Virtual Gala 2022 

Join Us!

This is a celebration of the resilience, perseverance, and dedication of those we serve and those who make it possible for IHC to continue providing nationally acclaimed health care to over 20,000 patients, while specializing in the unique health care needs of American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AIAN). IHC patients represent the vast diversity and most economically challenged residents in the county.

What to Expect

The event will consist of a program overview, cultural presentations, an online auction, and of course, some knee-slappin’ comedy to heal our collective heart and bring about that GOOD MEDICINE!

This is a Fundraiser

Many of the IHC non-clinical services tailored to help ensure the healing and survival of American Indians and Alaskan Natives, are not billable and are not fully covered by grants. These services are critical to rebuilding community and providing for the social and emotional fallout in a mid-pandemic world, for AIAN and the greater community.

Victory for IHC!

On Tuesday, June 7, 2022, leaders from Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley provided testimony before the San Jose City Council, in support of removing barriers to the operation of the agency’s mobile clinic, which was acquired at the end of 2020, but unable to operate to deliver services due to a complicated licensing process.
 
The mobile clinic will provide high-quality, professional medical services—including vaccination clinics in hard to reach neighborhoods—to all residents of Santa Clara County, regardless of insurance or income status.
 
One of the major barriers to putting the mobile unit into full service, included opposition from neighbors living around IHC’s main clinic, located at 1333 Meridian Avenue. This is a predominantly affluent area of San Jose.
 
For many years, neighbors in the area have repeatedly targeted IHC for impacting their quality of life due to vehicles parking in their neighborhood they assume are solely related to IHC staff and patients, even though IHC is not the only business in operation in the immediate area.
 
For over 45-years, IHC has and continues to be the only agency in Santa Clara County specializing in the unique health care needs of American Indians and Alaskan Natives, while providing nationally acclaimed, primary health care services to the entire community. IHC provides a multitude of services, including Medical, Dental, Counseling, WIC and Nutrition Services.
 
CEO Sonya Tetnowski stated, “Nearly one-third of our staff currently reports to the office.” CEO Tetnowski emphasized that the agency has listened to the Willow Glen residents, taken action, and has reduced its agency work module to one that is accommodating to the wants of their neighbors. The agency has gone as far as to lease parking spaces from neighboring businesses, offer incentives to staff who carpool and provide security detail to monitor parking in the area.

Director of Development and Communications, Gerardo Loera, stated that, “compared to other San Jose neighborhoods, this part of Willow Glen does not have a parking issue. According to satellite images from Google Maps, it is one of the most sparsely car-dense neighborhoods in San Jose. Loera further emphasized that this attack is rife with privilege, preventing low-income residents in the community access to equitable health care.”

The testimony resulted in a win for IHC and those they serve! The San Jose City Council ruled in favor removing any barriers to the licensing of the mobile-clinic. Keep an eye out for the IHC Mobile Clinic providing services to those who need them most, in an area near you!

#IHC #Stillhere #IHCmobile

Agency Updates

Prevention Services

Powwow Song and Dance Class:

Please join us every Tuesday evening for in person Powwow Song and Dance classes from 5:00PM-6:30PM. Classes will take place in the parking lot of 602 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95112. Please bring water and dress comfortably. All ages are welcome!

Please RSVP with jduran@ihcscv.org 

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San Jose Native Youth Empowerment Group:

If you know any Native Youth who would be interested in our San Jose Native Youth Empowerment Group. We offer a supportive and positive space that serves to strengthen their cultural pride, value to education, and to achieve their full potential in their personal and professional development. Thursdays from 4:30PM - 6:00PM.

Please email jduran@ihcscv.org to register!

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Importance of Prioritizing Mental Health: 

Be part of breaking the mental health stigma by coming together as a community. Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley offers programs and services that help our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

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Suicide Prevention:
Trigger Warning: Suicide information 

Preventing suicide means becoming more informed about what to do when you or someone you know is having a difficult time. As a community, it’s important we do our part to help those affected by giving them the love they deserve. Here are some ways you can offer support to someone who feels suicidal or has attempted to complete suicide.

Community, Wellness, and Outreach (CWO)

Jumping back into it!

A lot of our programs have been picking back up as we try to move towards more in-person events and programs for IHC patients and the community. We've added the "Walking Spirit" class back onto the fitness schedule. This is where the group takes a walk around the neighborhood with one of our staff members on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 9 am and 10 am. The best part of the class is having elders share their stories while we walk and talk. The only requirement is the ability to walk as a group. We only go as fast as our slowest member. Current gym members can join by reserving a spot with the fitness center. 

As a friendly reminder, anyone can become a member of our gym by completing a medical clearance form with their primary care physician. All of our services are free to the community; you do not need to be a patient with IHC. Call us for more information at (408) 960-0662.

CWO hosted our first in-person Healthy Adventures week for the first time in over 2 years! We have been facilitating this program virtually since 2020 (like many of our programs). This 4-day event took place at Paul Moore Park in San Jose and we even invited past families from the virtual cohorts to experience the fun. This event caters to our pediatric patients between 6 and 12 years old. Kids learn about nutrition and important health topics, and there is also a fitness component to keep our kids moving. We have fun food activities, and give away many incentives throughout the week. Both kids and their parents enjoy this program and always give positive feedback.

Staff Highlights:

CWO Registered Dietician, Ruben Vargas (pictured above front row first left), knows how to build meaningful relationships with our patients and families who join our events. He puts together the curriculum for all of our youth programs and always finds ways to keep our families coming back through new programs and classes. Overall, he is very thoughtful and cares about all of the patients he meets.

CWO Health Educator, Vanessa Ruvalcaba (pictured above back row first right), is such a team player when it comes to helping with CWO programs and events. As a health educator, she helps teach many health topics in our youth programs alongside Ruben. She also helps translate for our Spanish speaking families and makes everyone feel welcome. Indeed, she is a very valuable staff member and we are lucky to have her on our team. 

Upcoming Events:

Produce Mobile is held every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, from 11:30 am-1:30 pm, or until items run out. Please note the exception, in July, the dates are July 6th and 20th. This is a free event,where the community and staff are provided access to fresh produce and grocery items. Contact Valerie Monteros for more information.

Two-Spirit Group is held every 3rd Friday of each month, from 12-1pm. This event serves as a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA community and allies. Events consist of guest speakers or planned activities, and can include raffles and giveaways. Contact Marissa Hemstreet for more information (RSVP required).

Inter-Tribal Resource Department (ITRD)
 

ITRD will be hosting their monthly Talking Circle at ConXion to Community on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 6:00 PM. THIS IS A FREE EVENT! Everyone is welcome. See the flier below for more details.

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ITRD will be hosting their monthly Movie Night at ConXion to Community on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 6:00 PM. Doors will open at 5:30 PM. THIS IS A FREE EVENT! Everyone is welcome. See the flier below for more details.

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ITRD will be hosting their monthly Night of Fun at ConXion to Community on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 6:00 PM. THIS IS A FREE EVENT! Everyone is welcome. See the flyer below for more details.

WIC at IHC!
 

Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley provides WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) nutritional services at each of its clinical sites. For more information on WIC at IHC, go to www.indianhealthcenter.org/programs-services/wic-and-nutrition

Information for WIC Families on Infant Formula Availability

WIC supports healthier pregnancies and births by providing nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to essential maternal care resources.

The impacts of the ongoing pandemic and the recent 2022 Abbott recall of certain powdered infant formula have led to periodic shortages of major brands of formula. The infant formula supply chain problems have affected all consumers, including California families using WIC benefits to purchase formula.

The California Department of Public Health/Women, Infants and Children Division (CDPH/WIC) is here to provide the latest information and connect California families to helpful resources. Please visit www.myfamily.wic.ca.gov for more information.