MACT September 2026 Newsletter
A Big Time for Health, Culture, and Community
October 2-4, 2026
San Andreas, CA
Friday 10/2 10AM-5PM
Saturday 10/3 10AM-5PM
Sunday 10/4 9AM-Noon
Join the MACT Health Board for a landmark three-day celebration where modern wellness meets timeless tradition. This isn't just a fair; it's a "Big Time" a cherished gathering for our communities across Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Mariposa, and Alpine counties to connect, heal, and thrive.
Rediscover What It Means to Be Well, Together
Here in the golden foothills of the Sierra, community is our strength. A "Big Time" is a tradition of coming together to share, to learn, and to celebrate. It’s a time to nurture your body, enrich your spirit, and reconnect with the vibrant heartbeat of our home.
This October, we invite you and your family to be part of this special tradition. The MACT Health & Wellness Big Time is your opportunity to take a positive, proactive step on your wellness journey.
An Unforgettable Experience for the Whole Family
From vital health screenings to vibrant cultural showcases, the Big Time has something for everyone. Come for the health, stay for the community!
Empower Your Health (For Free!)
Take charge of your well-being with a comprehensive range of on-siteFree Health Screenings. Our friendly and professional team will be on hand to provide confidential services and valuable information in a relaxed and supportive environment. It’s the easiest step you’ll take all year for a healthier future.
Experience the Heartbeat of Our Heritage
Immerse yourself in the beauty and power of Native Cultural Demonstrations. Witness the rich traditions, stories, and artistry that are the foundation of our region. Feel the rhythm of the music, be moved by the dances, and gain a deeper appreciation for the living culture that thrives here.
A Feast for the Senses
Get ready for a festival atmosphere!
Live Music: Local Native cultural music and demonstrations.
Local Vendors: Discover unique crafts, goods, and services from talented artisans and businesses in our community.
Delicious Food & Drinks: Savor the flavors of the event with a variety of tasty options to fuel your day.
Fun Kid Activities: Bring the little ones for a day of laughter, play, and fun designed just for them!
Cooling Stations
Handgame Tournament!
Event Details & Schedule
Location:
1113 HWY 49, San Andreas, CA
Admission:
Free for all
Honoring Native American Day: Celebrating Culture, Heritage, and Community
Native American Day, observed on Friday September 25th, 2026, is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, diverse cultures, and lasting contributions of Native American communities. It is also a time to acknowledge the resilience, traditions, and values that have been passed down through generations. Across the country, Native American people continue to strengthen their communities through leadership, education, the arts, environmental stewardship, military service, and healthcare, enriching the cultural fabric of our nation.
As a healthcare organization, MACT Health recognizes the importance of providing compassionate, culturally respectful care that honors the unique backgrounds and traditions of every patient. Native American Day reminds us of the value of listening, learning, and building partnerships that promote health equity and improve access to quality care. By celebrating diversity and fostering understanding, we help create a welcoming environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and supported.
All MACT Health sites will be closed on Friday, September 25th in celebration of Native American Day.
Self-Care Awareness: Taking Care of You
Self-care is more than an occasional treat—it's an essential part of maintaining good physical, emotional, and mental health. Making time for healthy habits such as staying physically active, managing stress, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough sleep can improve overall well-being and help prevent burnout. Even a few minutes each day dedicated to relaxation, mindfulness, or a favorite hobby can have a positive impact on your mood and resilience. Prioritizing self-care allows you to better manage life's challenges and maintain the energy needed to care for your family, work, and community.
Self-care also includes knowing when to seek support. Staying connected with friends and loved ones, scheduling routine medical checkups, and reaching out to a healthcare provider when something doesn't feel right are all important aspects of caring for yourself. Remember, self-care looks different for everyone, and small, consistent actions often make the greatest difference. By investing in your own health and well-being, you build a stronger foundation for a healthier, happier life.
Aging Well: National Healthy Aging
Healthy Aging: Small Steps, Big Benefits
September is National Healthy Aging Month. Focus on what you can do. Stay active, stay curious, and stay connected.
Healthy aging is about maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional well-being as you grow older. While aging is a natural part of life, adopting healthy habits can help you stay active, independent, and engaged for years to come. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, quality sleep, and routine preventive healthcare all play an important role in supporting long-term health. Staying up to date with recommended screenings and vaccinations can also help detect potential health concerns early, when they are often most treatable.
Equally important is caring for your mind and staying socially connected. Participating in hobbies, volunteering, learning new skills, or spending time with family and friends can improve mood, reduce feelings of isolation, and support brain health. Simple activities such as reading, puzzles, gardening, or walking with a friend can make a meaningful difference. Healthy aging isn't about avoiding growing older—it's about making choices that help you enjoy a vibrant, fulfilling life at every stage. Every positive step, no matter how small, contributes to better health and well-being.
Children's Eye Health: Supporting Clear Vision for Learning and Growth
Children’s Eye Health Month is a reminder that healthy vision is essential for a child’s learning, development, and overall well-being. We know up to 80% of classroom learning is visual and undetected vision problems can affect reading, school performance, sports, and confidence. Many children do not realize they have blurry vision, they don’t know any different! This makes comprehensive eye examinations especially important. Vision screenings at school or the pediatrician’s office can identify some concerns but do not replace a comprehensive eye examination. The American Optometric Association recommends an eye exam at least once between ages 3 and 5, before first grade, and annually thereafter. Regular eye exams can detect refractive errors, eye coordination problems, and eye diseases early, allowing for timely treatment. Healthy eyes help kids discover, imagine, explore and grow! This Children’s Eye Health month, make vision care part of your family’s routine – every adventure is better when you can see it clearly!
See you soon,
Dr. Galli
Back to School Physicals
It is not too late to get that sports physical or general check-up to ensure a healthy academic year.
Suicide Prevention Month with Christy Hobgood - Director of Behavioral Health
September is Suicide Prevention Month: Hope Starts with Connection
September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to come together as a community to raise awareness, encourage hope, and remind those who are struggling that they are never alone. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. While we may not always recognize someone's pain, we can all play a role in creating a community where people feel seen, heard, and supported.
At MACT Health Board, Inc., we believe that every life has value and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our goal is to provide compassionate, culturally responsive behavioral health services that meet people where they are and help them move toward healing and hope.
Our Behavioral Health team is here to support individuals and families through services that are within our scope of care, including mental health assessments, individual counseling, crisis intervention during business hours, care coordination, and referrals when a higher level of care is needed. We know that healing looks different for everyone, and we are committed to walking alongside our patients every step of the way.
Suicide prevention begins with connection. Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is simply reach out, listen without judgment, and let someone know they matter. One conversation, one act of kindness, or one offer of support can make a lasting difference.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that you do not have to face it alone. MACT Behavioral Health is here to help within the services we provide, and when additional care is needed, we will help connect individuals with the appropriate resources.
Together, we can reduce stigma, encourage conversations about mental health, and continue building healthier, stronger communities where hope can grow.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or is in immediate danger, call 911 or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Celebrating MACT Health
MACT Health’s Suicide Prevention Training Update with Alicia Williams- Back Office Manager
Members of MACT Health’s team recently completed our Suicide Prevention Training through LivingWorks. What we learned will better equip us to support individuals in our communities who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis. Our plan is to provide the training throughout all of MACT Health, so all team members working with our patients are empowered in suicide prevention.
Francis Flowers – Registered Dental Hygienist, Mariposa Dental – 15 years
Congratulations on this important milestone! Your professionalism and dedication are greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping our organization thrive.
Sonja Smith – Registered Dental Assistant Extended Function 2, San Andreas Dental – 10 years
Happy Anniversary and thank you for your commitment! Your efforts help make a meaningful difference every day. We are proud to have you on our team.
Nikki Crawford – Dental Lab Technician/RDA, Sonora Dental Lab – 5 years
Happy Work Anniversary! Your knowledge, experience, and dedication contribute to our success. We appreciate all that you do.
Christy Hobgood – Behavioral Health Director, Valley Springs BH – 5 years
Congratulations on another successful year! Your commitment to excellence helps us achieve our goals and serve our community. Thank you for being part of our team.
Gretchen Rich – Operations Manager (North) – Jackson Medical
Congratulations on your promotion to Operations Manager of MACT Health’s Northern Region! We appreciate your commitment to helping our team succeed!
From MACT’s Kitchen
Savory Stuffed Pumpkin (Autumn Harvest Style)
Whole squash and pumpkins were often roasted near embers or baked in clay-lined pits among various Eastern Woodlands peoples such as the Wampanoag.
Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 small sugar pumpkin (about 3–4 lbs)
1 cup cooked wild rice
½ cup cooked beans (cranberry or white beans)
½ cup dried cranberries or chopped fresh cranberries
½ cup chopped nuts (walnut or sunflower seeds)
1 small onion, diced
1 tbsp sunflower oil
Fresh sage or thyme
Salt to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut top off pumpkin and scoop out seeds.
Sauté onion in oil until soft.
In a bowl, mix wild rice, beans, cranberries, nuts, onion, herbs, and salt.
Spoon mixture into pumpkin. Replace lid.
Place in baking dish with ½ inch water in bottom.
Bake 60–90 minutes, until pumpkin flesh is tender when pierced.
To serve, slice pumpkin into wedges with filling spooned over each piece.
Upcoming Events & Holidays
Labor Day - Monday, September 7th
On Monday, September 7th, we celebrate Labor Day. To all the workers who keep our community running, thank you. Enjoy your well-deserved rest! MACT sites will be closed in honor of labor day.
Mariposa County Fair- RED, WHITE, BLUE & EWE
The Mariposa County Fair & Homecoming 2026 will be held September 4–7, 2026, featuring agricultural events, entertainment, contests, and a carnival. Free admission day on September 7th. 5005 Fairgrounds Rd, Mariposa, CA
Breast Cancer Awareness Small Group Session - Friday, September 18th
4:00 PM- 5:00PM at Sonora Women’s Health
13975 Mono Way, Sonora, CA 95370
PLease RSVP by calling 209-754-6262 Ext:5132
Native American Day - Friday, September 25th
MACT Health recognizes the rich history and culture of Native American people in our region. All MACT sites will be closed on Friday September 25th in honor of Native American Day.
Orange Shirt Day - Wednesday, September 30th
Orange Shirt Day: We wear orange to honor the survivors of residential schools and affirm that Every Child Matters.
Orange Shirt Day is observed on September 30 to honor Indigenous children who were taken from their families and forced to attend residential and boarding schools, while recognizing the lasting impacts these institutions have had on Indigenous communities. The day encourages reflection, education, and meaningful conversations about truth, healing, and reconciliation. Wearing an orange shirt is a visible way to show support, remember the survivors and those who never returned home, and reaffirm our commitment to respect, compassion, cultural understanding, and equitable care for all members of our community.