The Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Council is considering an agreement that could bring more counseling services directly to the White Mesa community in southeast Utah.
At its May 26 meeting, White Mesa representative Contessa Talahash presented a proposed memorandum of understanding with San Juan Counseling Services. The agreement would allow providers to offer counseling and related services in White Mesa, rather than requiring community members to travel for care.
Talahash told council members that access to counseling and treatment services from the tribe’s main offices in Towaoc, Colorado, has been limited for White Mesa residents. She said communication has been inconsistent, and some community members face transportation barriers when trying to get to appointments.
San Juan Counseling Services said the proposed agreement could include counseling, referrals, and support for people dealing with substance use or court-related requirements. Providers also said they could help connect people with Medicaid or sliding-scale payment options when needed.
Several council members voiced support for expanding services in White Mesa. Councilman Elston Turtle said the need for treatment and recovery support extends beyond one community.
“As we look at this issue that we’re going through, and it’s a big one, it’s not just in the community of White Mesa, but it’s here in Towaoc as well,” Turtle said during the meeting.
He said the tribe needs to address gaps in communication and access to services, adding that those gaps are hurting tribal members.
Other council members also connected the discussion to broader concerns about substance use, grief and the loss of tribal members. The issue came up several times during the meeting, including during council reports.
Council members were broadly supportive of the proposal, but did not formally approve the agreement during the May 26 meeting. Instead, they asked White Mesa officials to bring the proposal back in resolution form at the council’s next meeting on June 9.
White Mesa is located in Utah, about 79 miles from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe’s headquarters in Towaoc.
