The Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center hopes to serve as a beacon for those struggling with addiction in Milwaukee. In 2021, Native Americans suffered 56.6 overdose deaths per 100,000 people, the highest among all racial or ethnic groups, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Wisconsin, the Native overdose death rate is even higher at 80.4 per 100,000 people in 2021, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

“Here in Milwaukee, the Native population has the highest overdoses compared to all other populations. This is an epidemic,” said Lyle Ignace, a physician who is the CEO of the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center. “There is a strong spiritual, emotional and mental health element rooted in the daily struggle of our community,” he said. The center incorporates traditional healing methods including powwows, drum circles and sweat lodges into treatment.