MACT July 2026 Newsletter
Museum Update Social Wellness Month NationalMinority Mental Health Month Provider Spotlight Celebrating MACT From MACT’s Kitchen Holiday Announcements
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Museum Update Social Wellness Month NationalMinority Mental Health Month Provider Spotlight Celebrating MACT From MACT’s Kitchen Holiday Announcements 〰️
Museums are an Integral Part of a Healthy Community with Kristopher Mandell, Director of Museum Operations
Museums have existed for millennia. Ever since the first known museum--ca. 530 BCE during the Neo-Babylonian Period at Ur in what is present day Iraq--people have visited these spaces to learn about culture, science, and what it means to be human. Museums have changed over the last 100 years, diverging from the cabinets of curiosity and galleries of works of art, to focus on local histories and cultures. What has not changed is the public’s participation and interest in learning about important objects and cultures from around the world. Recent studies have shown another important function and benefit of museums: the health and wellbeing of their visitors.
Dating back to the Romans and beyond, we as humans have appreciated art and culture as an integral part of daily life. It wasn’t until the industrial revolution that museums became a novelty, something to be enjoyed, but not of great importance to survival or personal wellbeing. In our current times clinical studies have reintroduced the important relationship between museums and health. In a study published in the National Library of Medicine it was found that, “…for adults aged 50 and older visiting museums every few months or more was associated with a lower incidence rate of dementia over a 10-year follow-up period compared with less-frequent visiting.” In the context of Native Americans it has been found that engagement with culture had similar results. As a Tribal museum, the Miwuk Museum and Cultural Center has the benefits of providing a healing and engaging space that is part of a preventative plan, in the context of aging, for both Native and non-native visitors.
In essence, museums are an integral part of a healthy community. Museums have an important place in the general plan of our towns and cities; they are as important as libraries, hospitals, or gyms. They challenge our brains to think in new ways about new things and keep those parts of our brains strong well into our aging process. So plan a trip to a local museum today and keep your minds thriving for tomorrow.
Social Wellness Month Social Wellness
Strengthening Connections for Better Health
Social wellness is an important part of overall health and well-being. It reflects our ability to build positive relationships, maintain supportive connections, and feel a sense of belonging within our families and communities. For many Native American communities, social wellness is deeply connected to cultural traditions, shared values, and the strength that comes from supporting one another.
Strong social connections can improve both physical and mental health. People who feel connected to family, friends, and community members often experience lower stress levels, better emotional well-being, and a greater sense of purpose. Participating in community gatherings, cultural events, ceremonies, and volunteer activities can help strengthen these important bonds.
Social wellness also includes effective communication, mutual respect, and seeking support when needed. Reaching out to trusted family members, elders, healthcare providers, or community resources can make a meaningful difference during challenging times.
At our hospital, we recognize that health extends beyond medical care. By encouraging community engagement, cultural connection, and supportive relationships, we help promote social wellness and strengthen the well-being of individuals, families, and future generations.
Together, we can build healthier communities through connection, respect, and shared support.
National Minority Mental Health Month
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed each July to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority communities. Mental wellness is an important part of overall health and includes emotional, psychological, spiritual, and social well-being. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and help is available through trusted healthcare providers, family members, elders, and community resources. By reducing stigma, encouraging open conversations, and supporting one another, we can help create healthier, stronger communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. MACT Health is focused on whole-person wellness, community connection, and strengthening our native culture.
Provider Spotlight
Johnny Meehan – Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Sonora Chiropractic + Health & Wellness Clinic
Johnny’s practice in social work began in 2011 as a Case Manager working with folks in Butte County experiencing crisis and homelessness. He obtained a Master's degree in Social Work from CSU, Chico in 2019, then spent the next 6+ years in Boise, ID based in a community mental health setting with a concentration on individual therapy. Johnny has extensive training in trauma focused modalities (EMDR, IFS, DBT and TF-CBT) utilizing a therapeutic approach heavily influenced by person-centered, existential, and trauma-focused perspectives. He enjoys working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds and deeply believes in the power of community and personal transformation. His personal values center around service, creativity and adventure. Johnny enjoys spending time outdoors, playing music and reading. His favorite Mr. Rogers’ quote is: “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.“
Johnny is now accepting new patients at MACT Health’s Sonora Chiropractic + Health & Wellness Clinic. Please call MACT Health at 209.288.6530 to schedule an appointment with Johnny.
Provider Spotlight
Leighanne Shirey was born and raised in Southern California and moved to Carson City, Nevada in 1994. She began her nursing career in high school as a CNA trainee. Her love caring for patients has been a continuous journey of education and advancement in the nursing profession over several decades. This has led her to where she is today, a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is passionate about education and holds a Master's degree in Nursing Education and Doctorate of Advanced Nursing Practice from UNR. Leighanne believes in the concept of preventative health care and strives to educate patients about engaging in their health. She also teaches online classes for FNP students through Chamberlain University. She has been married for 37 years and has 3 adult sons, 5 grandchildren and two German Short Hair Pointers that keep her active. She enjoys all outdoor activities including ocean sports, surfing and paddle boarding. She rides a Harley Davidson motorcycle "Heritage Soft Tail" and plans on riding to work when the weather is nice. She looks forward to meeting everybody.
Leighanne is now accepting new patients at MACT Health’s Markleeville Medical Clinic. Please call MACT Health at 530.999.6658 to schedule an appointment with Leighanne.
Provider Spotlight
Katrinia Rose Lemons, often referred to as "Kat" or "Lemons" in a nod to her military days, brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her practice. Raised in the Appalachian region of Kentucky before relocating to a small town in west Tennessee during her middle school years, she pursued her higher education across both states to earn her nursing degree. In 2005, she relocated to California with her family to begin the next chapter of her career.
Katrinia began her clinical journey in the Intensive Care Unit before transitioning to the Emergency Room. She has dedicated the majority of her nursing career to serving rural hospitals and clinics. Driven by a desire to become a stronger advocate for her patients and their needs, she advanced her education to become a Nurse Practitioner in 2016. Among her proudest professional milestones is her four years of service as a military nurse. For more than half of her tenure as a Nurse Practitioner, she has worked in the Emergency Department at the Veterans Administration, finding deep fulfillment in an environment that prioritizes patient care above financial gain.
Her commitment to advocacy continues to grow. Most recently, Katrinia joined a committee dedicated to enhancing healthcare for women. As her career evolves, she aspires to become a dedicated advocate for Native American women.
Outside of her professional life, Katrinia is deeply rooted in the California outdoors. She raised her three children in South Lake Tahoe, fostering a family culture of outdoor recreation. Her children continue to thrive in their respective fields: her eldest daughter is a winemaker for at least twelve different wineries in El Dorado County, her son works as a welder at a Sacramento marina, and her youngest daughter is currently serving her ninth year in the United States Coast Guard. Today, Katrinia and her husband continue to explore nature together, sharing a passion for discovering new places and the history behind them.
Kat is now accepting new patients at MACT Health’s Ione clinic. Please call MACT Health Ione at 916.850.1348 to schedule an appointment with Kat.
Celebrating MACT
Milestones
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Milestones 〰️
Margaret Metcalf – Finance Director, Angels Camp Admin/Sonora – 10 years
Congratulations on 10 years of dedicated service as MACT Health’s Finance Director. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our team. We appreciate all you do and wish you continued success!
Brittaney Snethen – Coding Specialist, Angels Camp Admin/Billing – 5 years
Congratulations on 5 years of dedicated service as MACT Health’s Coding Specialist. Your hard work and positive attitude make a difference every day. Thank you for being a valued member of our organization. Happy Anniversary!
Grand opening Markleeville
On Wednesday, June 3, MACT Health proudly celebrated the grand opening of our new Markleeville Medical Clinic at 75 Diamond Valley Road. The event was a tremendous success, bringing together local residents and community leaders to share our vision for accessible, patient-centered care in Alpine County.
It was a joy for our staff to connect with the community we are here to serve. We loved providing clinic tours, sharing food and drinks, giving away raffle prizes, and building the personal relationships that are the foundation of our work. We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome and enthusiastic support from everyone who attended.
Our Markleeville clinic is officially open and accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment or learn about our services, visit www.macthealth.org or call our clinic directly.
From MACT’s Kitchen
Wojapi (Berry Sauce)
Ingredients
3 cups mixed berries (blueberries, chokecherries, strawberries)
½ cup water
1–2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional thickener)
Instructions
Combine berries and water in a saucepan.
Simmer 10–15 minutes until berries break down.
Mash lightly.
Add cornstarch slurry if thicker sauce is desired.
Sweeten only if necessary.
Blue Corn Cakes
Ingredients
1 cup blue cornmeal
1 cup warm water
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp sunflower oil (for pan)
Instructions
Mix cornmeal, salt, and warm water into a thick batter.
Heat lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
Spoon batter into small rounds.
Cook 3–4 minutes per side until firm and lightly crisped.
Serve warm corn cakes topped generously with wojapi.
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.
