Many of NACA’s programs are designed to provide service and aid for those in need within the Flagstaff community.
“[Cheri] is the sweetest, most helping, kind and on-it person. I could cry. Deborah and Damon, too. I could give each of them a rose,” said a NACA patient about the staff. Services provided extend from immunizations and COVID-19 vaccines to pediatric care, family planning and more.
In the same location, the NACA Behavioral Health Center provides services such as behavioral health counseling, substance use programs and group counseling sessions. NACA Behavioral Health places a priority on improving mental health for all people in the community of Flagstaff and utilizes a wide variety of counseling techniques that honor the community’s unique population, their customs, culture and beliefs (including traditional and Western orientations). NACA Behavioral Health encourages progress by building on the individual strengths of clients, their families and their communities.
Along with NACA’s Family Health Center, the Health Promotion programs are designed to enhance services provided through the Family Health Center and other health care facilities. Patients are referred by their medical provider and encouraged to take advantage of the health and fitness education classes and services, to take control of their health. The Health Promotion team engages in patient education with those who are living with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, pre-diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Services such as cancer screenings and preventative care for colorectal cancer are also provided. NACA employs staff members with special certifications who are trained to work with those living with chronic diseases. Staff on site include fitness specialists who are certified through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), a registered dietitian who can help with medical nutrition therapy, community health representatives with years of experience and health coaches and educators who are ready to work with all patients.
While NACA provides numerous services geared toward physical and mental health and well-being, there are also community programs and supportive services available. NACA partners with many community healthcare entities and affiliate agencies to ensure the well-being of patients. Many of NACA’s programs are designed to provide service and aid for those in need within the Flagstaff community. NACA utilizes holistic approaches so patients can attain balance, harmony, growth and empowerment. NACA works to support patient relationships compassionately and proactively with kin, collective cultures and their environment.
“Thank you for the masks and the sanitizers that you donated to NACOG. With your support we can keep our children and staff safe and keep our centers open,” wrote the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG).
The mission of Native Americans for Community Action Inc. is to provide preventive wellness strategies, empower and advocate for Native peoples and others in need, and to create a healthy community based on harmony, respect and indigenous values. FBN
By Almalía Berríos-Payton
Almalía Berríos-Payton is the marketing and public relations officer for Native Americans for Community Action and a member of the Lenca and Pipil tribes from El Salvador. Berríos-Payton earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and strategic communications at Northern Arizona University and can be reached at almaliabp@nacainc.org.