Sacramento, California – May 2nd, 2022 – Sacramento Native American Health Center (SNAHC) has added a new role to the Executive Leadership Team. We are honored and excited to announce the addition of Nathan Blacksmith (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of Lake Traverse South Dakota) as our first Chief Traditional Health Officer. The Chief Traditional Health Officer (CTHO) reports to the Chief Executive Officer and ensures SNAHC is defined by Indigenous cultures and traditions.
Nathan currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Oakland Native American Health Center. He has served as Deputy Director for the Friendship House Association of American Indians and has expertise in substance use disorder counseling and specific training in traditional American Indian practices and the use of traditional medicines in a treatment setting. Nathan holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in leadership, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and certification from the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals as a certified alcohol drug abuse counselor III (CADC-III).
“Adding the Chief Traditional Health Officer position to the executive leadership team prioritizes the integration of cultural ways of knowing into every aspect of our work,” said Britta Guerrero, CEO. “Everything we do here centers wellness through balance of mind, body and spirit. Nathan’s commitment to Native values have been demonstrated though years of leadership and experience, his connection to culture and community make him uniquely suited for this important role.”
The CTHO will lead the integration of Traditional Medicine into all SNAHC programs and services. The CTHO will ensure that program development is aligned with SNAHC’s vision and Patient-Centered Health Home principles. The CTHO is responsible for leading the expansion of Traditional Medicine and Cultural Practices throughout the agency and will partner with the community-at-large to ensure access to necessary and supportive healing modalities.
Please join us in welcoming Nathan to the SNAHC Team.
Sacramento Native American Health Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center committed to continue and share the legacy of a healthy American Indian / Alaska Native community based on cultural values delivered through a traditional, innovative and accessible patient-centered health home. SNAHC offers primary care, oral health, behavioral health, specialty, and supportive services in midtown Sacramento. We are open to all, and all are welcome. For more information on SNAHC, visit www.snahc.org or call 916-341-0575 for an appointment.
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