On Sunday, April 14, 2024, Ann and Ariana Young represented Navajo Family Voices at the AMCHP Conference in Oakland, presenting on the Languages of Tribal Wellness, communicating in the clinic with traditional Diné families. Feedback was positive! More pictures soon.
On Saturday, April 20, 2024, 75 bikers and numerous volunteers participated in a Benefit Bike Run to benefit Northern Dine Relief Effort's volunteer team leader Eric Trevizo, who suffered a stroke towards the end of February and as of yesterday, remained hospitalized due to persistent infection post-stroke, but is doing much better. Navajo Family Voices worked with Eric throughout the COVID pandemic to get food and supplies out to Shiprock Agency, Chuska and 491 corridor communities. God bless you, every one. (On April 4, we had asked for prayers as he was having another surgical procedure, thank you all for prayers. Eric had been missing for 5 days after his stroke, which left him vulnerable to the infections that did set in). 🙏🏼❤️
Zomi Frankcom, World Central Kitchen
coordinated Navajo Nation aid in 2020
Killed in Gaza April 2, 2024
Zomi Frankcom with World Central Kitchen helped Northern Dine Relief and Navajo Family Voices deliver pallets of food to Beclabito Chapter at the height of the surge Aug 20, 2020.
Zomi went from Navajo Nation to the Beirut blast aftermath. She was a jewel or the sun, shining so bright, coordinating everything, definitely took care of us.
Zomi was killed in Gaza on Tuesday April 4, 2024 along with 6 other WCK staff. Thank you dearest souls for all that you did, rest in peace.
coordinated Navajo Nation aid in 2020
Killed in Gaza April 2, 2024
Zomi Frankcom with World Central Kitchen helped Northern Dine Relief and Navajo Family Voices deliver pallets of food to Beclabito Chapter at the height of the surge Aug 20, 2020.
Zomi went from Navajo Nation to the Beirut blast aftermath. She was a jewel or the sun, shining so bright, coordinating everything, definitely took care of us.
Zomi was killed in Gaza on Tuesday April 4, 2024 along with 6 other WCK staff. Thank you dearest souls for all that you did, rest in peace.
NEW YEAR WISHES
Dearest relatives,
From all of us at Indian Country Grassroots and Navajo Family Voices, please have a new year that is filled with a good world. The world needs some light. Almost exactly 50 years ago. a poet described the changing of a season as "full and dark with the promise of that fullness, that time when one can no longer wander away . . . to watch the thing that is prepared to happen."
We wish you all the smoothest of change, the clearest of water, love you all so much. See all of you in the new year.
Below is our Ariana who embodies the complex balance of us and what we are a part of, balance and relations. Blessings and hugs, and especially thanks to you all who gave so much all these years and especially this year that is closing, you are seen and cherished always.
From all of us at Indian Country Grassroots and Navajo Family Voices, please have a new year that is filled with a good world. The world needs some light. Almost exactly 50 years ago. a poet described the changing of a season as "full and dark with the promise of that fullness, that time when one can no longer wander away . . . to watch the thing that is prepared to happen."
We wish you all the smoothest of change, the clearest of water, love you all so much. See all of you in the new year.
Below is our Ariana who embodies the complex balance of us and what we are a part of, balance and relations. Blessings and hugs, and especially thanks to you all who gave so much all these years and especially this year that is closing, you are seen and cherished always.
Photo of Ariana Young by Matt Toledo at the Shiprock rock (2019).
Thanksgiving Story
We would love to spread the words of love, hope, faith, charity and compassion as we spend time with our family this holiday season. Be thankful for all the blessings you have in your life and those blessings that are forthcoming.
Traditionally, Turkey made a great sacrifice during the secondary world of our emergence story. Traditionally, Diné were not supposed to eat Turkey.
At that time of running from the great flood, Turkey was a very handsome man and a beautiful lady who stayed behind gathering seeds for farming. When the beautiful Turkey lady stuffed the seeds in her feathers, she wobbled when she tried to run which is why today the lady Turkey doesn't walk around with her feathers spread out.
The handsome man Turkey was trailing behind as the water rose, and the white foam of the water reached the tip of his feathers. Trying not to lose seeds, he took fire in his mouth, and as he went into the third world, his face melted and feathers from his head fell off as fire burned his throat, which is why today the man Turkey has a melted face, and he has tipped feathers as he gobbles and scares away evil. He stands out like fire--his feathers get big and he walks around with a blush and red head like fire that can be seen from miles always. Today we still use him in our ceremonies and remember in our songs and prayers.
Thank you to Zachariah George for sharing the story of the turkey.
Traditionally, Turkey made a great sacrifice during the secondary world of our emergence story. Traditionally, Diné were not supposed to eat Turkey.
At that time of running from the great flood, Turkey was a very handsome man and a beautiful lady who stayed behind gathering seeds for farming. When the beautiful Turkey lady stuffed the seeds in her feathers, she wobbled when she tried to run which is why today the lady Turkey doesn't walk around with her feathers spread out.
The handsome man Turkey was trailing behind as the water rose, and the white foam of the water reached the tip of his feathers. Trying not to lose seeds, he took fire in his mouth, and as he went into the third world, his face melted and feathers from his head fell off as fire burned his throat, which is why today the man Turkey has a melted face, and he has tipped feathers as he gobbles and scares away evil. He stands out like fire--his feathers get big and he walks around with a blush and red head like fire that can be seen from miles always. Today we still use him in our ceremonies and remember in our songs and prayers.
Thank you to Zachariah George for sharing the story of the turkey.
Envisioning Conference Pictures & VIDEO
The "Envisioning Dine Bikeyah For Our Families 102 Years From Now" conference in Window Rock on July 26-27, 2023 was nice! Impressions from attendees and staff from Navajo Family Voices, Dine College Land Grant Office and Raising Special Kids: Very positive.!
This was a comfortable event like a large family gathering with multi-generations and kids which should have been even more kids. The thought is that our leaders must address the immediate and critical losses of culture and language. This was a complex event with indoors and outdoors that perhaps people missed things due to that. The old sweat songs, Navajo spoken and going back and forth, and a sense of where do we go from here for the next generation.
For Marley Shebala's livestream, CLICK HERE.
This was a comfortable event like a large family gathering with multi-generations and kids which should have been even more kids. The thought is that our leaders must address the immediate and critical losses of culture and language. This was a complex event with indoors and outdoors that perhaps people missed things due to that. The old sweat songs, Navajo spoken and going back and forth, and a sense of where do we go from here for the next generation.
For Marley Shebala's livestream, CLICK HERE.
MEDICAL, CHIP & SNAP AUTO RENEWAL ENDS MARCH 31, 2023
New Mexico Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP ends automatic renewal as of 3/31/23. This means that you will be getting a renewal letter soon from New Mexico Human Services. The letter will be in a blue envelope. Please pay close attention to the instructions and deadlines in the letter. If you have moved, please update your contact information now at Renew New Mexico so the letter will not be sent to the wrong place.
Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP are important. Medicaid reimburses IHS almost $1 billion every year, which enables better IHS services. Medicaid also gives access to video telehealth, supplemental nutrition, transportation to long-distance medical appointments, complex care, long-term care, and other diverse care resources especially for kids. Thank you, beloved ones.
Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP are important. Medicaid reimburses IHS almost $1 billion every year, which enables better IHS services. Medicaid also gives access to video telehealth, supplemental nutrition, transportation to long-distance medical appointments, complex care, long-term care, and other diverse care resources especially for kids. Thank you, beloved ones.
R.I.P. ASH, April 6, 2023
Search and Rescue dog Ash passed April 6, 2023 after serving Northern Navajo communities for many years and has long been a legend. Ash was always there, helping at our food drives throughout COVID and making the kids smile while committed to finding missing kids. "Thank you my love for being with me through out the years you will never be forgotten" - Eric Trevizo, relief team leader
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Navajo Family Voices presentation at Sheep Springs Family Fun Day, February 10 2023 on youth leadership and envisioning in 102 years
ICGS Board Chair Herb Yazzie joined our Navajo Family Voices/, Diné Nihi Kéyah Project team in presentation to Teec Nos Pos CLUPC on Thursday, Oct 6, 2022. It was an awesome discussion of the importance of a tribal vision in land use planning, as even the BIA states that "a plan is simply a map of how we wish to reach a tribal vision for the reservation. Without a vision of the intended destination, a plan will lead us nowhere."
Pictures from distribution of school supplies, Sept 29, 2022 on Kids Day at Northern Navajo Fair
SUMMER SWEATLODGE
NFV has been working with summer youth at Two Grey Hills/Toadlena and Sheepsprings, giving lessons on Dine identity and self-awareness in order to meet the healing needs of kids in puberty who have lacked access to knowledge especially during COVID. Parents and kids have attended these sessions, and oak boughs were collected and the demonstration sweat has been put up for the demonstration to happen before summer youth return to mostly off-reservation or urban areas for school without any traditional teachings.
14th Annual Youth Conference, RCFW in ShiProck
Our program booth and other booths at RCFW's 14th Annual Youth Conference on June 28.2022, the first RCFW in-person gathering since COVID which was set up outdoors in Shiprock. Gloria and Elvira gave our second "Cultural Bridges, Blended Families" presentation.
Childhood and addiction
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Our booth at FAITH Behavioral in Farmington, 2-day Addiction & Recovery workshop on the first day, June 27, 2022, at which Ray Deal presented on the importance of Dine identity in childhood for both boys and girls whose families are at risk for alcohol and substance abuse..
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Diné Identity and Self-Awareness
On Wed. June 22, 2022, Ray Deal presented on Diné Identity and Self-Awareness to summer youth at Two Grey Hills Chapter. This is part of a continuing demonstration educational project for understanding the foundations of growing up Diné.
ADVICE THAT FAMILIES SHARE; VACCINES
On May 24, 2022, Gloria, Ray, Elvira and Josey presented together on the projects during 2020 and 2021 in which families have shared via essays and videos made by families themselves, in which their advice and challenges during COVID helped instruct our program as well as lessen isolation of families too. Gloria also spoke on the continued need for vaccines as a community responsibility, even though the surge on the reservation had ended, but COVID continues to infect human beings. At the AMCHP Annual Conference, which this year took place by zoom.
FIRST FAMILY RESPITE EVENT
On Sunday, April 24, 2022, we joined Hero's Path Palliative Care and Nature Matters Academy in putting on our first Family Respect Series event at the Farmington NM Children's Museum, with a traditional Dine discussion on vaccines led by mentors Ray Deal and Gloria Dennison, and firemen from the Navajo Nation Ojo Amarillo Fire Dept. bringing a fire truck by to show the kids. At the last minute, our three invited medically fragile families could not come but partner agencies brought their own families and kids so this became a teambuilding and cultural learning event, as well as respite for partner programs.
HERO TWINS AND BLENDED FAMILIES - Video from Ray Deal
In this April 4, 2022 video, Ray Deal focuses on when the Hero Twins went home to their Dad, and found out they had step sisters. Gloria Dennison, mom of our staff family mentor, then makes some observations after listening to Ray's story.
"what vaccines mean to OUR familIES and communitIES"
hour-long film, Dec. 23, 2021
In November and December 2021, Navajo Family Voices asked families to send to us their family videos expressing their thoughts and advice on vaccines. Families were simply requested to express their true feelings on vaccines, positive or negative. Families from Shiprock to Teec Nos Pos, to Magdalena, to Crownpoint and to Gallup and Pine Hill on the Navajo Nation sent in films and powerpoints.
Every video received is now put together in this single 50-minute film completed just before Christmas that expresses community thoughts on vaccines in their own creativity and voices, in videos made by themselves. The families who made it want to make an impact with their own voices, on as many communities that can listen, especially now that the latest variants are touching everyone.
We have done our best to faithfully present family voices as untouched as possible. Tʼáá íiyisíí ahéheeʼnitsaago, nihi kʼéí. Yá’át’ééh Keshmish, please be safe out there. December 23, 2021.
Every video received is now put together in this single 50-minute film completed just before Christmas that expresses community thoughts on vaccines in their own creativity and voices, in videos made by themselves. The families who made it want to make an impact with their own voices, on as many communities that can listen, especially now that the latest variants are touching everyone.
We have done our best to faithfully present family voices as untouched as possible. Tʼáá íiyisíí ahéheeʼnitsaago, nihi kʼéí. Yá’át’ééh Keshmish, please be safe out there. December 23, 2021.
Ray Deal video for Nov 12, 2021 - The land recognizes who we are
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We have a new Youtube channel! Our first video is a short 4 minute introductory video made by Ray Deal, who is our traditional culture leader. Ray talks about kinaalda and the importance of cultural teachings especially during this prolonged difficult time. We will be uploading a video hopefully every week from now on but this is the first one.
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October 10-12, 2021 Alamo relief produce run. With a BIG FREEZE forecast for the whole week of October 11 (beginning Oct 12) and Alamo Chapter community out-reaching for help with obtaining produce, our program worked with Northern Relief, which purchased a pick up and trailer loads of San Juan River Basin produce from elder, veteran and single parent farmer families in Shiprock and Tse Da Kaan, transported by community matriarchs and farmers Barbara Morgan, Beverly Maxwell and Lula Sandoval, a round-trip journey of over 14 hours. Trailer was provided by the Toohnii Binaneestˀąˀ Ałtaasˀéí Alliance (TohBAA) and hotline manned by Navajo Family Voices.
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June 21, 2021. Thank you all families for sending in your kinship visions for families and kids as part of our Kinship Vision Stipends in May 2021. Kinship support is a goal that sometimes is reached but other times could not be given. 12 visions have been posted, CLICK HERE.
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Congratulations to our Family Mentor Elvira Dennison who has received a Family Voices Leadership Award in recognition of outstanding leadership in advancing Children’s Health and Wellbeing. Elvira received the award "on behalf of other moms like me on the Navajo Nation, so many moms with extra healthcare needs kids who have stepped up during COVID, which has touched every family on the reservation."
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KINSHIP CHILD CARE STIPENDS
January 15, 2021. Thank you for submitting applications for a kinship childcare stipend, which is the first time such childcare has been funded for residents of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. THE APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE PERIOD HAS CLOSED (Please click here for the original announcement and updates). The funding was originally for professional childcare provider networks in New Mexico, but such networks do not exist on the Navajo Nation. However, kinship childcare does exist on the Navajo Nation, yet is unacknowledged and unsupported. Your response has been overwhelmingly beyond expectations in a very short time. Over Keshmish, after working with six of our program families to design our announcement, we believed that families would need up to 2 weeks to answer questions on kinship childcare coordination and wellness. Instead, there was an immediate flood of applications.
Update, March 5, 2021. We received 378 applications within one week. 108 have been approved for stipends, a total $32,400 stipends. Submissions came from all over, Sheepsprings, Newcomb, Tohatchi, Yatahey, Ojo Amarillo, Shiprock, Hogback, Canoncito, Magdalena, Ft. WIngate, Gallup-Navajo Nation surroundings, Crownpoint, Torreon and other chapters. Internal family building is so important and the response shows that it needs to be funded. This is the very first kinship support funding that we know of and we hope this starts other groups to play a role as well. In coming weeks, we will be posting summaries and advice as well as pictures given to us by approved families to share with other families. We are in the process of obtaining more funding for families who are so clearly in critical need, especially parents, and hope to make a further stipend announcement soon. Please note that future stipends will have different requirements.
Update, April 15, 2021: Navajo Family Voices, in partnership with New Mexico Children’s Medical Services is announcing a $300 KINSHIP TEAM VISION STIPEND. Applications will be accepted from Monday, MAY 10, 2021 – Sunday, MAY 30, 2021. For the full announcement, please CLICK HERE.
Update, March 5, 2021. We received 378 applications within one week. 108 have been approved for stipends, a total $32,400 stipends. Submissions came from all over, Sheepsprings, Newcomb, Tohatchi, Yatahey, Ojo Amarillo, Shiprock, Hogback, Canoncito, Magdalena, Ft. WIngate, Gallup-Navajo Nation surroundings, Crownpoint, Torreon and other chapters. Internal family building is so important and the response shows that it needs to be funded. This is the very first kinship support funding that we know of and we hope this starts other groups to play a role as well. In coming weeks, we will be posting summaries and advice as well as pictures given to us by approved families to share with other families. We are in the process of obtaining more funding for families who are so clearly in critical need, especially parents, and hope to make a further stipend announcement soon. Please note that future stipends will have different requirements.
Update, April 15, 2021: Navajo Family Voices, in partnership with New Mexico Children’s Medical Services is announcing a $300 KINSHIP TEAM VISION STIPEND. Applications will be accepted from Monday, MAY 10, 2021 – Sunday, MAY 30, 2021. For the full announcement, please CLICK HERE.
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DIY COVID-19 Handwash Station Workshop, September 11, 2020
Roy Hosteen of Red Feather led our program staff and families in a fun, intensive handwash station making workshop using foot pumps, PVC pipes, 32 gal. bins and plastic basins. Josey, Megan, Elvira, Kyleigh, Ryan, and Gloria made 12 handwash stations, 6 of these directly for Northern Dine COVID-19 Relief Effort for immediate delivery to Red Mesa families.
Food Drive-Thru, Sanostee and Sheep Springs Chapters, July 27, 2020
Navajo Family Voices co-sponsored food drive-thrus at Sanostee and Sheep Springs Chapters for New Mexico Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for Seniors and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) with food packages coordinated by ECHO Food Bank. Senior CSFP boxes ran out within one hour at Sanostee.
Ryan's Garden
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June 14: Ryan Dennison of Naschitti Elementary School in his garden that started out as part of COVID school distance bilingual learning. The project turned into social emotional healing to bring family back to roots of farming with resilience seeds from Utah Dine Bi Ke Yah and some of Ryan's family's own seeds collected through the years. With a little bit of his mom Elvira's help and help from Grandma too, Ryan's garden was planted May 9 and includes white corn, two types of watermelon, cantaloupe, squash, zucchini, pumpkin, and winter squash, with a new crop planted every week. (July 27 Update: Ryan's garden has really grown!)
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COVID-19 Propane Giveaway, June 4, 2020
Propane jointly donated by Navajo Oil and Gas and Nations Gas Technologies Inc. were distributed to 120 families in the Shiprock Community during a drive through at Shiprock High School, sponsored by the Northern Dine COVID-19 Relief, Shiprock High School. Navajo Family Voices, NECA and Navajo Construction all pitched in.
Food Drive-Thru, Sanostee Chapter, June 1, 2020
Navajo Family Voices helped coordinate the first Sanostee Chapter-based New Mexico Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for Seniors and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) food drive in the "8 communities." 175 families were each given 4-5 food packages supplied by ECHO Food Bank. Volunteers from ECHO, NFV, Northern Dine COVID-19 Relief, Sanostee Chapter and Sanostee CERT staffed the distribution.
Family Validation & Genetics Information Pop-Up, March 6, 2020
Navajo Family Voices and New Mexico Children's Medical Services jointly hosted a Family Validation and MSRGN Genetics Information Pop Up, to celebrate families in San Juan County and share information and resources with families, providers and staff. Around 13 families and 4 providers/staff were treated to one-on-one information by Josey, Kyle and Megan and a luncheon of dahl curry, chicken and Kyle's special blue mush cookies. At the luncheon, families discussed the troubled history of genetics research among Native American communities, as well as understanding the need to know family health history and healthcare options. It was a wonderful event with fellowship, sharing, and terrific energy. Our team didn't want it to end!
Spin Off at Two Grey Hills Trading Post, Feb 29, 2020
This spin off hosted by Les Wilson and Irma Henderson of Two Grey Hills Trading Post was a unique teaching event on one use of Navajo churro wool, and on building trust and community. It was pot luck, filled with laughs and attended by master weavers. Future spin offs may be geared towards cultural immersion of doctors and teachers. Present included Les, Irma, Sarah Natani presenting on felt making, Rose Chico, Gilbert Begay, Betty Yazzie, Mary Charles and others plus Josey and Megan from NFV.
Restoring & Celebrating Family Wellness, Winter Stories Concerning Children with Extra Healthcare Needs, Feb 25, 2020
Traditional teacher Ray Deal answered questions posed by young family leaders Kyle Jim and Megan Johnson concerning winter stories about children with extra healthcare needs. Ray unfolded the stories to track clan and parental responsibilities as the children age, and how siblings relate especially in illness. He noted how all were by chance from Taachini clan. He did not avoid talking about darkness as well as beauty and happiness, hozho, and he spoke of Changing Woman and mountain animals. One parent stood up to say she came especially to be instructed on their own children, hearing of the event on KTNN. Bertha, a traditional farmer, was moved by the inclusion and questions of young family leaders. Participants were from all ages. Fruit topped blue mush cookies made by Kyle was presented to Ray and given to everyone. Happy Birthday was sung to Sophie, Karen John's daughter, and her cake was also shared after a good potluck. It was a very happy evening for all.
Tribal PRAMS Maternial & Child Health Data into Action Symposium @ Isleta Resort, Feb 24-25, 2020
Hazel James and Elvira Dennison posed with wonderful buffalo dancers at the Tribal PRAMS Symposium.
Restoring & Celebrating Family Wellness, Winter Family Mini-Conference, Dec 11, 2019
On Dec 11, we joined our partners and collaborators Indian Health Services, Shiprock Food Hub, San Juan Collaborative for Health Equity, and Childrens Medical Service to put on the Winter Family Conference for family wellness at the Shiprock Youth Complex, bringing in Dr. Vincent Werito from UNM-TREE to present on Diné wellness principles in family support networks. Dr. Werito and Ray Deal both led 2 hours of clan stories. Kyle Jim presented a food demonstration in healthy fruit smoothies and served food to over 200 family members. Tisa from CMS and Elvira and Josey of NFV, joined by Elvira's family, asked "What is your vision" for wellness and healthcare? at our arts and health booth.
Family Circle/Connections, Sheepsprings Oct 28, 2019
Oct 28 was our first family circle partnered with Growing in Beauty, emphasizing clan family leaders and rural community self-sufficiency in special healthcare knowledge and resources, and using leading by convening principles. Thank you families for coming, thankfully there was enough vegetable tacos made by Kyle for all. The 8 communities are too often overlooked. We are committed to be present for many circles to come. Thank you GIB for believing in our family-to-family mission which requires nurturing and acknowledging relationships that may have long been brushed aside. Our next Sheepspring circle will be a Thanksgiving circle, Nov 22.
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Above from left: Kyle, Elvira, Josey (NFV), Arlinda, Jessica (GIB) and Debra (Univ. Co).
Mountain States Regional Genetics Network, Genetics Summit Sept 23-25, 2019
Serving on the Family Voices Tribal Nations Panel on Sept 24: Josey of Navajo Family Voices, Naomi Sandweiss of Parents Reaching Out, Trudy John of Raising Special Kids, Kristi Wees of MSRGN moderating.
Maternal Child health Bureau Site Visit on Tues., Sept 10, 2019
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Family Circle, Newcomb Sept 10, 2019
Our first family circle within the 8 communities was led by Kyle and Megan.
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Three Sisters Stir Fry Food Demo at Shiprock Farmers Market on Sat., Aug 31, 2019
Navajo Family Voices Family Circle Director Kyle Jim used all local farmer produced corn, squash and beans in an all day food demo at the farmers market, feeding and signing up Shiprock families for the Food Hub.
Outreach at Toadlena and Two Grey Hills, Aug 29, 2019
Hazel, Kyle and Josey, with parent Emma Watchman, visited with rural families and chapter officials in the Toadlena and Two Grey Hills area, meeting families raising special needs children in isolation and very remote homes where weavings are still done and sold to the Two Grey Hills Trading Post.
Navajo Family Voices co-sponsored Diné Food Gardening Hands-on training at Newcomb Middle School on August 1 & 2, 2019.
Alongside parents, grandparents, CYSHCN students and other students, school staff and members of the Newcomb community, Hazel and Megan helped assemble the water tower, gate, and garden beds and set up the food area to feed almost 30 participants each day with San Juan Collaborative for Health Equity, Newcomb Chapter, COPE from Gallup, DCRE, Iina Baa Hozho, and the McCune Charitable Foundation. Iina Baa Hozho spearheaded gardening using traditional methods and knowledge two years ago in support of Newcomb child wellness following a wellness crisis among the community's school-age children.
Navajo Family Voices with case managers at New Mexico Income Support Division in Farmington following a presentation on July 18, 2019
Megan and Josey provided an overview of our services, website, and issues expressed by Navajo families. Thank you Isela and Shelleen and everyone for the warm welcome and especially your commitment to maximizing knowledge and services for everyone.
Navajo Family Voices with Children's Medical Services at RCFW's 11th Annual Youth Conference, Shiprock High School, June 23, 2019
NFV and NMDOH-CMS had adjoining booths with Parents Reaching Out (not pictured) at the 11th Annual Youth Conference at Shiprock High school, with both presenting on case coordination and expressing needs and questions to doctors and nurses in separate workshops on a packed conference schedule themed on Ádáhodílzin - reverence for Self.
New Mexico Passes "Plan of Safe Care" Law for Pregnant Mothers Testing Positive for Substance Abuse
On March 16, 2019, Gov. Lujan Grisham signed into law HB230 which would require state organizations like CYFD, hospitals and other organizations to give guidelines to pregnant mothers testing positive for drug use to prevent future drug use during her pregnancy in hopes of delivering a healthy baby. The plan would also require a follow up with the mother to make sure the home is safe from future drug use. The full text of the law can be found here.
Opening of "House of Hope," First Cancer Care Center on Navajo Nation on May 23, 2019 in Tuba City
"House of Hope," the first full-time cancer care center on an American Indian Reservation has opened in Tuba City. The culturally-adapted cancer care center at TCRHCC will provide oncology services and include patient- and caregiver-support and navigation.
Navajo Family Voices Team at Family Voices Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., May 7-10, 2019
At the 2019 Family Leadership Conference in Washington, DC., Navajo Family Voices was recognized as the Navajo Family Voices Affiliate Organization for the states of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The NFV team presented on "Shared Cultural Signals: Through a Diné Lens on the Navajo Nation" and visited with our Arizona and New Mexico Congressional representatives.
