetgrass are burned in the back of an open vehicle. The vehicle crawls slowly through their communities as medicines are received by the waiting community. These ceremonies are broadcast live and recorded so those who cannot attend in person may still participate, including those tribal members who live outside of the Wabanaki Public Health district. As the vehicle passes by, the community knows the healing ceremony has reached their friends, neighbors, and family — it is a symbol of unity and strength to promote healing and connection to each other.
Comments (0)