29 Jan Yellowhawk Peer Recovery Mentor Community Crisis Support Strengthens Tribal Care in Umatilla County
MISSION – Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center is proud to announce a new collaborative effort between our Peer Recovery Mentor (PRM) team and the Community Counseling Solutions (CCS) Crisis Team to provide compassionate, culturally informed support for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals in Umatilla County. The team of six Yellowhawk staff begin this new support effort on February 1, 2026.
This partnership ensures that Tribal community members presenting at local Emergency Departments (ED) or receiving care elsewhere in the county have access to a welcoming and supportive presence during times of crisis. Yellowhawk’s PRM staff will work alongside CCS Crisis Team members in a supportive role, offering resources, referrals for outpatient services, and a reassuring connection to ongoing care.
“Our goal is simple: to create a safe, understanding environment for Tribal and community members during moments of vulnerability,” said Cindy Cecil, Behavioral Health Clinical Director at Yellowhawk. “We know that crisis situations can feel very overwhelming, and having someone who understands your culture and community can make all the difference. This collaboration is about meeting people where they are and helping them take the next step toward their healing journey.”
Key Highlights of the Program:
Who We Serve: Individuals who identify as American Indian/Alaska Native, reside in Umatilla County, and are eligible for services through Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center – presenting at the ED or other facilities in Umatilla County.
Role of PRMs: Provide support, community presence, share information about Yellowhawk resources, and assist with referrals for outpatient care.
Warm Line for Crisis Support: CCS Crisis staff will reach Yellowhawk PRMs at our current warm line phone number, 541.969.0010 for assistance.
Our PRMs are highly trained and deeply committed to serving our community with care and respect. Each mentor is a certified recovery professional who has completed specialized training of over 100 hours in crisis de-escalation, suicide intervention (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training/ASIST), Mobile Crisis Training, Lines for Life, and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer). This expertise, combined with a culturally informed approach, ensures that support is not only clinically sound but also rooted in understanding and compassion. Through this initiative, Yellowhawk strengthens the safety net for Tribal members during critical moments, offering a holistic and welcoming presence that honors culture, dignity, and the path to healing.
For more information about Yellowhawk Behavioral Health services, visit Yellowhawk.org/behavioral-health or call 541.240.8670.