SUMMER 2016
NAHCNEWS
Serving the Community since 1972
National Safety Month
Native American Health Center’s mission is to provide comprehensive services to improve the health and well-being of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and residents of the surrounding communities, with respect for cultural and linguistic differences.
7G1D stands for 7 Generations 1 Direction, our Commitment to Continued Quality Improvement for our members and our future.
by Dawn Lulua-Claxton (Chilcotin) | Compliance Associate Do you ever lie awake at night worrying about disasters that could strike your home and family? Being prepared may not prevent a disaster but it will give you confidence to meet the challenge. Our preparedness program will give you a great start. It’s important to prepare for possible disasters and other emergencies. Natural and human-caused disasters can strike suddenly, at any time and anywhere. There are actions everyone can take that can help make a difference.
Get and stay prepared at home: 1. Get a kit – water, first aid kit, flashlights, etc. 2. Discuss kit rules with your family 3. Personalize your kit – medications, pets, etc. 4. Make an Evacuation Plan 5. Have a 1 minute drill with your family. For more information, go to www.redcross.org Serving the Community since 1972
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CULTURE IS PREVENTION
Water Walk 2016
Our annual Water Walk ceremony was held on May 17th at Ocean Beach this year. The Water Walk reminds us of the sacredness of the water a nd creates an awareness of our responsibility to care for the water. Visiting the site beforehand was encouraged to give an offering with your prayers.
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Serving the Community since 1972
COMMUNITY WELLNESS
Welcome Jennifer Tiger, Our New Community Wellness Director
We are excited to introduce our new Community Wellness Director, Jennifer Tiger of the Osage, Chickasaw, Euchee and Delaware tribes. Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s degree from Mills College in Political, Legal and Economic Analysis and is a certified Project Manager from Stanford Center for Professional Development. As Community Wellness Director, she will be responsible for the strategic planning and the overall performance of the department, as well as coordinating all day-to-day outreach and prevention community services. In collaboration with NAHC’s Executive Leadership Team, Jennifer will strive to ensure high quality, effective community programming and culturallybased outreach and prevention services are available to the San Francisco Bay Area Native American community. She will also ensure the sustainability of existing community programs and services, and seek and implement new program and service opportunities that compliment current programs and that meet the needs of the Native American population. Jennifer comes to us from the Osage Nation of Oklahoma, where she served as Director for the Office of Strategic Planning and Grants Management. Her experience and accomplishments include administration and compliance of federal, state and tribal grant funding and special project activities, chairing the Strategic Planning Executive Steering Committee, and researching and implementing grants management systems. Jennifer Tiger has a passion for healthy living that she learned from her mother who was a Community Health Representative for over 20 years and is looking forward to sharing that passion with our community. In her free time, she enjoys photography and cruising on her motorcycle and to stay healthy, she enjoys eating a traditional diet, active workouts, gardening and swimming laps in the pool. Serving the Community since 1972
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EMPLOYEE WELLNESS
Bike To Work Day & Employee Wellness by Shauna Pirotin, MPH, RD | Clinic Dietician In recognition of employee wellness and Bike to Work Day, Nutrition and Fitness encouraged staff to bike to work on May 12 and May 13 for a chance to win a raffle. Staff that got on the saddle and powered their way to work included Anola Small and David Lichtenstein, Dr. Joseph Marquis, Laura McLively and Shauna Pirotin. Congratulations to these staff and any staff that contemplated biking to work! And a high five to Courtney Cummings that hosted a Bike to Work Energizer Station at our Richmond site! Nutrition and Fitness plans to hold a larger Bike to Work Day event next year, so keep May 2017 in mind and start gearing up to Bike to Work. If you have any suggestions about the event, please feel free to contact Shauna Pirotin. Bike to Work Day is a day to encourage fitness in our community. Did you know that the minimum exercise recommended daily is 30 minutes for Adults and 1 hour for children? And that our bodies need both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises weekly? Exercise Recommendations According to the CDC, the percent of adults 18 years of age and over who met the Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic physical activity is 49.2%; and much less (20.8%) meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. The National Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults engage in a minimum of 30 minutes daily or 150 minutes weekly of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. These include activities that raise your heart rate and make you sweat and breathe hard, such as brisk walking, dancing, gardening and slow biking. Exercise can be broken down into intervals throughout the day, but intervals need to be at least 10 minutes long to stimulate health benefits. You can increase health benefits from exercise by engaging in more than the recommended amount, and by increasing exercise intensity. Vigorous intensity exercises include running, soccer, swimming laps, jump rope and bicycling on hills. It is also recommended to spread out exercise throughout the week so your body spends less prolonged periods being sedentary. For example, instead of exercising during three consecutive days, such as Friday, Saturday and Sunday, your body will benefit more if you work out every other day such as Saturday, Monday and Wednesday.
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Serving the Community since 1972
The National Physical Activity Guidelines also recommend to incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises involving all major muscle groups into your exercise routine at least twice a week. These exercises include lifting weights, sit ups, push-ups and using resistance bands. A good muscle-strengthening routine includes a set of five or more different exercises using different muscle groups. Why exercise? There are many health benefits to exercise. Exercise helps us maintain a healthy body weight, reduces stress and reduces risk of heart disease and diabetes. Exercise can help lower blood pressure, control blood sugar, reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol and raise good (HDL) cholesterol. Why both aerobic and muscle-strengthening? The combination of both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises is important in maintaining our whole body. Aerobic activity increases endurance by increasing the capacity of our cardiorespiratory system, while muscle strengthening activities help build strength and improve and maintain function of our muscles, tendons and joints. The combination of these exercises provides greater benefits for our metabolic health. In clinical trials with Diabetes patients, combining muscle strengthening exercises with aerobic activity showed an additive benefit in lowering Hemoglobin A1C levels (American Diabetes Association). Show off what you do to be healthy! Nutrition and Fitness regularly updates a Wellness Bulletin Board in the 7D Staff Lounge. This quarter, we would like to make a collage of staff photos showing off what they do to be healthy. That means you! Send us a picture of yourself doing your favorite exercise activity or sport, of what you do to eat healthy, or anything else you do to be healthy. All staff that submit photos will be entered in a raffle to win a Target Gift Card. Please submit your photo via email or inter-office mail to Shauna Pirotin at Nutrition and Fitness- shaunap@nativehealth.org –by Friday, July 15, 2016. Along with your photo include your name, department and description of your favorite healthy activity.
EMPLOYEE WELLNESS
Serving the Community since 1972
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STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
Martin Waukazoo Honored At SFCCC Annual Gala NAHC congratulates Mr. Martin Waukazoo, Chief Executive Officer of Native American Health Center, on his recent award presented at the San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium Gala. The award honored Mr. Waukazoo’s lifetime of accomplishments in the health field for the American Indian population. SFCCC is a partnership of nonprofit health centers that provides leadership and fosters innovation to improve community health.
Thank you to HR for Staff Appreciation Week By Essie Santana Tuttle (Mayan, Azteca) | Credential & Licensing Associate I saw so many staff laughing and truly enjoying themselves with fun hats, matching and crazy clothing patterns, etc. And although I could not make it, I hear the Night at the Museum event was a total blast, yummy food, and overall fun all week long. I’ve worked in offices since the early ‘80s and hardly any companies show this type of appreciation and I truly appreciate being appreciated! Big thanks to our great HR staff, the senior management for approving the costs, and everyone who participated in an awesome, fun week! 6
Serving the Community since 1972
CULTURE IS PREVENTION
Native Love 2016
NAHC Media’s 3rd annual Native Love fashion show was recently held on May 20th at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. It was a beautiful celebration of Indigenous creativity across North, Central and South America and served as a reclamation of continued Indigenous innovations, creativity, and style in fashion, jewelry and art. A big thank you goes out to all the staff and community members who helped put it on!
Serving the Community since 1972
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EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION
In Gratitude: NAHC Employee Appreciation Events 2016 By Natalie Aguilera (Choctaw) | Director of Human Resources NAHC wants to thank you for a the staff. If you have not had a chance to successful Staff Appreciation (SA) Week! see pictures, please visit the HR Corner in the HRIS portal (mynahc.epicor.com). Over About ten years ago, the Human Resources 80% of staff enjoyed Spirit Week and want (HR) team thought to acknowledge staff to see it again, based on a survey. dedication to serving the community with fun activities during a week-long period. Another staff favorite is the lunch that took Here we are in 2016 and just concluded place at each site. 95% of the staff provided our 9th annual Staff Appreciation week. positive feedback and want to see it again The past nine years have varied from ice in the future. This continues to be a favorite cream socials, chair massages, A’s games event and gives everyone time to relax and much more. The HR team continuously and enjoy lunch with colleagues from their analyzes staff feedback to refine activities own and other departments. A new activity each year. NAHC would like to give a in this year’s lineup was to offer staff an special shout-out to Eulalia Valerio, Director opportunity to appreciate each other by of Member Services, for her consistent purchasing Star Grams. The Youth Services contribution of great ideas to enhance the Department led this effort; and sold and week. This year Eulalia suggested the Office delivered over 375 Star Grams to staff at all Relay games (which she also led at each sites. This activity served a dual function, site) and Spirit Week, which proved to be as it was also a fundraiser for the Youth successful based on the participation from Summer Program and made over $435. 8
Serving the Community since 1972
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION Lastly, for the second year in a row, staff and their families capped off the week by leaving work early and enjoying an evening at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA.) This event has been a favorite, as it appeals to staff with and without children. It’s such a positive and heartwarming feeling to be in the OMCA courtyard and see over 300 colleagues and their loved ones enjoying themselves in a relaxed environment. True to NAHC form, what would an event be without a cultural component; many people participated in the Round Dance led by drummers Michael Bellanger and Manny Lieras.
Human Resources wants acknowledge the following staff who assisted with activities. Thank you Anna Kaminski and Christina Scott (CWD); Eulalia Valerio (7D); Cherie Jalipa-Shirley (SF), Patricia Want (Alameda) and Adrian Marcus-Flores (7D) for your help throughout Staff Appreciation Week! Thank you all for your dedication and hard work; we know how busy you are. You are what makes NAHC special!
Serving the Community since 1972
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COMMUNITY SOLIDARITY
NAHC stands with Orlando and our
Hotline information for direct contact with
thoughts and prayers are with the victims,
a counselor, 24/7. All the following coun-
their families and everyone affected by
ty telephone services are listed as 24/7
this tragedy.
access, free of charge, and confidential.
There is also an ongoing memorial at the corner of 18th Street and Castro in San Francisco if anyone would like to bring flowers, leave a note/sign or light a candle for the lives that were lost.
• All SF residents can access counselling services at: Behavioral Health Access Center (BHAC): 415-255-3737, or 888-246-3333. • Alameda County residents may call: Community Crisis Response Program at
800-491-9099
or
510-268-7836.
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1-800-854-1446 (English) and 7-877-
• Contra Costa County residents may call
858-2147 (Spanish). The EAP can provide
1-888-678-7277 or either of two Contra
assistance with counseling or grief coun-
Costa Crisis Service lines: the Crisis and
seling for NAHC employees. 10
Serving the Community since 1972
Suicide: 800-833-2900 or Grief Counseling line at: 800-837-1818.”
EYE HEALTH
NAHC Rocks First Ever Eye Clinic for SF Patients by Laura McLively, CDE, RD | Nutrition & Fitness Manager April 2016 was the kick-off for NAHC’s first ever Retinal Clinic. This week-long event allowed SF patients with diabetes to receive their annual diabetic eye exam (a.k.a. retinal screening) within the walls of their home clinic. An annual retinal screening is an important part of diabetes care, as it can help detect problems before they lead to blindness. Before now, SF patients faced many barriers to receiving their annual eye exam, including the additional time and transportation costs of traveling to another site for their exam. After this single event, the rate of diabetes patients who received an annual retinal screening sky-rocketed to 58%, compared to only 5% in previous years. Due to excellent coordination between many different departments, NAHC was able to move the 7D retinal camera over to SF for this event, secure a space, provide retinal photographers, schedule visits, and incentivize patients with gift cards. Thank you to the staff of Nutrition & Fitness, Information Technology, Data Team, SF Member Services, SF Medical, SF Admin, SF Facilities, and WIC for their cooperation and participation in pulling off this event. A second retinal clinic is being planned for the end of this year. Serving the Community since 1972
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CULTURE IS PREVENTION
New Grant Awarded by Janet King (Lumbee) | Community Program Manager We did it! The Community Wellness Department (CWD) got awarded a grant from the Office of Health Equity of the California Department of Public Health to show evidence that one of our best practices called Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) works! GONA, a manualized curriculum for a three day workshop was devised 25 years ago by Native American leaders to prevent substance use in Native American communities. The model was successful not only in the prevention of substance use but also in the promotion of mental health and the rebuilding of Native American communities that have become fragmented because of federal policies. The model focuses on re-learning Native American culture and becoming aware of the untold story of historical trauma. CWD Youth Services has been conducting a summer GONA for the past 14 consecutive years. While all those involved have seen the positive effects of the GONA on our youth there is no formalized study to show these positive effects are the results of having experienced a GONA. This grant with the Office of Health Equity called the California Reducing Disparities Project Phase two will give us that opportunity to conduct a formalized study. We will be partnering with other Native American agencies to have some comparative data to show the effectiveness of GONA. Once the evidence is logged in funding streams will open up for us and other community based organizations in CA to operate their best practices. This endeavor to fund best practices is part of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) passed in 2004 to transform the mental health system in CA from expensive practices that do not work to effective practices that work and serve historically un-served, not served and inappropriately served populations. Part of the transformation of the MHSA is have more preventive, early interventive and innovative programs to prevent the disabling effects of severe mental illness. We are part of the history in CA to transform our mental health system from a fail first system to help first system. 12
Serving the Community since 1972
CULTURE IS PREVENTION Under the guidance of Richard Movescamp, WKT is excited to once again organize the manhood ceremony for our sons and nephews. The 9 young men participating are as follows: Keshkoli and Cheta (sons of Tisti and Josh); Amaru and Atwanisqua (sons of Nadya and Hector); Kowachani (son of Georgia and Sam); Tyler (son of Gloria and Jeremy); Darren (son of Lura and Herb); and Maba (son of Julia and Rob); Julian (son of Betty Trujillo). The Manhood ceremony is a 4 day long, community-wide event that honors the transition from childhood to young adulthood and acknowledges each male for his individual by Martin Waukazoo (Lakota) | CEO gifts and talents. Unlike formal schooling, where Recently, NAHC was a sponsor of this ceremony. one is trained to develop marketable skills in Rebuilding the community foundation is order to enter the job market, the Manhood ceremony promotes spiritual understanding essential for us to ensure better health. and teaches responsibility for self, the family, community and society at large.
Manhood Ceremony
Native Strong by Cara Little (DinĂŠ, Zuni, Oglala Lakota) Peer Specialist On Thursday May 26th 2016, Washoe TANF of Oakland, in partnership with the Strong Families Home Visiting Program at the Native American Health Center, held its 3rd Annual Native Strong Event, a family wellness conference and resource fair. This conference is open to the community and serves both TANF and Strong Families clients. Every year both Strong Families and Washoe TANF team up to make this event an opportunity to have all of the families come together to attend workshops and gather resources. We were very blessed this year to offer ten sessions of workshops and presentations. The day was filled with healthy activities and wellness information for the families. We were excited to see our moms, dads, kids and babies enjoy a range of experiences, from making homemade soap with one of our very own home visitors, to getting tips on child
safety outside of the home. Parents had a fun time dancing with their little ones to the music, bringing together the elements of fitness during Zumba and UJam sessions. Not to mention, participants were engaged in all workshops throughout the day, as they were offered tools on creating a healthier connection with their child and discussed the importance of financial health and wellness, to name a few. By the end of the day, families went home with more than just a couple handouts They were full of ideas and a reminder of the strengths they hold as a parent to their child. It is always wonderful to see the families we serve throughout the year gather for an event like this one; there is a connection we all share at this moment that brings comfort and offers encouragement to one another as a mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, auntie or uncle to care for our children and families.
Serving the Community since 1972
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SCHOOL BASED HEALTH
School-Based Health Centers Focus on the Determinants of Health by Tamar Kurleander | Associate Director of SBHC On-time high school graduation is one of the leading indicators of adult health (Healthy People 2020), and is therefore a public health priority. In Oakland, however, high school graduation rates are lower than the state average. At Skyline High, for example, the graduation rate is 69% compared to the State average of 81%. By now, you may have heard the term Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). There is a growing global movement focused on the social determinants of health as an effective strategy to address health inequities. The SDoHs are the conditions in which we live, work, play and learn. SDoHs include housing, economic opportunity, education, employment and freedom from discrimination. A SDOH lens focuses on the “causes behind the causes� rather than individual behaviors. A SDOH approach would look 14
Serving the Community since 1972
beyond a sedentary lifestyle as a cause of obesity, and instead, turn the focus to healthy food access and neighborhood safety. In an effort to address the social determinants of health that impede graduation, the Seven Generations School-Based Health Center at Skyline High School is partnering with the American Public Health Association. Social and environmental conditions lead to health disparities that impede graduation. These health disparities (e.g. hunger, teen pregnancy, chronic stress) disproportionately impact urban minorities, perpetuating a cycle of school dropout and poor health. The NAHC school-based health centers, with support from strategic partners, are well-positioned to coordinate and implement comprehensive strategies that advance equity and prevent school dropout.
SCHOOL BASED HEALTH In phase I of our SDOH project, we conducted a school-wide assessment at Skyline High School in February of 2016. Over 1200 students were assessed (70% of the school population). Below are some of the early key findings: • 39% of school population are at risk academically (grades lower than ‘C’s) • 37% struggle with depression • 28% sometimes miss school because they have to take care of someone or go to work We are currently implementing the next phase of the project, which involves student discussion groups. The discussion groups validate and deepen the understanding of the survey findings by giving voice to Skyline’s students. All the data will be used to develop a comprehensive set of school-wide strategies that include approaches across 3 levels: 1. Clinical interventions with individuals and groups 2. Primary prevention with the school wide population 3. Systems review and or creation of policies and practices in the clinic, school or community to support our goals Ultimately, we aim to increase attendance rates, decrease suspension/expulsion rates and reduce adolescent health risk behaviors. Interest in the social determinants of health is mounting as more and more health practitioners recognize the limits of clinical interventions. In May, school-based health superstars Bonnie Trinclisti, Louise Torrez and Jessica Vu presented the Skyline High SDOH project and findings to a crowded room at the CA School Health Alliance Conference in Sacramento. Research suggests that urban minority youth are at the highest risk of dropping out of school. When an Oakland youth drops out of school, the health implications impact the rest of their life. The School-Based Health Department is excited to be part of a project with potential for lasting impact. We look forward to advancing strategies that make a real difference in the health and educational outcomes of our youth.
Serving the Community since 1972
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NATURAL RECIPES
Acai ‘Super’ Smoothie Recipe by Anesti Vega (Tupinambá) | Media Program Manager Ingredients: • • • •
1 peeled banana, cut in half 1/2 cup reduced-fat milk 1 1/2 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt 1 (100 gram) packet frozen acai pulp (about 6 tablespoons) • 2 cups frozen blueberries • 2 tablespoons honey • 1 cup ice Instructions: 1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. 2. Serve immediately and enjoy! 16
Serving the Community since 1972
Acai (ah-sigh-ee) is the berry from an Amazon palm tree harvested in the rainforests of Brazil and is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. The berries have powerful detoxification capacities in the human body and are a well known traditional source of dietary fiber. Acai berries are extremely high in anthocyanins, a form of antioxidant associated with the ability to lower cholesterol levels in the blood stream. They are also rich in plant sterols that provide cardio-protective benefits to our cells. It does this by preventing blood clots, improving overall blood circulation, and relaxing the blood vessels.
Serving the Community since 1972
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Deadlines and Release Dates for our Newsletter Fall Newsletter Submission Deadline | September 9th, 2016 Release Date | September 23rd, 2016
Spring Newsletter Submission Deadline | March 2nd 2017 Release Date | March 19th, 2017
Winter Newsletter Submission Deadline | December 15th, 2016 Release Date | January 18th, 2017
Summer Newsletter Submission Deadline | June 1st, 2017 Release Date | June 20th, 2017
Anesti Vega (TupinambĂĄ) Media Program Manager | Garrett Rich (Navajo) Media Coordinator
OUR MISSION Native American Health Center’s mission is to provide comprehensive services to improve the health and well-being of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and residents of the surrounding communities, with respect for cultural and linguistic differences.