Native Children’s Trauma Center Funds Nurse
Nurse practitioner Karan Harkness of Fayette, Ala., is currently assisting the health department in Wolf Point with immunizations and COVID-19 related case investigations. Harkness is working under the supervision of the health department with funding from the National Native Children’s Trauma Center in Missoula. She told the Northern Plains Independent that she has been in the area since January.
“I came here in January to work on suicide prevention efforts with the Fort Peck Tribes,” said Harkness.
She said she went home for two weeks in April and was then contact by NNCTC director Maegan Rides At The Door, who asked if she would be willing to work from home during the pandemic. Harkness said she worked remotely in this capacity before returning to the area in June to support the health department and assist with immunizations.
The Roosevelt County commissioners passed a memorandum of understanding July 7 to allow one nurse practitioner to work under health department head Patty Presser with funding from NNCTC. Harkness said she has been working with the health department’s Francis Hays on case investigations and contact tracing. She’s also been working with the department’s Karla Thompson on immunizations.
September is suicide prevention month and while Harkness has transitioned out of direct suicide pre- vention work, she said the two fields overlap.
“When young mothers come in for immunizations,” said Harkness, “we try to evaluated for postpartum depression and other issues.”
The stint in Wolf Point is Harkness’s first visit to Montana. She said she loves the weather and spends her free time spotting wildlife like deer and antelope to share with members of her family back in Alabama who love to hunt.
“I send them pictures and they drool,” said Harkness.
To reach the Roosevelt County Health Department, call 653-6223 or visit rooseveltcounty. org/health-department.
If you are experiencing suicidal feelings or thoughts and want help, call the Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 24/7, at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) or text “MT” to 741 741.
The national suicide prevention lifeline is 800-273-8255.
