January 2026 Newsletter
MACT Health Board, Inc.
From the desk of John Alexander - Executive Director
“January is a time for new beginnings.
But let’s take a look at our 2025 accomplishments before we set out to address our 2026 goals!”
Happy New Year!!!
Winter Wellness:
Prioritizing Your Well-BeingWhile winter is often seen as a joyful season, many individuals feel overwhelmed. Shorter days and holiday pressures can trigger the "Holiday Blues" or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). MACT Health wants you to know that it is okay to not be okay right now.
Signs to Watch For
Feeling tired or having low energy even after sleeping.
Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy.
Changes in appetite or weight.
Difficulty concentrating or feeling hopeless.
3 Ways to Protect Your Peace
Give Yourself Permission to Say No: You do not have to attend every party, bake every cookie, or buy expensive gifts you cannot afford. Setting boundaries is healthy. If a gathering feels too stressful, it is okay to decline or stay for only a short time.
Chase the Sunlight: With daylight ending early, our bodies get less Vitamin D and serotonin. Try to get outside during your lunch break or sit by a window during the brightest part of the day. Even 15 minutes of foothill sunshine can boost your mood.
Connect, Even if it is Small: Isolation is a major health risk in our rural communities. If you cannot see family in person due to weather or distance, a phone call or a video chat can help bridge the gap.
Behavioral Health Support
If you are struggling to cope, talking to a professional can make a world of difference. MACT Health offers compassionate Behavioral Health services across our clinics. Our counselors provide a safe, confidential space to talk about what you are going through. We treat the whole person—mind and body. We accept most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and Medicare, and we are open to the entire community.
MACT Behavioral Health Support: Call 209.755.1490 or visit www.macthealth.org.
Immediate Crisis Assistance: If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 immediately to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Celebrating MACT Accomplishments of 2025
January is a time for new beginnings, but first, we look back at our favorite milestones from the past year.
Expanding Our Reach
Welcome to Sutter Creek: We officially opened our new clinic in Sutter Creek, bringing a dedicated space for health and wellness to Amador County residents.
Hello, Alpine County: We have established MACT services in Alpine County, marking a major step in serving our neighbors.
Healthcare on Wheels: We rolled out mobile medical clinics in West Point and Railroad Flat. These units are now active, ensuring that reliable care is available right where it is needed most.
Celebrating Culture and Connection
Miwuk Museum Opening: We were honored to see the opening of the new Miwuk Museum and Cultural Center in Angels Camp, CA. This center is a vital hub for preserving history and sharing the rich traditions of the Miwuk people.
Big Time Health & Wellness Fair: This was a massive success, bringing people together for energy, education, and fun in a supportive environment.
Innovation and Future Generations
Dental Lab Expansion: We have significantly expanded our in-house dental laboratory services. This upgrade allows us to maintain strict quality control and handle more complex needs internally.
Smile Keepers Partnership: We partnered with Smile Keepers to support Tenaya Elementary School. By bringing attention to oral health in schools, we are helping the next generation build healthy habits.
Elevate Yourself in 2026!
By Dr. Matthew Richardson, D.C.
Assessing where you are at and attempting to make yourself better by the end of 2026 needs to be the objective. Take an honest assessment of your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Every day set aside 15-30 minutes to address your goals for each of these three areas.
Recommendations to try:
Reading a book for 15 minutes a day.
Sleep more, go to bed earlier.
Clean up your diet.
Move or exercise every day.
Time management is the key to success. This is how you become a better you: Better, Faster, Stronger.
A Warm MACT Welcome: Dr. Raines
MACT Health is proud to welcome Dr. Raines to our Sutter Creek clinic. A 2023 graduate of Alliant International University, Dr. Raines brings five years of experience and a refreshingly collaborative approach to mental wellness.
Professional Profile: Dr. Raines
Doctor of Clinical Psychology
MACT Health is proud to welcome Dr. Raines to our Sutter Creek clinic. A 2023 graduate of Alliant International University, Dr. Raines brings five years of experience and a refreshingly collaborative approach to mental wellness.
Specialized Expertise
Dr. Raines holds a specialized certificate for treating first responders and veterans from the Anchor Therapy Clinic, reflecting a deep dedication to those who serve the community.
Therapeutic Philosophy
Dr. Raines believes that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. His approach is grounded in:
Empowerment: Creating an empathetic and non-judgmental space to actively partner with you in self-understanding.
Creative Solutions: Leveraging unique experiences to offer creative approaches tailored to individual needs.
Goal Orientation: Identifying what is most important in your life and recognizing the obstacles in your way.
Committed Action: Developing clear steps to help you build a more meaningful future.
Evidence-Based Methods
Rather than fighting or fleeing from difficult thoughts and emotions, Dr. Raines utilizes proven methods to increase psychological flexibility:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
These approaches help individuals learn to pursue a rich, meaningful life, even in the presence of pain or discomfort. Dr. Raines' goal is to create a therapeutic experience that feels genuine and resonates with every patient.
Would you like me to draft a welcome announcement for this provider to share on social media?
To book an appointment: Please call 209.257.2480
Upcoming Events & Holidays
New Year’s Day 2026: Thursday, January 1st & Friday, January 2nd (MACT offices will be closed).
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 19th (MACT offices will be open).