MACT October 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.
Event Details & Schedule
Location:
1113 HWY 49, San Andreas, CA
Admission:
Free for all
Work and Community Engagement Rule and 6‑Month Renewal Rule Notice.
Beginning the week of August 31, DHCS started issuing a federally required outreach letter in all Medi-Cal threshold languages to potentially affected Medi-Cal members explaining two new federal requirements from H.R. 1: the Work and Community Engagement Rule and the 6‑Month Renewal Rule, both of which will take effect in 2027. The letter is only being sent to individuals who may potentially be affected by the changes, specifically the approximately 4.8 million Medi-Cal members enrolled in the Affordable Care Act Adult Expansion Group, sharing upcoming changes that will take place beginning in 2027.
The letter describes who will be subject to these rules, outlines the exemptions that allow individuals to remain covered without meeting work or renewal requirements, and provides guidance on how members can comply if they are not exempt. It also explains the potential consequences for non-compliance, including the loss of Medi-Cal coverage and ineligibility for financial assistance. Medi-Cal members receiving this notice will get additional notifications in 2027 from county offices and DHCS. As part of the Medi-Cal renewal process, county offices will send documentation requests to members for additional information if they are unable to determine compliance or exemption with federal work requirements on an ex parte basis.
Please note that certain individuals are exempt from the work requirement, including those who are pregnant or in a postpartum period, disabled or medically frail, parents and caretakers of children under 14 years of age or people with disabilities, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and certain others. Please reach out to your Native American Services Specialist for additional information regarding these changes.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Think Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast cancer awareness is about caring for one another. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor those who have faced breast cancer, remember those we have lost, and stand beside survivors, families, and caregivers.
Our communities are strongest when we look after one another. Encourage the women in your family and community to talk with their healthcare providers about breast health. While we see pink ribbons everywhere, the most important action you can take is scheduling your screening. Early detection can save lives.
MACT’s Upcoming Breast Cancer Awareness Events
On Friday, October 2nd at The “Big Time” in San Andreas, there will be a breast cancer screening questionnaire for a $25.00 gift card and free goodie giveaway.
On Saturday, October 3rd at San Andreas MACT, there will be two breast cancer awareness presentations
1st presentation at 11AM-12PM
2nd presentation at 3PM-4PM
There will be complimentary refreshments, cookies and gift bags with raffle prizes throughout the presentation.
Location 1113 CA-49 San Andreas, CA 95249
RSVP with Krista Sutton at: KristaSutton16@gmail.com, as space is limited
Let’s come together, share knowledge, offer support, and continue caring for the health of our families and future generations.
National Children’s Health
Championing Our Future: National Children’s Health
National Children's Health Month reminds us that healthy kids become healthy adults. Children are our future, and their health is connected to strong families, culture, community, and access to quality care. At MACT Health, we celebrate our children and strengthen the health of our communities. This month, we focus on the "whole child" from physical activity to emotional well-being, by encouraging regular checkups and immunizations, healthy nutrition and physical activity, dental care, mental and emotional wellness, and injury prevention.
When we care for our children, we strengthen our families, our communities, and the generations yet to come. It is also important to support children’s connection to their families, native culture, language, traditions, and community. Parents, grandparents, caregivers, elders, schools, and healthcare providers all play an important role in helping our children grow healthy and strong.
Native American Domestic Violence Awareness
October is Native American Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, honor survivors, and strengthen our commitment to safe and healthy families and communities. Domestic violence can affect anyone, and no one deserves to experience abuse, fear, or harm.
MACT Health is here to support patients with compassion, confidentiality, and respect. Our medical team can help address injuries, chronic health concerns, reproductive health needs, and other effects of violence. Our behavioral health team can provide a safe, supportive place to talk, process trauma, and connect with counseling and other resources.
We recognize the strength and resilience of Native families and communities. Survivors do not have to face this alone. By listening without judgment, supporting survivors, and connecting people with care and resources, we can help create safer families and healthier communities.
Please call MACT’s Valley Springs Behavioral Health Clinic at 209.755.1490, if you are in need of support due to domestic violence. Your safety matters. Your voice matters. Healing is possible, and MACT Health is here to help.
In honor of Native American Domestic Violence Awareness - MACT Health wears purple on the 3rd Thursday of the month- October 15th, 2026. Join the movement with us and support awareness for the cause.
Provider Spotlight
Alexandra King-Thomas, MSN, FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Alexandra King-Thomas, MSN, FNP, brings 10 years of nursing experience in critical care and emergency medicine to her role as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has spent much of her nursing career caring for critically ill patients in the Surgical and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Units at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. Her experience includes caring for patients with complex medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, sepsis, respiratory failure, kidney failure, traumatic injuries, and multi-organ dysfunction, as well as patients requiring advanced therapies including ECMO, IABP, CRRT, and Impella support.
Originally from Santa Cruz, California, Alexandra moved to Tuolumne County in 2018 and quickly developed a strong connection to the community. Before pursuing a career in nursing in 2016, Alexandra was a Division I softball player at Fresno State, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Her background in athletics and her passion for helping others ultimately led her to pursue nursing and a career in healthcare.
After 10 years of working in critical care and emergency medicine, Alexandra pursued a career in primary care because of her desire to help address the shortage of healthcare providers and health disparities in the area. She recently earned her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Sonoma State University. Alexandra believes healthcare is most effective when patients feel heard, informed, and involved in their own care. She is passionate about building trusting relationships with patients and families, providing education in an approachable way, and working collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team to achieve the best possible outcomes. Her years in critical care have given her a strong foundation in managing complex conditions, while her transition to primary care reflects her commitment to prevention, wellness, and caring for the whole person.
Outside of work, Alexandra is married to her husband, Matt, that works for PG&E and enjoys spending time with her two young children, Jackson (2 years old) and Riley (4 years old). She spends as much time outdoors as possible and especially enjoys gardening and cooking. She also continues to spend a great deal of time on the softball field, both playing and coaching, as well as volunteering in the softball community. As a family, they love camping, attending sporting events, and doing anything involving the water. Alexandra enjoys staying active, spending time with family, and being involved in the community.
Alexandra is now accepting new patients at MACT Health’s Medical clinic at 905 Morning Star Drive in Sonora. Please call MACT Health at 209.533.9600 to schedule an appointment with Alexandra.
Celebrating MACT
Happy Anniversary and thank you for your years of service! Your efforts contribute to the success of our organization and community. We appreciate your continued dedication.
Cher Caler – Lead Medical Assistant, San Andreas Medical – 7 years
Sarah Richardson – Referral Specialist, Jackson Medical – 5 years
Heaven McNight – Credentialing Specialist, Admin– 5 years
Jahanna Wilson – NAS Director, Admin – 13 years
Jennifer Wilder – Medical Assistant, Sonora Internal Medicine – 12 year
Philippe Sebagh – IT Director, Admin – 11 years
Jennifer Joses – Associate Medical Director/PA, San Andreas Medical – 9 years
Introducing MACT Health’s new Director of Therapeutic Services Dr. John Maltby, D.C.
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Maltby, D.C. of Sonora MACT Chiropractic as our new Director of Therapeutic Services. Dr. Maltby will provide leadership and support for our Chiropractic and Massage Therapy departments, while helping guide the development of our future Physical Therapy and Acupuncture services.
We are excited about the continued growth of our therapeutic services and the expanded opportunities they will provide for our patients and community. We look forward to growing, learning, and building together under your direction and leadership.
Welcome to Sonora Dr. Jeff Reichert, D.C.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Jeff Reichert, who has relocated from Valley Springs MACT Chiropractic to Sonora MACT Chiropractic. We are happy to have Dr. Jeff join our team in Sonora and look forward to providing our community with continued access to quality chiropractic care. Welcome to Sonora Chiropractic, Dr. Jeff!
Dr. Jeff will be seeing patients in Sonora on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and is now accepting new patients. Please call Sonora MACT Chiropractic at 209.288.6530 to schedule a chiropractic appointment with Dr. Jeff
From MACT’s Kitchen
Roasted Pumpkin with Berry Drizzle (Plains-Inspired)
Squash was widely grown and traded across regions, including among Plains nations such as the Lakota.
Serves: 4
Ingredients
3 cups pumpkin wedges
1 tbsp sunflower oil
Pinch of salt
1 cup mixed berries
¼ cup water
Instructions
Toss pumpkin with oil and salt.
Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–35 minutes until caramelized.
Meanwhile, simmer berries with water until saucy.
Spoon warm berry sauce over roasted pumpkin.
The sweet–savory balance highlights how Indigenous cuisines often relied on natural fruit sweetness rather than added sugars.
Upcoming Events & Holidays
MACT’s Health & Wellness Big Time
October 2nd & 3rd from 10AM-5PM, October 4th from 9AM-12PM. Held at the gathering area of San Andreas MACT Medical, located at 1113 HWY 49, San Andreas, CA. Everyone is invited to this free event
Indigenous People Day: Monday October 12th
MACT sites will be open.
Halloween: Saturday, October 31st
As you prepare for Halloween, remember safety first! Carry flashlights and check all treats before eating.