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American Indian Heritage Month is Here!
Check out our re-vamped IHC Podcast
November is American Indian Heritage Month. Our theme for this special Podcast episode is "Culture is Medicine: A youth perspective, from Neela Samayoa." Neela is from San Jose and is a member of the Oglala Lakota nation. She currently works for IHC as a Youth Dance Instructor within IHC Counseling Prevention Services. This talk with Neela really emphasizes the importance and impact of culture on our native youth’s lives. Click on the Podcast Photo above to listen today.
Chosen Family Gathering 
September 9th, 2023
IHC’s Two Spirit group hosted a Chosen Family Gathering in September. Silicon Valley Pride CEO, Nicole Altamirano, shared her story of what it is like to reclaim one's own indigeneity while dealing with imposter syndrome like many urban natives today. Traditional powwow dancers graced the stage and shared what the cultural significance of a round dance is with the audience. Calpulli Tonalehque led a cultural presentation as well and explained the importance of the four directions in relation to their traditional dances.

This event was filled with love, laughter, and healing as guest speakers such as Alice Moya, Alex Duran and Diamond Dior shared their stories about their journey of finding family in friends and by being involved in the Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ community. The audience was also excited to see multiple musical numbers from drag performers, such as Diamond Dior, Tori Tia, and Trauma La Fama. A chosen family is made by finding people who are accepting and who provide a safe space in which to flourish. This year's gathering embodied that message and we hope to have you all join us next year!

Agency Updates

Medical

Hand Washing & Cleaning Matters

Protect yourself from respiratory viruses, flu, COVID-19, and RSV by wearing a well-fitting surgical KN95 or N95 mask, and remember to practice good hand hygiene. 

Handwashing with soap removes most germs, including respiratory viruses, from your hands. If soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can kill these germs. 

COVID-19 Updates 

COVID-19 infections are on the rise in Santa Clara CountyAs a result of the increase in cases, masks are now required in all IHC clinical areas, including waiting rooms. Free antigen covid test kits are available to patients and staff, with up to 3 test kits per household member. 

Flu Season is Coming. Be Prepared! 

Respiratory virus season begins Nov 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024
Flu, Covid, and RSV Vaccines will be available to patients and staff by mid to late October.

Laughter is Good Medicine,
IHC's Gala & Comedy Show, is Coming Soon!

Get Your Tickets Today!

In honor of American Indian Heritage Month, we invite you to #StandWithIHC to ensure the healing and survival of American Indian youth and families. The evening will include a dinner for honored guests, followed by a comedy show and culminating in a VIP After-Party Mixer to round out the evening. Join us for community, comedy, and culture, November 17th!

 All funds raised will directly impact our ability to provide programming for American Indian youth and families in our community!

#StandWithIHC! Get your TICKETS, or become a SPONSOR today!
Donate Today

Prevention Services

4 Things You Can Do For Your Mental Health This Month

Taking care of our mental health is important to manage stress. Learning how to manage stress levels can reduce negative impacts on the mind and body, such as:  Immune System Inflammation, Headaches, Irritability, Poor Concentration, High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Fatigue and Hormonal Imbalance 

Here are four activities to help boost your mood!

Save the Date! Community Round Dance 

Save the date! Join us on Friday, December 1st, 2023 for a healing community round dance at the Mexican Heritage Plaza at 1700 Alum Rock Ave. San Jose, CA 95116. 

For more information or questions, contact Cultural Event Coordinator Justina Duran at jduran@ihcscv.org.
How To Help Someone Who is Suicidal 
The best thing we can do to help ourselves and others who struggle with suicidal ideation is to learn the ALGEE Action Plan. ALGEE stands for, Approach, Listen, Give, Encourage, and Encourage. According to Mental Health First Aid USA (2021), this is a step-by-step action plan that gives you the skills and knowledge to provide appropriate support for those in distress and ultimately help save a life. (it can also be applied to any distressing situation other than suicide).

Like and share to spread awareness during Suicide Awareness Month. Even reposting and sharing this flyer with others can go a long way to helping someone in crisis.
Why Culture is Prevention

Culture is a way of prevention in American Indian communities because it promotes a strong sense of community and connection to traditional practices that were historically stripped away from us at one point.

Traditional values, beliefs, and practices are passed down from generation to generation, reinforcing a sense of identity and purpose. This can lead to a healthier lifestyle, stronger social support networks, and a greater sense of resilience in the face of adversity. 

Community Wellness & Outreach

Two Spirit Group

Two Spirit Group will be on November 3rd, from 1:00 - 2:00 pm.

mhemstreet@ihcscv.org | (408) 759-1481

Produce Mobile


Reminder: CWO’s next Produce distributions will be on November 17th , from 11:30am-1:30pm (or until items run out). Everyone, including staff, is welcome to come to pick up food. 

Inter-Tribal Resource Department

Talking Circle

Join us for our monthly Talking Circle on Tuesday, November 8th, 2023
The begins at 6:00 pm and will be held at ConXion to Community (749 Story Rd #10, San Jose, CA 95122) 

Contact Mahon for more information

mwalsh@ihcscv.org

Winter Coat & Blanket Drive!

We are collecting Coats and Blankets to donate to less fortunate families this winter. Help keep our neighbors’ hearts and bodies warm this winter by donating a New or Unused coat or blanket. 

For more information contact Stephanie Reynolds at: 


408-914-0735 | sreynolds@ihcscv.org
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Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley · 1333 Meridian Ave · San Jose, CA 95125-5212 · USA