March 2025 Newsletter(Extended Digital Edition)
National Nutrition Month
National Doctor’s Day
Employee Spotlight-
Nicole Archer & Delaney Ditler
Social Worker’s Month
Colorectal Cancer Awareness
From MACT’s Kitchen
Holiday Announcements
From the Desk of John Alexander
- Executive Director
Welcome to the March issue! As we celebrate National Nutrition Month, we encourage you to explore the small steps, like staying hydrated or adding vegetables, that lead to better health. Inside, you will meet our new Diabetic Management Team, Nicole and Delaney, and join us in honoring our dedicated doctors and socialworkers for their service to our community.
National Nutrition Month: Fueling Health Through Better Choices
Observed each March, National Nutrition Month highlights the vital role nutrition plays in overall health, disease prevention, and recovery. Proper nutrition supports immune function, heart health, mental well-being, and energy levels at every stage of life. For patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or obesity, small, consistent improvements in dietary habits can lead to meaningful clinical outcomes. For healthcare providers, nutrition counseling remains a powerful, evidence-based tool that complements medical treatment.
Call to Action:
This month, MACT Health encourages patients and staff to take one simple step toward better nutrition—whether it’s adding more fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains, staying hydrated, or meeting with MACT Health's Diabetic Management Team. As a healthcare community, let’s model and promote practical, sustainable nutrition habits that support long-term health and wellness.
There are effective, practical ways to build accountability, especially for nutrition and health goals. Here are a few evidence-based recommendations you can share in a medical or wellness context:
Find a partner or professional
Accountability improves when goals are shared. This can be a friend, family member, support group, or healthcare professional such as a registered dietitian.
Tie habits to daily routines
Link nutrition behaviors to existing habits (for example, adding fruit with breakfast or planning meals while making a grocery list).
Set a specific, trackable goal
Vague goals are harder to maintain. Encourage goals like “eat vegetables at two meals daily” or “drink water with every meal” rather than “eat healthier.”
Write it down and review it weekly
Recording goals (on paper, in a phone note, or a tracker) increases follow-through. A brief weekly check-in helps identify what’s working and what needs adjusting.
Track progress, not perfection
Food logs, apps, or simple checklists help people notice patterns without judgment. Consistency matters more than flawless adherence.
Simple takeaway for patients:
Choose one small goal, track it, share it with someone, and check in regularly. By taking these small, intentional steps, you’re not aiming for perfection—you’re building progress. Each choice brings you one step closer to a healthier, stronger you.
Honoring the Healers: Celebrating National Doctor’s Day
National Doctor’s Day, observed each year on March 30, is a time to recognize and appreciate the dedication, skill, and compassion of doctors who work to keep individuals and communities healthy. The day honors physicians for their commitment to patient care, medical innovation, and service, often under challenging conditions. It also serves as an opportunity to thank doctors for the vital role they play in improving and saving lives. MACT Health would like to take this time to thank our outstanding team of doctors for the dedication they bring to our patients every day!
Meet MACT Health’s Diabetic Management Team
Nicole Archer, RN, Diabetes Program Coordinator
For Nicole Archer, healthcare is about more than charts and numbers, it is about neighbors helping neighbors. Born and raised in Tuolumne County, Nicole serves as the Diabetes Nurse Educator at MACT Health, where she applies her "whole health" approach to helping the community combat chronic disease.
"I do not focus my plan of care solely on vitals or lab results," Nicole explains. "I strive to genuinely get to know my patients’ needs, concerns, and desires."
Nicole’s extensive background, spanning acute medical-surgical care and hospice to mental health and corrections, has given her a unique ability to meet patients where they are, without judgment. She prides herself on moving away from rigid medical instructions and instead working with patients to create attainable lifestyle and diet goals that they actually want to achieve.
Currently pursuing her Family Nurse Practitioner degree at Samuel Merritt University, Nicole is passionate about continued learning. When she isn't studying or coaching patients, you can find her swimming, crafting, or enjoying life as a busy mom involved in her children’s sports and activities.
Delaney Ditler, Diabetes Program Administrative Assistant
A multigenerational native of Tuolumne County, Delaney Ditler serves as the operational backbone of the MACT Health Diabetes Program. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Montana, Delaney combines organizational expertise with a genuine passion for patient well-being.
Delaney brings extensive administrative experience from various medical fields, including orthopedics, regenerative medicine, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. She is currently furthering her education by applying to Master’s degree programs in Business, demonstrating her commitment to professional growth and excellence in healthcare administration.
Delaney believes that administrative support is a vital part of the care team. Her goal is to improve the quality of care by adding personal touches that help patients stay motivated. She strives to be a positive presence in every patient’s journey, dedicated to "making the stressful process of healthcare a little easier to carry."
Outside of the office, Delaney embodies the active lifestyle promoted by the diabetes program. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys tennis, pickleball, snowboarding, and hiking with her dog. When she isn't staying active, she enjoys cooking and spending quality time with her family.
Signups are currently open for the next session of the Prevent T2 program. If you are eligible and ready to take control of your health in a supportive, judgment-free environment, Nicole and the MACT Health team are ready to help.
To check your eligibility or register for the program, please call 209-588-4667.
For more details on the curriculum and schedule, you can also visit macthealth.org/tcdp.
National Social Worker Month: Honoring Compassion in Action
Observed each March, National Social Worker Month recognizes the vital contributions of social workers who support individuals, families, and communities through advocacy, care coordination, and emotional support. Social workers play a critical role across healthcare, schools, social services, and community settings, often serving as a bridge between people and the resources they need to thrive. Their work addresses not only immediate challenges, but also the broader social factors that impact health and well-being.
This month is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication, resilience, and compassion social workers bring to their work every day—and to thank them for their unwavering commitment to empowering others and strengthening communities.
MACT Health would like to take this time to thank our Behavioral Health Team and our Native American Services Team for the compassionate support they bring to our patients every day!
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Promoting Early Detection and Prevention
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers. Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum and often develops silently, making early detection through regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, crucial. Lifestyle factors like a balanced diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco can also reduce risk.
Call to Action:
This month, encourage patients, family, and friends to talk to their healthcare providers about screening schedules and preventive measures. Early detection saves lives—taking action today could make all the difference.
From MACT’s Kitchen: Native-Inspired Buffalo Burger
For Plains tribes such as the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Blackfeet, buffalo (bison) was a cornerstone of life. Every part of the animal was used respectfully, from meat to hides. Sharing buffalo meat was both practical and ceremonial, symbolizing sustenance, community, and gratitude. Today, buffalo remains a lean, nutrient-rich protein, and preparing it in modern dishes like burgers allows us to honor its historical importance while enjoying its unique flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 lb ground buffalo (bison)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 whole-grain or corn buns
Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickled onions, avocado, or a small amount of traditional sauces like red chili sauce.
Instructions
In a bowl, combine ground buffalo, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently—do not overwork.
Form into 4 patties, about ¾-inch thick.
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness. Buffalo cooks faster than beef because it is leaner.
Toast buns lightly on the grill or skillet.
Assemble burgers with preferred toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
Lean protein: Buffalo is lower in fat than beef, so avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
Cultural respect: Using buffalo in recipes today is often done in collaboration with suppliers who source bison sustainably and ethically, honoring the animal’s significance.
Holiday Announcements
Daylight Savings Day Saturday, March 8, 2026, set your clocks ahead 1 hour at 2AM
Saint Patrick’s Day Tuesday, March 17, 2026 (MACT sites will be open).
National Doctor Day Monday March 30, 2026, (MACT sites will be open).