Free Zoster Vaccinations
For a limited time American Indian Health and Family Services has a limited surplus of Zoster vaccines available to those who qualify!
The Zoster vaccine helps increase your protection and decrease discomfort against the shingles, an extremely painful skin rash caused by the same virus as the chickenpox (varicella zoster virus). This pain can last for several months or years, cause complications involving the eye, and in some instances pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation or even death. Zoster infections are fairly common as one out of every three people age 60 or older will develop singles. That’s why we’re looking for patients or community members above the age of 60.
Community members age 60 and over can receive the Zoster vaccine FOR FREE at AIHFS if you:
- are a member of a US Federally Recognized American Indian/Alaska Native Tribe
- OR you do not have health insurance coverage
- OR you have insurance coverage that does not cover the Zoster vaccine (please call your insurance on the back of your insurance card to find out)
The Zoster vaccination is not recommended for those who are allergic to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin or to those with a weakened immune system.
While there is no cure for shingles, vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, or your loved elders from this disease. Talk to the elders in your life to remind them to be vaccinated against Zoster and other illnesses. You must be an established patient to receive vaccinations at our clinic. To establish care, schedule an appointment, or find more information, contact our medical clinic at 313-846-6030 or visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/index.html.
Community Lodge
Saturday, May 12th, we are having a community sweat lodge here at AIHFS, 4880 Lawndale, Detroit. The conductor will be Tony Davis of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians. Fire & Teachings start around 10am. We will go in around 12pm. Please remember these times are approximate. Women should bring a long comfortable skirt, modest comfortable top (such as a t-shirt) and a towel. Men should bring shorts and a towel. If you would like to bring a dish to share for the small feast afterwards, please do! For more info, 313-846-3718.
Community Advisory Council Meeting
Thursday, May 17th, 5:30pm to 7:30pm, we will have a focus group regarding our suicide prevention programming. The first 20 participants registered will receive a gift card. You must be 18 years old or over to participate. RSVP to John Marcus, 313-846-3718 or jmarcus@aihfs.org
If under 18, please call Darius at 313-846-3718 or email him at dwatkins@aihfs.org
Dream Seekers Fundraiser
Friday, May 18th, 6-8pm, here at AIHFS, we will have youth performances, release of Dream Seekers CD titled “Greatest Dreams,” videos screening and an Indian Taco sale. All proceeds to benefit youth programs at American Indian Health & Family Services. For more info see our Facebook event page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/456347608136129/
Culture is Prevention by Dream Seekers
Community Garden Workday
Sacred Roots will be having a Community Garden workday on May 19th from 9am-12noon at Romanowski Park. We will be focusing on pruning the fruit trees, cultivating the garden beds and other garden related tasks. We’ll meet here at AIHFS at 9am and walk over as a group by 9:15am. Any questions, contact Rosebud or Shiloh, 313-846-3718
Free Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, May 16th, at Trinity-St. Mark’s United Church in Detroit. WSU’s Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors is hosting a presentation called Clearing the Air: Southwest Detroit. Topics will include air quality in your neighborhood, reducing diesel emissions and the DREACT air monitoring project. RSVP is required.
Mini Pow Wow Looking for Vendors
Saturday, May 19th, in Strongsville, OH the Lake Erie Native American Council is having a mini wacipi (pow wow). This event started out as a way to honor and showcase culture class participants. They are looking for vendors. For more info contact Marlys Rambeau at LENAC2018@gmail.com
AIHFS 