Tribe Joins Mercy Medical Center in Expanding Behavioral Health in Roseburg

The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians joined leaders at Mercy Medical Center on Tuesday for the dedication of a new behavioral health facility in Roseburg.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe donated $150,000 to assist in the construction of the 12-bed inpatient unit as part of its continued commitment to expanding access to behavioral health care throughout the region.

Through the Tribal Board of Directors, the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Government has a strong record of supporting efforts to expand behavioral health options in Southern Oregon’s communities. The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians operates a Behavioral Health department within the Cow Creek Health and Wellness Center for Tribal citizens and members of the public seeking mental health and counseling services.

In 2019, Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe also approved the donation of $500,000 to the Asante Foundation for a remodeled behavioral health center in Medford to better serve the entire Rogue Valley.

“When our treaty was signed in 1853, our ancestors were in a mindframe of peace. Though steadfast in who they were and the strength of their families and culture, they were tired of war, and they sought to make their lives better,” Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Chairman Carla Keene said during remarks at the grand opening. “We believe this will be a supportive environment for others who seek peace and change. We look forward to seeing how this shapes the health and happiness of our community.”

In recognition of Tuesday’s donation, the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe was given the honor of naming a conference room in the building. Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal leaders chose the name Council Creek, a location in their Southern Douglas County ancestral homelands which holds cultural and spiritual significance.

“We chose Council Creek because that was the location where our ancestors signed one of two treaties with the United States,” Chair Keene said.

The Council Creek room will be used as a conference room, open to treatment teams and patient families to meet and plan next steps for those seeking services. Though the unit is not open to patients yet, staff was in place and giving tours to leaders of the community at Tuesday’s event. Donations from the community for the unit, such as water, snacks and other items are welcome.

In addition to Keene’s remarks, Cow Creek Umpqua Education Programs Officer Jesse Jackson performed on both drum and flute for the event, and Cultural Resources Manager Jennifer Bryant offered a prayer in the Cow Creek Umpqua ancestral language of Takelma.

For more information about Cow Creek Health and Wellness Center, visit cowcreek-nsn.gov/health to learn more.