Na'Nizhoozhi Center Inc.'s (NCI) Target population

Because 95% of our clients are from rural reservations, NCI is classified as a reservation based service provider. Clients largely come from the Navajo Nation, the Pueblo of Zuni, and the Laguna Pueblo.

We also know that these chronic alcoholic's make up a significant portion of local emergency hospitalizations, Gallup police incidents, petty-adult crimes, and country wide injuries and accidental deaths. Four years ago, approximately 10-15 of these clients would die each month during the winter months. Although we've lowered this quota to about 3 deaths per month, the seriousness of this existing situation still demands a significant and immediate response. This positive trend, however, may be changing. This past December, for example, 15 of these client-relatives died of alcohol related causes. As time goes on their problems become more and more difficult and expensive for both local, State, and federal services (e.g. injury, dementia, crime, FAS children, dysfunctional families.)

On the positive side, however, the majority of this population still report a desire to change. Although the complexity of their problems are immense (generally beyond the available resources) we believe that more than 40% will respond positively to "intense" traditional/life-skill intervention.

NCI's second target is both the families of these problem drinkers and the general public at risk. Problem drinkers, their families, youth, and communities do not have enough access to meaningful and culturally sensitive substance abuse prevention and treatment information.

Individuals who are brought to NCI are referred to as clients. These clients are brought into NCI by the Gallup Police Department, McKinley Sheriff Department, New Mexico State Police, Navajo Police, and Gallup Indian Medical Center.

The staff in the intake area will then start an initial intake form. This includes the name, date of birth, Social Security number, Address and residence. They will also include the agency that brought them in and the person who brought the client to NCI. After the completion of the intake form, the individual will be tested on the Breath Alcohol Machine for their alcohol content. This will determine how intoxicated the individual is, and if they need medical treatment. They will be referred to High Risk area for further observation. On completion with the breath alcohol testing they are searched for contraband or sharp objects. These items are then confiscated and placed in the property area or disposed of.

Clients are then escorted to an area we call PC 10. They are monitored by security staff, and by the monitors in the control room.

Send mail to brboyd80@yahoo.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2005 Na' Nizhoozhi Center Inc.
Last modified: October 27, 2005