MACT August 2026 Newsletter
The 2026 Native Kids Camp at Asilomar in Monterey, California, was an absolute triumph
filling the coastal air with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories. Over the course of the week, the stunning oceanside setting provided the perfect backdrop for our youth to connect with their heritage and the natural world. From sunrise to sunset, the positive energy was palpable as every participant fully engaged in the daily activities. It was a week where fun was the guiding force, creating a vibrant environment where joy and cultural pride went hand in hand.
Beyond the sheer fun of the experience, the camp served as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and community building. Children who arrived as strangers quickly bonded over shared experiences, forming deep and lasting friendships that will undoubtedly continue to grow. The campers enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to learn new things, diving into cultural workshops, exploring the unique Monterey coastal ecosystem, and developing new personal skills. Watching the kids encourage one another and grow in confidence was easily one of the most rewarding aspects of the entire week.
Of course, none of this magic would have been possible without the extraordinary dedication of our community leaders, volunteers, and leadership team. A heartfelt and special thanks goes out to the incredible staff and chaperones who worked tirelessly to organize, curate, and supervise such a meaningful week. Your commitment to guiding and inspiring the youth ensured that every single child felt supported. We also want to extend a special mention and our deepest gratitude to the Board of Directors. Their unwavering support, vision, and guidance were instrumental in bringing this event to life, ensuring that the 2026 Native Kids Camp was a resounding success that will positively impact these children for years to come.
Make Time for You: Happy National Wellness Month
August is National Wellness Month, a perfect reminder that caring for yourself is the first step in caring for others. Whether you are managing a busy household or balancing work commitments, your health deserves a priority spot on the calendar.
Building a sustainable wellness routine does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Here are three simple ways to hit the reset button this month:
Prioritize Preventive Care: Do not wait for an issue to arise. Schedule that overdue physical, book a routine screening, and ensure all your prescriptions are up to date.
Master the Basics: Focus on hydration during the peak summer heat, aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep, and build short, intentional movement into your daily routine.
Protect Your Peace: Learn to set firm boundaries with your time. Make it a habit to disconnect from screens and news feeds to give your mind a true break.
Building these foundational habits now will ensure you are energized and resilient for the busy fall season ahead.
Speaking of fall, building healthy habits this August is the perfect way to prepare for our upcoming community health and wellness event, taking place October 2nd through 4th. We will share more details soon and look forward to celebrating community health with you then!
Back-to-School Prep: National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, perfectly timed for the back-to-school season. As you check off lists for backpacks, notebooks, and new shoes, there is one crucial item that should be at the very top of your back-to-school prep: double checking your children's vaccination records.
Before the school bells ring, ensuring your family is up to date on their immunizations is the safest, most effective way to protect them from preventable diseases.
Why Timely Immunizations Matter
When classrooms fill up, illnesses can spread rapidly. Immunizations are not just a school administrative requirement; they are a vital health shield.
Individual Protection: Vaccines safely strengthen your child's immune system, preventing serious and disruptive illnesses like measles, mumps, and whooping cough before they can start.
Community Safety: When your child is vaccinated, they help protect vulnerable individuals in the community, including infants and those with weakened immune systems, who rely on the health of those around them.
Uninterrupted Learning: Staying current on immunizations means fewer missed school days for your kids and fewer missed work days for parents.
The Back-to-School Health Checklist
Navigating school requirements can feel overwhelming, but staying proactive makes the process seamless:
Locate Your Records: Find your child's immunization card or log into your patient portal to review their current status.
Know the Requirements: Different grade levels often require specific boosters. Pay special attention to the requirements if you have a student entering kindergarten or the seventh grade.
Beat the Rush: Pediatric and family clinics get incredibly busy in the final weeks before school starts. Scheduling early ensures you get an appointment time that works for your family.
Secure Your Spot Today
Do not wait until the last minute and risk delaying your child's first day of school. Our care teams are ready to review your family's health records, answer any questions you have about vaccine safety, and get your children ready for a healthy and successful academic year.
Call your local MACT clinic today to schedule your back-to-school immunization appointment.
MACT on the Move
MACT Mobile Health has been on the go this summer with both outreach and Mobile Clinics! In June, you may have seen our table at the San Andreas Resource Fair, Sonora Pride or the West Point Farmer’s Market, or caught the Mobile Medical Unit at the Native Dads Network Wellness Tour in Woodfords, where Behavioral Health Director Christy Hobgood spoke on a panel with other community partners about substance abuse prevention in our tribal communities. Mobile Clinics included complete eye exams with optometrist Dr. Narula and therapy with Melissa Windham, ACSW in Rail Road Flat and West Point.
July brought MACT to the Mother Lode Fair in Sonora, Railroad Flat and West Point for sports physical exams and behavioral health at our Mobile Clinic, and will wrap up with the Amador County Fair July 30-Aug 2.
Missed us at these events? Keep an eye out for MACT at these upcoming events:
Amador County Fair, Amador County Fairgrounds, July 30-Aug. 2
Washoe Picnic, Grover Hot Springs Park, Aug. 7-8
Provider Spotlight
:
Ronald Kehl, DDS MPH – Dental Director, San Andreas Dental
Dr. Ronald J. Kehl was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He studied biology and chemistry in undergrad, which led him to an interest in health care. He went to dental school at the University of Oklahoma and graduated with honors in 1998.
He subsequently obtained a master’s degree in Public Health and has worked for various community clinics throughout his 28 years in dentistry. Dr. Kehl has a passion for helping the underserved, rural, Native American, and homeless communities.
In 2001, he helped build a first of its kind community health dental clinic in northeastern Utah that became a valuable resource for the three counties it served. Thirteen years later, he became the founding dental director for a homeless clinic in Salt Lake City, another first of its kind. For the last 6 years, he has worked as the dental director to help build and grow two other underserved community dental clinics in the great state of California. He is thrilled to be a part of the great organization that is MACT Health Board.
Dr. Kehl is now accepting new patients at MACT Health’s San Andreas Dental clinic. Please call MACT Health at 209.755.1460 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kehl.
Provider Spotlight
Theresa Sales - Family Nurse Practitioner, Sonora Medical
Born and raised in Goodrich, Michigan, Theresa Sales is a Family Nurse Practitioner that came to Tuolumne County 3 years ago with the intent to work with indigenous and rural populations.
Theresa spent the beginning of her career as a bedside nurse of 25 years and then advanced to a family nurse practitioner, with a specialty and focus, for the past decade, on family and pediatric health. Theresa is passionate about a family centered, collaborative approach to health care and medicine. She works one on one with her patients to develop a plan of care that is distinctive to them, integrating a natural and holistic approach through supplements and/or medications, based on each patient’s unique preference and needs. Theresa and her husband together have 5 children and 4 grandchildren.
She has an innate love for nature and frequently spends her time swimming, hiking and winetasting. When she isn’t taking care of her patients, you may find her on the back of a motorcycle with her husband, exploring Tuolumne County’s serene beauty and back roads. Theresa is excited to work alongside MACT to provide compassionate, patient centered care for our Native American and community members alike.
Theresa is now accepting new patients at MACT Health’s Sonora Medical Clinic. Please call MACT Health at xxx to schedule an appointment with Theresa.
Celebrating MACT
Pamela Coats – Native American Services Case Manager, Mariposa Medical – 28 years
Congratulations Pamela on another year of service! Your commitment to our mission and values is inspiring. Thank you for being a valued team member.
Francis Flowers – Registered Dental Hygienist, Mariposa Dental – 15 years
Congratulations Francis on reaching this milestone! Your contributions help strengthen our workplace and support our mission. We are grateful to have you on our team.
Sonja Smith – Registered Dental Assistant Extended Function 2, San Andreas Dental – 10 years
Congratulations Sonja on your work anniversary! Thank you for the energy, talent, and commitment you bring to our team. We appreciate your continued service.
Upcoming Events & Holidays
More Cowbell! Amador County Fair - July 30- August 2, 2026
The fair takes place at the Amador County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, California and is a beloved annual tradition featuring livestock exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, rodeo events, truck and tractor pulls, and a demolition derby.
Mobile Clinic August 12th
Well Child Exams, Rail Road Flat 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and West Point 1:30-4:30 p.m., Aug. 12
Look Ahead: Mariposa County Fair
While we are still soaking up August, the Mariposa County Fair is just around the corner! Typically held over Labor Day Weekend, this is a beloved tradition. Prepare your entries and get ready to celebrate in Mariposa!
Breast Cancer Awareness Small Group Session
Friday September 18 from 4:00-5:00PM, at MACT Sonora Women’s Health- 13975 Mono Way, Sonora, CA 95370. Please rsvp 209-754-6262 Ext:5132.
From MACT’s Kitchen
Buffalo & Sweet Potato Stew (Plains-Inspired)
Bison has long been central to the foodways of Plains nations such as the Cheyenne.
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
● 1½ lbs bison stew meat
● 2 tbsp sunflower oil
● 1 small onion, diced
● 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
● 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
● 1 turnip, cubed
● 4 cups bone broth or water
● 1 tsp crushed juniper berries
● Salt to taste
Instructions
Heat oil in a heavy pot. Brown bison on all sides.
Add onion and cook until softened.
Stir in sweet potatoes, turnip, juniper, and broth.
Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 60–90 minutes until meat is tender.
Season lightly with salt.
Hearty, warming, and deeply flavorful.
