Greetings from Ashley Tuomi, Executive Director... Babamadziwin “Healing Journey” July 2014 - September 2014 Inside this issue: Severe Weather 2 Native Healthy Start 3 “Healing” at AIHFS 4 Powwow Calendar 4 Advisory Council 5 Mindful Meditation 5 Dream Seekers Youth 6 Tobacco Prevention 7 Health Insurance 7 Sacred Bundle 8 Upcoming Events 9 Gardening 10 Łax ayam, It was a long cold winter so we are very excited to see this beautiful spring weather. However, as the snow melted we noticed a lot of damage including our front steps to our main building and the parking lot. We have received funding to replace the steps/ramp and that process will hopefully be starting by the end of June. It is going to cause a lot of problems with the entrance but we will be rerouting everyone so you will still be able to access all of our services during construction. We still need help paying for the parking lot, so we are taking donations if you would like to help. We have a lot of great programs this summer that you are going to read about in this newsletter, and I hope that you will be able to participate. Just a reminder that we are still here to help with health insurance enrollments including the new expanded Medicaid program (Healthy Michigan). Chasity Dial (Operations Director) and I will also be travelling to a lot of the tribes in Michigan to help with their enrollment events as well, so hopefully we will see some of you that might not be here in the Detroit area. Enjoy the newsletter! Ashley Tuomi Executive Director Aanii from AIHFS! Miigwetch to all who came out to the May 2014 Women’s Retreat!
Transcript
Greetings from Ashley Tuomi, Executive Director...
Babamadziwin “Healing Journey”
July 2014 -
September
2014
Inside this issue:
Severe Weather 2
Native Healthy Start 3
“Healing” at AIHFS 4
Powwow Calendar 4
Advisory Council 5
Mindful Meditation 5
Dream Seekers Youth 6
Tobacco Prevention 7
Health Insurance 7
Sacred Bundle 8
Upcoming Events 9
Gardening 10
Łaxayam, It was a long cold winter so we are very excited to see this beautiful spring weather. However, as the snow melted we noticed a lot of damage including our front steps to our main building and the parking lot. We have received funding to replace the steps/ramp and that process will hopefully be starting by the end of June. It is going to cause a lot of problems with the entrance but we will be rerouting everyone so you will still be able to access all of our services during construction. We still need help paying for the parking lot, so we are taking donations if you would like to help. We have a lot of great programs this summer that you are going to read about in this newsletter, and I hope that you will be able to participate. Just a reminder that we are still here to help with health insurance enrollments including the new expanded Medicaid program (Healthy Michigan). Chasity Dial (Operations Director) and I will also be travelling to a lot of the tribes in Michigan to help with their enrollment events as well, so hopefully we will see some of you that might not be here in the Detroit area. Enjoy the newsletter!
Ashley Tuomi Executive Director
Aanii from
AIHFS!
Miigwetch to all who came out to the May 2014 Women’s Retreat!
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How to Protect Yourself from Thunderstorms and Other Types of
Severe Weather By Darius Watkins
LISTEN TO YOUR SAFETY WARNINGS!
When your TV, radio, cellphone or any other form of communication informs you of a “Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Warning” PAY ATTENTION TO IT! Too many people have suffered injury or death because they either failed to take the warning or the watch seriously. If you hear of any these severe weather alerts, take it serious. NO QUESTIONS ASKED. It’s better to take the precautions and be safe rather than to underestimate the precautions and end up exposing yourself to unsafe conditions.
**Note: There is a difference between a “Severe
Thunderstorm Watch and Warning.** A “severe
thunderstorm watch” means that there is a possibility
that severe thunderstorms may strike in the area. A
“severe thunderstorm warning” means that severe
thunderstorms have been spotted in the area and
precautions are to be taken immediately to protect you
and your loved ones.
CREATE A SAFETY PLAN AND DESGINATE A SAFETY
AREA FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES!
It is very important that you and your loved ones
create a safety plan and practice it in your household
to prepare for this type of weather emergency. Keep
in mind that a great
place for a safety area is
an area where there
aren’t any or very few
windows (avoid
windows at all cost) &
typically below the
ground level (basements
are good). If you do not have a basement, make sure
that your area is on the lowest level in the house.
Unplug all electronics, and secure your exits in your
house. Stay low. Remain calm. Until you hear from
your communicative device on when the storm has
passed, stay in your designated safety area.
HAVE AN EMERGENCY BAG READY FOR USE!
In case the worst happens, you want to be prepared for any situation. Your emergency kit should include the following:
Everyone’s bag will be different, and that’s okay. As long as you have these items in your emergency bag you will be prepared in case disaster strikes.
It seems as if the days of Winter have passed (at least we hope) as we now shift towards Summer! Spring
2014 has seen some rough weather lately. One moment it is 82 degrees and sunny, 10 minutes later it’s rain-
ing and you can hear the thunder from above rumbling as the lighting flashes in the sky. We all know rain is a
good thing for our crops, rivers/lakes/oceans (etc.), and most importantly Mother Earth, however we all
need to be reminded that there are times where the weather can become very unsafe for anyone to be
outside. Here are some tips (or reminders) that can help you identify and remain safe during severe weather
conditions this spring:
First Aid Kit (Band-Aids, rubbing al-cohol, peroxide, bandages)
In case you haven’t heard yet. . . the Healthy Start/Family Spirit program expanded in 2014! Our program now serves families starting from when a mother is pregnant, and going all the way up until a child is five years old. We are so excited to be meeting even more families in the community through home visits, health screenings and assessments, breastfeeding support, education about child and family wellness, nutrition, safety, and parenting, and fun group activities like childbirth class and playgroup! If you or your child is Native American or receives services at AIHFS, you may qualify for our program. Contact the Healthy Start/Family Spirit office to learn more.
Education Corner
August 1-7 2014 is World Breastfeeding Week! Did you know that breastfed children have been proven to be at decreased risk for obesity and diabetes? Breastfeeding also decreases an infant’s risk for respiratory infections, ear infections, diarrhea, and asthma. And the benefits don’t just stop there!
Breastfeeding does just as much good for the mother and the
environment. Mothers form a strong emotional bond with their young one, and have decreased risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, and postpartum depression. Not to mention how much money your family will save by skipping all that expensive formula. Without all the bottles, boxes, and jars your family will spend less and create less waste with breastfeeding on top of all the great health benefits.
To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, be sure to talk to all the other mothers in your life and raise their awareness of breastfeeding. You should also make breastfeeding discussion a regular part of your health visits. Here at AIHFS, we have our very own Certified Lactation Counselors: Rosa, Nina, and Rosebud. They work with mothers in the community, supporting them in breastfeeding and encouraging them to continue nursing for at least one year to get the greatest benefits for themselves and their babies. Other resources include womenshealth.org (fact sheets, videos, tons of resources) and La Leche League (llli.org) which is a great source for mother-mother support, guides, FAQs and much more. You can also check out the Michigan Breastfeeding Network (www.mibreastfeeding.org/) and the Metro Detroit/Wayne County Breastfeeding Coalition (facebook.com/WayneCountyBFCoalition) to learn more about events for World Breastfeeding Week. By Nina Eusani and Alex Vogel
Healing Our Bodies, Healing Ourselves By Shiloh Maples
Just in case you haven’t heard yet—Healing Our Bodies, Healing Ourselves is the collection of healthy cooking classes, nutrition lessons, and dance demos we offer here at AIHFS. The cooking demos focus on using traditional native foods in new and exciting ways. Our nutrition lessons offer quick tips for making healthy eating simple and easy. The traditional dance demos at cooking classes and community events bring in local native dancers that showcase various dance styles and demonstrate how to stay active in a traditional way. We know that adding more fruits and vegetables into your everyday diet and staying physically active can help keep you and your family healthy and happy—and it is our goal through these demos to help you do that in a way that helps save time and money at home. Earlier this year, the Dream Seekers youth program finished a healthy cooking and physical activity series. Over the course of the 10-week series, participating youth learned cooking skills and several new healthy recipes to take home. The youth also got see dance demos from a Northern Men’s Traditional, Fancy Shawl , and Grass Dance styles. On Thursdays until June 12th , AIHFS staff are facilitated a healthy eating and physical activity series specifically for elders at NAIA—located at 22720 Plymouth Rd, Detroit, MI. Sessions start at noon, and include a sample of a healthy recipe, a short nutrition lesson geared towards heart health, and gentle stretches to help elders stay active. Later this summer, we will be hosting a 4-week series geared towards parents and families with young children—children are welcome to attend and participate if their guardians are able to assist them. This particular series will focus on exposing our children to new foods and healthy snacks. We also will try some fun games that allow families to stay active together. In August, AIHFS is also hosting a 4-week series for the entire community—which will feature a variety of traditional foods and will incorporate a lot different games and dance demos. Come join us and let’s learn together how to eat healthy, stay active, and be warriors for good health. Keep your eye out for flyers soon! In the meantime, call Martha or Shiloh at (313)846-6030 ext. 1401 for more information.
July 11-13 Sault Tribe Summer Gathering and Powwow– Honoring Our Waters,
Sault Ste Marie, MI
July 27-29 Bay Mills Indian Community 23rd Annual “Honoring Our Veterans” Traditional
Powwow, Brimley, MI
August 9-10 23rd Annual Odawa Homecoming Pow Wow, Harbor Springs, MI
August 31-Sept 1 28th Annual Kee-Boon-Mein-Kaa Pow Wow, Dowagiac, MI
Photo by Brita Brookes of VISION Photography
Izhaadaa Enji-Jiingtamok! Let’s go to the powwow!
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Community Advisory Council By John Marcus
In April Christy Bieber did an awareness event called SuicideTALK. SuicideTALK is an exploration of the question, “Should we talk about suicide?” By looking at this question in a number of different ways, session members may discover and uncover some of the beliefs and ideas about suicide in their community—and in themselves. It would be ideal if most members of a community attended a suicideTALK session. Exposure of even ten percent of a community’s population to suicideTALK may make a significant difference in the support given to suicide prevention activities. Thank you to Christy and the Community Advisory Council members that attended this awareness event. In May we had a presentation on American Indian and Alaska Native prisoner reentry within the urban setting. The presenter was Erica Canady, MSW. This presentation was much appreciated as it is a topic not covered very often. In fact, you could say that across the nation as well as indicated by the lack of data which Erica had eluded to several times. I hope to see more efforts in this area as it is definitely needed. The community advisory council was very much interested in the topic and several members had heartfelt experiences to share for which we thank them. Have a great summer everyone and maybe I will see you at a pow wow! John Marcus ph: 313-846-6030 x1403 email: [email protected]
Mindfulness Meditation at AIHFS Tuesdays 12:30-1:00pm in the Thurman Bear Basement
Open to all community members, clients, and AIHFS staff! “I had been taught to seek the Great Mystery in silence, in the deep forest or on the height of the mountain.” ~Dr. Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa), Santee Sioux Mindfulness is a self-regulation technique and practice of becoming fully present in the moment by focusing attention on one simple task, such as breathing or walking. Many research studies have shown numerous benefits of mindfulness practice that include stress reduction, increased resilience, and the improvement of mood disorders. Mindfulness is utilized in several treatment methods, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
(DBT), and has many benefits to offer clients and health providers alike. Mindfulness is practiced in many different traditions, including Native American cultures. “The elders tell us about the importance of our quiet time. The quiet is the door to the Great Spirit…Each morning, develop the habit of quiet time. Find the sacred spot in your mind. Close your eyes and breathe slowly. Light some sage. If you catch your mind straying, bring it back to the stillness. Many ideas, knowledge, and insight are contacted by being still.” ~Meditations with Native American Elders, Don L. Coyhis
Joe Reilly (Cherokee), LLMSW has been a mindfulness practitioner since 2004 and has been a member of the AIHFS community for over a decade. Joe will facilitate mindfulness meditations for AIHFS staff, clients, and community members on Tuesdays from 12:30-1:00pm in the Thurman Bear Basement at AIHFS. No experience is necessary and all are welcome to join. Call (313) 846-6030 ext. 1125 for more information.
The Dream Seekers Youth were asked the following questions during our group session on March 4th, 2014 as part of a community wellness visioning activity from the Gathering Of Native Americans (GONA) curriculum. You have left the community for 5 years and while you were gone the community has been transformed in a positive, healing way. What do you find upon your return? What do you see, hear, and feel? These were their responses: We see Positive community getting together, having barbecues and talking, no crime, less gas stations, more biofuels, solar energy, no struggle, less snow, less bars, no liquor stores, more grocery stores, clean neighborhoods, less graffiti, more grass, trees, and gardens, less pollution, no abandoned buildings, no homeless people, our American Indian Health Center, more people riding bikes, no trash, our community getting along, kids outside, more boys and girls clubs, more schools, less factories, traditional houses, more youth groups, no drugs!! We Feel More love, safe and secure, more sunshine, closer to Mother Earth, at home. We Hear Positive music, more children being active, peaceful music. We Smell The trees and fresh air.
July 7th-July 24th (Monday-Thursday), the Dream Seekers youth program will be holding a culture day camp—using the GONA (Gathering of Native Americans) curriculum and incorporating language, crafts, gardening, field trips, and much more. The GONA curriculum uses traditional values of Belonging, Mastery, Interdependence, and Generosity to promote healthy living and community healing. We look forward to a summer camp full of fun and healthy learning experiences for our native youth.
If you know a youth between 8-18yrs old that would like to register for our summer program, contact Martha or Shiloh at (313) 846-6030 ext. 1401.
Summer Youth Program
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If you are a Federally Recognized American Indian/Alaskan Native you can qualify for plan with little to no out of pocket cost.
STILL DON’T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE??? STILL CONFUSED??? LET US HELP….. AIHFS CAN HELP get rid of some confusion…
The end of open enrollment for the Marketplace is closed, however there are some ways we can still get you covered.
If you are a member of a Federally Recognized Tribe you are eligible for special enrollments year round. Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid Expansion) opened enrollment on April 1, 2014 and since then we have been able to get over 400+ eligible consumers insured. Many uninsured will qualify for low to no cost health insurance, so if you’re a single person who makes
less than $16,000 a year or a Family of 2 who makes under $21,000 a year you are eligible for the new Healthy Michigan Plan
We are booking appointments now so feel free to contact us so you can GET COVERED.
Benefits
Money in your pocket from not buying commercial tobacco products
Positive role model for your loved ones
No exposure to secondary smoke
No tobacco breath If you are currently using tobacco products, there are many benefits of quitting. If you are a smoker, quitting will reduce your chance of having:
Cancer of the lungs, throat, mouth, lips, gums, bladder and kidney
Heart disease, hardening of the arteries, and stroke
Emphysema and other lung diseases
Circulation problems Facts Tobacco use is responsible for more than 430,000 deaths each year and is the largest cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the U.S.
If you have children, your quitting can lower their risk of:
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - (cot death)
Asthma
Ear infections
Allergies
Bronchitis and other lung problems.
Do you know about third hand tobacco smoke? 3rd hand tobacco smoke remains in clothes, hair, and surroundings after a cigarette is extinguished. The chemicals in tobacco smoke are found on clothes, walls, ceilings, curtains, and skin of smokers. When they touch another person or hug a child, those toxins are transferred to them.
Tobacco Prevention
Stay healthy by not using commercial tobacco products and be a positive role model for your loved ones, family, and community.
National Quit Hotline
800-Quit-Now (800-784-8669)
Page 8 Babamadziwin
Minobimaadiz Baagosenmaang– Hope and Wellness Screenings are still happening!
Youth ages 10-24 be sure to ask about being a part of the GLS project and get Screened! Make an appointment with ESW today! Eligible youth will receive a $20 Meijer Gift Card
The Manidookewigashkibjigan– Sacred Bundle Program is amidst wrapping up as the 3 year grant funding through SAMHSA comes to a close. The good work that this project has allowed us to do during the past few years has been felt in all corners of our community and beyond. We have been able to really develop healing that comes from within our community by training community members, youth and those who work closely with us in suicide intervention skills via the many ASIST, safeTALK & QPR trainings. There have been 246 trained gatekeepers from this grant. Additionally, the Dream Seekers youth program has done a lot of work in Culture based suicide prevention models. The topic is heavy, but the fruit of this work is a very clear difference in the community. Individuals reaching out caring about how others are doing emotionally really sets the stage for a healing movement amongst all Native people and our brothers and sisters from other communities. Our staff are really noticing a difference in the younger generations.
Closing out this project, the aim is to continue our efforts in suicide prevention, and create a space for healing. We have made plans to sustain efforts and hope to be able to continue to provide training for those in the community to learn what to do if a loved one is having thoughts of suicide. If we are able to receive more funding in the future we would like to expand the project and bring it to the tribes all across Michigan, and be able to see the impact that we are having in Indian country across the state on Suicide Prevention. For now, we will be closing out the year with a few more cultural activities and awareness events, so be on the lookout! Don’t forget to check out our new Facebook page with a specific focus on Suicide Prevention and healing: www.facebook.com/sacredbundlehealinghelpers
Call Christy Bieber– GLS Program Coordinator for more information on upcoming efforts and
events (313-846-6030 X1402)
“I think that the youth are learning how to not be afraid to talk about suicide
and knowing the warning signs. They check in on each other and get people talking when they seem like they are feeling down. Learning peer-to-peer skills
has really been proven true”. —Martha Hinojosa
Want to learn more about what’s going on at AIHFS? Follow us on the web!
Upcoming Events!
Page 9 Babamadziwin
aihfsmich @AIHFS_Detroit facebook.com/aihfs
Agency Needs & Wants Support AIHFS by helping with the following:
New pavement for Parking Lot
New flooring for meeting room (2,000 square feet)
Chi-Miigwetch (Many Thanks) for your support!
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Gitigaaning! In the AIHFS Garden! By Shiloh Maples
The Dream Seekers Youth Program has been working hard the last few weeks to prepare our garden for spring planting. In between all of our spring rain showers, we weeded and cleaned out all of the garden beds, added new compost, and turned over the soil. After the garden was prepped, the young men and women of the program shared responsibility for planting various parts of the garden. The young men worked with Joe Reilly to plant our sema (tobacco)—which were planted in a new location this year, because of upcoming renovation of the agency’s front stairs and ramp. Meanwhile, the young women worked to plant our 3 Sisters Garden and vegetable garden. This year we intend on harvesting the 3 sisters (corn, beans, and squash), two varieties of tomatoes, green peppers, jalapenos, eggplant, collard greens, a variety of lettuce and kale, and green beans! AIHFS and the Dream Seekers would like to say a special thank you to the Association of American Indian Physicians for the funds they granted us to support our community garden this year!
Here are a few quick tips for maintaining your garden this summer: Try to weed at least once a week—now is the time to get weeds before they grow in too big and drain your soil of its nutrients. You can pull them by hand, with a garden hoe, or shovel. If you’re going to stake or cage tomatoes, do it early. Don’t wait to stake or cage your tomatoes too late—the main stalk will need support so it doesn’t topple over, and its better to do that before its vines get too large. Trying to push large vines through a cage can damage or break them. Used coffee grounds can be sprinkled around plants to help deter slugs.
Harvest fruits and vegetables regularly. Zucchini and summer squash may need to be harvested everyday. Cucumbers and tomatoes should be watched closely so they don’t grow heavy enough to damage the vine or over ripen. Corn is ready to pick when the silk hairs at the top of the cob are turning slightly brown. Harvesting fruits and veggies early also encourages plants to produce more.
Don’t forget to water your garden, especially during hot weather. You should water plants long enough for the water to reach the roots, but not long enough to leave big puddles.
Try natural pesticides instead of harmful chemicals. You can plant marigolds and nasturtiums among your garden to repel aphids and beetles in a natural way. Also, by encouraging birds in your garden, by hanging a feeder or birdbath, you can help protect your garden from all sorts of insect pests that birds enjoy eating.
Want to volunteer in the AIHFS garden or come learn some new gardening skills? Call Shiloh at (313)846-6030
Congratulations, Employees of the Month!
February 2014 - Charla Sanders
April 2014– Nina Eusani May 2014– Michele Ramsey
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How to Support AIHFS!
Only with your support can AIHFS continue to try to enhance the physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental wellbeing through culturally grounded health and family services that empower American Indian families, and
other underserved population in SE MI Additionally, as a 501(c)(3), your generous support is tax-deductable.
Won't you make a donation today to help us get closer to meeting these needs?
To donate by check or money order, please send payable to: American Indian Health & Family Services
P.O. Box 810, Dearborn, MI 48121-0810
To donate online: www.aihfs.org/donate.html
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This Issue’s Native Quote: Endaso-giizhigag akina gegoo bakaan gigii-kikendaan, mii i'iw endaso-giizhigag apane oshski-gikendaasowin, mii i'iw nikeyaa ezhi-bimaadiziyan mii gomaa ji-naazikaman ji-noondaman ji-wabandaman miinawaa maada'ookii a'aw manidoo mii i'iw nikeyaa nandawaabandaman wenizhishing.
Every day you learn something different, every day a new piece of knowledge. That's the way you live your life. Then you approach those things a little more to hear them, to see them. And the Spirit shares. That's how you search for the good things.
Medical Services Women's Care Maternal Health Diabetes Health & Education Substance Abuse Counseling Behavioral Health Counseling Dream Seekers Youth Program WIC Tobacco Cessation Native Healthy Start
Insurance Enrollments Health Education & Outreach Immunizations & Flu Shots HIV/AIDS Testing & Referrals Sweat Lodge Community Garden Annual Events Fitness Classes GLS Suicide Prevention Training Visit us at: www.aihfs.org
Here at
American Indian Health we offer great care & services
for your health care needs.
If there is anything we can be more helpful with, please let us know!
Return Service Requested
Seeking Board Members! The AIHFS Board of Directors is looking for new members! If you have a passion for the Native Community, Wellness program and services,
Accounting, Finance, Development or Fundraising, please consider applying!
In order to be considered please submit letter of intent and resume to:
American Indian Health and Family Services, ATTN: Nickole Fox
