October Newsletter
MACT's Big Time Health & Wellness Fair!
You are invited to join the MACT Health Board and our community 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 to connect, heal, and thrive.
Celebrate the heartbeat of our heritage with live music, local vendors, authentic food, games, and free health screenings.
Dates & Times:
Friday, Oct. 3rd: 10 AM - 5 PM
Saturday, Oct. 4th: 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday, Oct. 5th: 9 AM - 12 PM
Location:
San Andreas MACT Gathering Area
1113 HWY 49
San Andreas, CA
Link to the Big Time Website page with complete information
National Children's Health Month: Supporting Our Youngest Community Members
Every October, Children's Health Month shines a spotlight on the importance of protecting and promoting the well-being of our youngest generation. It's a time to raise awareness about preventive care, healthy habits, and access to medical services that ensure the children of MACT's community grow up strong, happy, and healthy.
MACT plays an important role in this effort, and there are many unique and effective ways MACT supports children.
Wellness Screenings and Preventative Care: MACT offers free or low-cost pediatric checkups, vision and hearing screenings, and dental exams that help catch potential issues early. Clinics can also ensure children are up to date on vaccinations and physicals, which is especially important during back-to-school season.
Health, Nutrition and Fitness Education: Several MACT clinics provide pediatric chiropractic adjustments & massage therapy services, along with support managing childhood diabetes and nutrition education. MACT also promotes fun ways to stay active with annual summer events like Native Kid's Camp.
Mental Health Support: Emotional well-being is just as vital as physical health. MACT clinics provide child and teen counseling services to support children facing anxiety, depression, or trauma, and promote their overall well-being.
MACT is here for your children! By embracing Children's Health Month with intention and creativity, MACT supports each individual child and helps build a healthier, more empowered community for generations to come.
From the Desk of John Alexander, Executive Director
Knowing what is happening around us is called being “aware.” The October issue of our newsletter includes many activities, new information, and knowledge. So mark your calendars, make some notes, and let us know if we are keeping you informed!
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Every October, we come together to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to honor the women who have fought breast cancer, to remember the lost, and to support the continued battle against one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide.
At MACT, we are deeply committed to raising awareness, encouraging early detection, and offering compassionate care to all those affected by breast cancer. Early diagnosis saves lives, and regular screenings like mammograms are essential tools in catching cancer early when it's most treatable.
Throughout October, we invite you to wear pink, share knowledge, and stand with the millions of women who face breast cancer with courage and resilience.
For more information or to schedule a mammogram, please contact your Native American Services Team or call the MACT Women's Health Clinic in Sonora at 209.288.6502. Together we can make a difference—one checkup, one conversation, and one act of support at a time.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of domestic violence and a time to unite for hope by supporting survivors. It serves as a reminder that abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, and highlights the importance of prevention, education, and community support.
We are here for you. Please reach out to MACT for resources and immediate assistance in advocating for and promoting healthy, respectful relationships.
Native American Services Medical Coverage Updates
Here are important dates coming up in the month of October for persons enrolled in medical coverage or looking for coverage through Covered California and upcoming dates for persons of Medicare age.
COVERED CALIFORNIA ENROLLMENT INFORMATION FOR 2026 OPEN ENROLLMENT:
October 15, 2025: Start of the shopping period to review 2026 health plan options and costs.
November 1, 2025: Open Enrollment begins for signing up for health coverage for the 2026 calendar year.
MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT DATES:
October 15 – December 7, 2025: Enroll or change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for next year.
IMPORTANT MEDICARE QUESTION FOR PERSONS TURNING 65:
Should I sign up for Medicare when I turn 65? Yes, you should sign up for Medicare when you turn 65. Please contact NAS for additional assistance!
Welcome Ben Rogness, P.A.
Please join MACT in welcoming Ben Rogness, Physician Assistant, who joins us at Jackson Medical.
Ben was born in Sacramento as the fourth child in a family of nine, spending eight summers as a camp counselor just outside of Jackson. He attended Folsom Lake Community College before transferring to the University of California, San Diego where he completed his Bachelor of Sciences in Public Health. He then returned to Northern California to work as a certified nursing assistant for several years at a hospital in Auburn during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, he was accepted to Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO to pursue his Masters in Physician Assistant Studies.
Ben enjoys family medicine the most as a setting to help form relationships with his patients and explore all aspects of health. He enjoys hiking, all sports (baseball the most), paddle boarding, traveling, and virtually anything that gets him outside.
Upcoming Events & Holidays
Big Time Health & Wellness Fair
October 3rd, 4th & 5th
San Andreas MACT Gathering Area
Happy Halloween!
October 31st