Fresno American Indian Health Project

Some of our community members and staff traveled to San Francisco this past weekend to take part in the Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits (BAAITS) Pow Wow, an incredible celebration of Indigenous and Native 2Spirit identity. This joyful event brought together people from across the region to honor culture, tradition, and the diverse expressions of gender and identity within Indigenous communities. From stunning regalia and powerful drum groups to the energy of dance and the connection of community, the Pow Wow was an uplifting experience. We are grateful to have shared in this beautiful gathering and to support spaces that celebrate and uplift our Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ relatives. ????? ?????

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Summits on Harm Reduction in SUD Treatment aimed to reduce stigma and educate SUD treatment providers on the importance of taking a harm-reduction approach to SUD treatment services. Through these convenings, DHCS hopes to collaborate with communities across the state to change the culture around harm reduction within California’s SUD treatment system and create low-barrier, patient-centered care. Yesterday at the Central Valley Conference, FAIHP's SUD Counselor, Deborah Gilleran, presented best practices for our community regarding GONA principles and Wellbriety, which means being Sober and Well! #KaufmannandAssociates #SeirraTribalConsortium #Chukchansi #CCUIH

Another community welcome for our new team member! We’re excited to welcome Renee to our Transportation Department! With extensive experience in Class A Truck Driving, School Bus, and Non-Emergency Medical Transport, Renee brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for working with Native youth. In her free time, Renee enjoys fishing, beading, and road trips with her family, as well as sharing and celebrating cultural traditions. She’s looking forward to collaborating with her colleagues and building meaningful connections as part of the FAIHP team.

A heartfelt thank you to Devin Jones for her incredible contributions to the FAIHP Community Garden during her internship this past semester! Devin went above and beyond, covering for Michelle, gathering and collecting seeds, planting and potting, and lending her helping hands at the Fresno State Native Garden. Not only did she nurture the plants, but she also nurtured our team—keeping Michelle hydrated with surprise coffees and teas! The knowledge exchanged through her work was truly rewarding, and her dedication and positive energy were a joy to have in the garden.?

We’re thrilled to announce that Stoney Dodson has been promoted to the role of Events and Community Relations Coordinator! In this exciting position, Stoney will take the lead in organizing and overseeing FAIHP events while nurturing our valuable community relationships. Stoney has become an integral part of the FAIHP team, bringing dedication, creativity, and passion to his work. We can’t wait to see him thrive and shine in this new role. Congratulations, Stoney! Stay tuned as we have other exciting announcements throughout 2025!

At FAIHP, we believe that culture is prevention—and that prevention is rooted in education and awareness. Over the two days of the Red Road Pow Wow, our CADC counselors and the Red Warrior Project distributed 150 prevention kits, which included Narcan along with information on our programs and other valuable resources. We're incredibly grateful to our dedicated team for working tirelessly to provide the community with this lifesaving information.

?? That’s a Wrap for My Nutrition and Wellness Class! ?? I am incredibly grateful for the amazing support and enthusiasm surrounding my Nutrition and Wellness Class! The outpouring of interest from our community has been truly inspiring, and I’m thrilled to share that we’ve welcomed 25 incredible participants on this life-changing journey to take control of their health and ensure diabetes does not define their future. This class has been a space for learning, connection, and growth, not just for the participants but for me as well. Over the next 12 months, we’ll be diving into actionable strategies, sharing insights, and supporting one another as we work toward thriving together. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who registered and supported this initiative. Your commitment is paving the way for a healthier future, and I’m honored to be part of this journey with you. If you’d like to learn more—or know someone in our community who could benefit from this work—don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s continue prioritizing diabetes awareness and wellness in our native community, one step at a time! ?? Next class will be January 16, 2025! #Nutrition #Wellness #CommunityHealth #DiabetesAwareness #DREAM

At this year’s Holiday Party, we honored the incredible dedication and contributions of our staff with the Years of Service Awards! ??? From 1 year to 10 years of service, each milestone represents a commitment to our vision and community. We’re so grateful for the hard work, passion, and heart that our team brings every day. ?? Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients—you make FAIHP stronger and brighter! ??

Our entire newsletter will hit your mailboxes or inboxes SOON! We wanted to highlight a feature from this month's Newsletter, a conversation with one of our longtime clubhouse youth and Youth Council member Bella Garcia. Bella's recent accomplishments include speaking at the Alcatraz Sunrise Ceremony, and organizing the Clovis Unified Native American Student Conference. She deserves to be CELEBRATED, and supported! To read Bella's full interview, follow this link https://lnkd.in/gPDZsi5B... Can't wait for the mail or email? See our latest Newsletter, visit: https://lnkd.in/gEk78Ude... (Not subscribed to our digital? Follow this link before it goes out to make sure you get a December email! https://lnkd.in/g8T2N74B)

?? This #GivingTuesday, support the Fresno American Indian Health Project! Your generous donations empower our Urban Indian Health Center to provide wraparound services to Native American communities in Fresno. Together, we support: ?? Youth services and mentorship ?? Healthcare education and advocacy ?? Housing and recovery assistance ?? Holistic, culturally rooted care Help us continue to uplift and serve our community. Every gift makes a difference! Donate today by clicking this link: https://lnkd.in/gtV76knZ and join us in building a healthier, stronger future.