Skip to main content
NATCON24 Main banner
Back

Chepa Rank, DSW, CSW, QMHP (she/her/hers)

Social Worker
Consultant
Fort Thompson, South Dakota

Dr. Melita “Chepa” Rank, a member of the Hunkpati Dakota Tribe, is a dedicated social worker whose mission centers around holistic wellness and well-being within Tribal and Indigenous communities. Her work is driven by transformative and innovative best practices aimed at tackling the significant challenges faced by our communities knowing our people are a vital resource and asset. Dr. Rank’s impactful work includes integrated systems for wellness with the emphasize on cultural strengths as a pathway to wellness and well-being knowing our cultural traditions, customs, beliefs, and practices are the foundation to well-being and wellness. Dr. Rank champions the belief-as relatives we are the primary responders who are critical in providing the help where needed and lead the way in centering our well-being.

Recognizing the alarming rates of suicide in Indigenous nations, Dr. Rank works tirelessly on suicide prevention initiatives. Her efforts aim to provide support, resources, and hope. Within Tribal nations, Dr. Rank advocates for services centered in physical, mental, and spiritual well-being that fosters a culture of overall wellness. A cornerstone value she holds at the forefront is utilizing a collective impact approach to improve health and utilization of data for programmatic decision-making.

Dr. Rank's educational pathway began in Head Start and holds Doctor of Social Work from the University of Southern California. She is a Mental Health First Aid National Trainer, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and other prevention-based programs. She resides on the Hunkpati Nation where she has been fortunate to raise her family and enjoy her grandchildren.

Presentation(s):