@NAHC NAHC Responds to Troubling Product in the Fashion Industry By, Sandra Tavel Grants and Contracts Administrator For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest sleeping in the unplowed ground. Is our world gone? We say, “Farewell.” Is a new world coming? We welcome it—and we will bend it to the hopes of man.
of American Indians and Alaska Natives today, right now. American Indians and Alaska Natives have had to fight to keep almost everything—their lands, languages, customs, religions and cultures. Laws had to be created (American Indian Religious Freedom and Indian Health Care Improvement Acts, to name a couple) just to counter original policies that stripped Indigenous people of their rights.
-Lyndon B. Johnson, cited on the pages of a U.S. Passport In recent news, the Gap in collaboration with GQ (Gentleman’s Quarterly Magazine) designed a t-shirt that read, “MANIFEST DESTINY,” which incited a charged response throughout Indian Country via Facebook, Twitter, and website comments that caused Gap to pull the product out of the market: (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/16/gap-manifest-destiny-tshirt_n_1970659.html). Manifest Destiny was never a policy per se, but it was a political catch phrase and platform the U.S. government used in the mid to late 1800s to justify colonization at all costs. Mainstream history books and curricula taught in schools largely teach that the U.S. was a big empty, ripe for European pioneers to settle and populate. But there’s a problem with that: the U.S. wasn’t empty nor were the Americas, “discovered” or untouched by anyone. These lands were already inhabited and used by Indigenous people of all nations. Throughout U.S. history, the government has used its power to exterminate, kill, assimilate, and change American Indians’ and Alaska Natives’ lives, culture and religion to suit its interest in the land and resources used (or not used) by these First Nations people long before colonization. Currently, there are 468 federally recognized tribes in the U.S. along with hundreds that aren’t “recognized” despite all the herculean efforts made to get rid of them. That’s what Manifest Destiny was—a catch phrase with political and European, religious connotations that encouraged white settlers to expand westward at any cost. This idea painted Indigenous people as “hostile” and sub-human—animals which were considered at best, a nuisance and at worst, a threat. These ideas were woven into actual laws and policy that impact the lives
The very reason Native American Health Center exists is partly because of this complex history—to offer Indigenous people a place to receive care that understands and respects their cultural needs. As an agency, we were very disappointed to see that a mainstream clothing manufacturer in tandem with a major magazine collaborated on a design that arguably advertises and celebrates the brutal impact of colonization that millions of people would see and accept as part of society’s landscape. It’s heartening to know that through social media, we can respond to these injustices and that our responses compel business and corporations to rethink their audience. Gap is an international brand. We all know the impact of brand recognition, globally. What are we telling the rest of the world if we allow such messages to go unchecked? The American Indian and Alaska Native communities across the U.S. share an incredible quality of resilience despite globally unfavorable odds. This recent event shows us that society has a lot of work to do regarding history; how it’s told; and what are truthful elements vs. those that promote an agenda that is damaging to communities of color.
HR Buzz November Anniversaries
Thank you for your service to our agency
Safety Importance /Awareness By: Jennifer Luna/HR Generalist
Jerri L. Classen Oakland Medical
Start Date: 11/7/1989 23 Years of Service
Leah Shimabuku WIC
Start Date: 11/8/1990 22 Years of Service
Alfonso Galindo Oakland Dental
Start Date: 11/6/1992 20 Years of Service
Jennifer Ramirez Central Registration
Start Date: 11/ 27/2004 8 Years of Service
Antonio Tudio Fiscal
Start Date: 11/8/2005 7 Years of Service
Catherine Chapman SF Medical
Start Date: 11/1/2006 6 Years of Service
Gina Robinson Oakland Medical
Start Date: 11/30/ 5 Years of Service
Larry Aguilera Maintenance
Start Date: 11/18/2008 4 Years of Service
Cherie Jalipa SF Administration
Start Date: 11/3/2008 4 years of Service
Jayme Mejia Oakland Medical
Start Date: 11/12/2008 4 Years of Service
Mario Martinez-Alvarez WIC
Start Date: 11/16/2009 3 Years of Service
Laura McLively Nutrition & Fitness
Start Date: 11/30/2009 3 Years of Service
Ana Noriega Oakland Dental
Start Date: 11/1/2009 3 Years of Service
NAHC will be arranging a SNAP business outreach to come to our facility to discuss additional resources and safety tips for employees, please be on the lookout for upcoming dates and times. In the mean time we wanted to share some tips to help you gain awareness of how to improve your personal safety as you travel through life and your daily activities:
Kelly Castel SF Community Wellness
Start Date: 11/15/2010 2 Years of Service
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Martha Martinez Community Wellness
Start Date: 11/2/2010 2 Years of Service
Alicia Bad Heart Bull Oakland Medical
Start Date: 11/14/2010 2 Years of Service
Marca Cassity SF Community Wellness
Start Date: 11/1/2011 1 Year of Service
KEEP YOUR MONEY TO YOURSELF. When you go out for lunch or to your favorite coffee shop, do not take your money out of your wallet to count it before paying. All it takes is for a criminal to see the money you have to be tempted to target you. Instead of counting out cash, pay with a card or pull out only the bills you need to pay for your order.
Yesenia Deras Oakland Dental
Start Date: 11/19/2011 1 Year of Service
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Catherine Lively SF Community Wellness
Start Date: 11/28/2011 1 Year of Service
Ricky Santana SF Community Wellness
Start Date: 11/28/2011 1 Year of Service
Jacky Su SF Dental
Start Date: 11/28/2011 1 Year of Service
WALK WITH PURPOSE. When you are walking on the streets or through a parking lot, you have someplace to go, right? Well it should look that way. When you walk with purpose, you put your phone in your pocket or purse and you look towards your destination. Your eyes are up and not pointed to the ground in front of you. You are looking around at the people around you and making eye contact to show how confident you are.
Eshme Williams SF Medical
Start Date: 11/29/2011 1 Year of Service
Safety is a concern at Native American Health Center. We are committed to promoting a safe working environment within our control and we are seeking resources for employees to utilize within our community. Did you know the Unity Council has teamed up with the Oakland Police Department to start a Safety & Neighborhood Ambassador Program (SNAP)? This is a pilot program targeted for the Fruitvale district in the areas of 29th to 31st street. There are SNAP employees who patrol the area from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays. You can call the SNAPS program at: (510) 719-6514 and request an escort when walking alone at night.
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USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM when possible. There is always safety in numbers, and at all times you should walk with someone, especially after dark. PARK IN WELL-LIT AREAS. Always park in well-lit areas and lock your doors to discourage would-be thieves from breaking into your car. After you park, stay in well-lit areas. During the evening hours, walk along illuminated pathways. HAVE YOUR KEYS HANDY. Carry your keys in your pocket or in your hand as you approach and leave your car. Keys can make for a great weapon should you be approached aggressively.
The reality of life is that crimes can occur. Because of this, it is essential to learn some tips on how to stay safe in public places. When you learn how to stay safe in public, you decrease your chances of becoming a victim.
Get out the Vote!
Election Day November 6th, 2012 A Reminder that this TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6th is ELECTION DAY! In preparation to ROCK YOUR Native VOTE please find some helpful resources below: • • • •
Do you know where your Polling Place is? https://www.google.com/elections/ed/us/vote Need to review the Propositions on the Ballot this year? http://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/pdf/ Election Protection: http://www.866ourvote.org/ Know your Rights as a Voter and Report issues. You have the Right to Vote! 1-866-OUR-VOTE
NAHC Policy Says: 206.4.3 Leaves of Absence, Mandated b. Policy: Voting Time NAHC encourages employees to fulfill their civic responsibilities by exercising their voting rights in city, county, state, and national elections. Generally, employees are able to find time to vote either before or after their regular work schedule. If it is not feasible or practical for employees to vote during non-working hours, they may be granted two hours of paid time off to vote. This time cannot exceed two hours, and unless otherwise agreed upon by the Department Director, must be taken at the beginning or end of the workday. Employees should request time off to vote from their supervisor at least two working days prior to the Election Day. Advance notice is required so that the necessary time off can be scheduled at the beginning or end of the work shift; whichever provides the least disruption to the normal work schedule. Employees taking time off to vote must submit their voting stub or receipt to their supervisor, which in turn will be submitted to the Payroll Department. Without this receipt, the employee will not be paid for the two hours of leave. Be Informed, Be Prepared and ROCK YOUR VOTE! Every Native Vote Counts!
At Seven Directions and hosted by Oakland Youth Services
Reaching out to CSEC Raising NAHC Clinic Awareness and Readiness
Within Alameda County, 1 in 4 CSEC were clinically depressed, 3% were diagnosed with PTSD, and 4% By: Aisha Mays MD, Maggie Dietrich MSIII, Stephanie diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. A shocking 29% of these youth had been hospitalized for a psychiatMarrus MSIII, Onouwem Nseyo MSIII ric reason, and nearly a quarter (24%) had attempted suicide. In regards to their physical health, thirtytwo of the girls (16%) had children and at the time of interview, 8 (3%) were pregnant. Surprisingly, the majority of youth (77%) indicated that they did see a doctor regularly and 33% stated that they were currently being prescribed medications. Finally, although substance abuse amongst this population is relatively low, 28% report having used ecstasy-which many youth use to enable them to have sex. Commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC) is a vulnerable population of youth who often slip through the cracks of the health system, and yet whose health care needs necessitate our attention and service. In order to understand the potential role NAHC could have in aiding these children, we must first gain appreciation for the population and their health care needs.
This is only the tip of the iceberg that represents the medical needs of these CSEC youth. This is all the more reason for our NAHC clinic staff to increase our knowledge of this unique population in an effort to more effectively treat and serve them. To equip and prepare the NAHC clinic to support CSEC youth in our community, 3 medical students from UCSF’s School of Medicine --Maggie Dietrich, Stephanie Ho, and Ono Nseyo-- are working in collaboration with clinic physician Dr. Aisha Mays and the Community Wellness Department to increase awareness of CSEC in our community. We are planning to implement triage protocols for teen girls for on-demand reproductive health services, coordinate an all staff awareness talk with MISSSEY to help to increase staff awareness and sensitivity around working with CSEC, and facilitate linkages to other community organizations.
According to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, a federal law passed in 2000, any child under the age of 18 years old that is used for the purpose of exploitation through sexual servitude (prostitution), regardless of the absence of economic leverage, manipulation, fraud, coercion, threats, force, or violence is considered a commercially sexually exploited child (CSEC). Within Oakland, this population has an especially tangible presence on the thoroughfares of International Boulevard, in close proximity to NAHC’s 7 Directions Unfortunately, CSEC is a growing population in clinic. Oakland. Fortunately but our community at NAHC has Realizing the vast disparities surround this group resources and staff to help these teens in a big of youth, a local organization MISSSEY (Motivating, way. We would like for this to be a team effort and Inspiring, Supporting, and Serving Sexually Exploit- welcome any suggestions or help via email aisharm@ ed Youth) was formed to advocate and facilitate the nativehealth.org . empowerment of CSEC youth through holistic approaches. MISSSEY has researched the healthcare You can also provide feedback or become more involved needs of CSEC youth and have found that street youth with this project by attending the next NAHC supporting suffer disproportionately from serious mental illness, CSEC planning meeting scheduled for November 14th at with CSEC suffering from mental health problems at noon in the 7 Directions courtyard. Thank you, and we look two to five times the rate of the general adolescent forward to working together to support CSEC youth in our community! population (Estes & Weiner, 2001).
Talking Circles:
In San Francisco and Oakland with Steve Darden
What is Meaningful Use?
By: Lillawa Willie, Project Assistant, E.H.R, As NAHC prepares to implement Electronic Health Records (EHR), some of you may have heard the phrase Meaningful Use (MU) come up in EHR discussions. Meaningful Use is a federal program that came out as part of the economic recovery in 2009; it gives money to health care providers who can prove that they are meaningfully using EHR. In other words, if we can prove that we are using NextGen to improve the quality of patient care and the health of our patients, we will get paid. Right now NAHC’s EHR Implementation Team is deciding what measures we will report on to prove that we are doing this. What does this mean for all of us? It means coordination of care will become even more important in the near future; our success in improving health outcomes will now be measured and will determine whether we receive MU money. Dentists, Front Desk Staff, Counselors, Nurse Practitioners, Data Staff, Doctors, Administration and Media: we all play a role in improving the health of our community members. Examples of MU Measures and Responsible Groups
Digital Storytelling at United States Conference on AIDS
By: Parke Ballantine, Video Production Manager and Nazbah Tom, HIV Program Director “The United States Conference on AIDS (USCA), on September 30 – October 3, 2012, at Caesars Palace Hotel in Las Vegas, NV, was an amazing HIV/AIDS meeting. For nearly two decades, USCA has sought “to increase the strength and diversity of the community-based response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic through education, training, new partnerships, collaboration and networking”. This year, the Native American Health Center’s HIV Program Director Nazbah Tom, Video Production Manager Parke Ballantine, and Graphic Designer Lina Blanco collaborated with Asian/Pacific Islander Wellness Center’s Stephanie Goss in a presentation on Digital Storytelling workshops in the HIV/ AIDS community. Our presentation was entitled, “Digital Storytelling: Engaging Communities in Ending HIV Stigma“. Our portion involved speaking to how we adapted digital storytelling to our Urban Native community and about the process we utilize in engaging our community, as well as the ethics of holding stories and distributing them as part of our work at NAHC. In an hour and a half long workshop we had 20-30 attendees, and a few follow-ups for interested organizations and individuals for Digital Storytelling workshops in the future. The overarching theme in this year’s conference, was considering engaging women around HIV prevention and treatment was the myriad of social context issues that inhibit their access to HIV testing and access to and retention in HIV care/ treatment. We were honored to see Sharon Day (Ojibwe) present on Native Women and HIV at one of the plenary lunches. Sharon spoke about the disparities in healthcare provided to Native women and communities, the unique challenges that Native communities face, urban and rural, in stigma, visibility, and access to quality care. Sharon was later honored in NNAAPC’s (National Native American AIDS Prevention Center’s) Red Ribbon Award for her work in HIV/ AIDS. More information about this award can be found here: http://www.nnaapc.org/news/honoringredribbon.htm. The trip proved a success for all of us involved, participating in a number of helpful and innovative workshops, promoting NAHC’s Media services as a revenue generating opportunity for the organization, and bringing inspiration and excitement back to the community in order to better serve.
New Events at 160 Capp Street NEW ONGOING GROUP: Creation Story Circle Wednesdays 2pm-4pm Begins November 28th SAVE THE DATE: The Ancestors are Calling with Deborah Osterberg Thursday November 15th: 12pm-3pm
Cast Your Vote! Make it Count! Tuesday November 6th!