The Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Columbia River Mental Health Services (CRMHS) recently announced the official transition of the NorthStar treatment clinic to Cowlitz ownership, effective Feb. 1.
Under Cowlitz ownership, NorthStar will continue its mission to provide evidence-based treatment in a supportive environment while strengthening connections to regional health partners and community resources, according to a news release from the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
The Tribe remains committed to preserving NorthStar’s role as a trusted provider and building on the foundation established by Columbia River Mental Health Services.
“The history of our Tribe has always been shaped by our responsibility to care for our people, our lands, and our neighbors,” Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman Bill Iyall said. “As Seekers of the Medicine Spirit, we are guided by values that center healing, respect, and stewardship. Bringing NorthStar into our Health & Human Services network strengthens our ability to serve the community and support healing across the region for generations to come.”
Daniel Smith, CEO of CRMHS, highlighted the strength of the partnership and the impact of the Tribe’s leadership in the region, noting, "transferring the NorthStar Clinic to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe allows people in our community to continue to thrive, recover and build resiliency alongside one of the most dedicated community organizations that we work with in the area.”
“At Columbia River, we value and rely on partnerships throughout the community to support the people who come to us when they need services,” Smith said in the news release. “The partnership we have with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe is instrumental to our community's wellbeing. We are grateful knowing that the ongoing stewardship of NorthStar will be in the hands of an organization and people that we look towards for guidance, leadership and inspiration."
“The Cowlitz Economic Authority was instrumental in helping move this partnership forward,” Chairman Iyall said. “They recognized a challenge facing our community and worked with the Tribe to help develop a solution. Their expertise and support on the business side of this process were critical, and we are very grateful for their role.”
NorthStar Treatment Clinic has served the Vancouver area for more than 15 years and will continue operating without interruption. Patients will experience no changes to their care, providers or services as a result of the transition. Both organizations have worked closely to ensure a seamless process that prioritizes the needs of the individuals and families who rely on NorthStar for support, the release stated.
Additionally, Columbia River Mental Health Services continues to provide a full range of mental health, addiction, psychiatry and community-based services at the CRMHS Main Campus on Fourth Plain Boulevard. Appointments can be scheduled by phone, and walk-ins are accepted.
“We are grateful for the partnership that brought us to this moment,” Iyall said. “Together, we are ensuring that NorthStar remains a place of healing, stability, and hope for the community.”
