Author: Kim Kalliber

Two no-cost whooping cough & flu vaccination clinics, Jan. 18 & 26

Snohomish Health District
Low-income and uninsured adults only – first come, first served
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – Uninsured and low-income adults can take advantage of two shot clinics for flu and whooping cough at handy locations in Everett, Wash. Both clinics are free and open to the public.
 
·         The first clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Jan. 18 during the WorkSource Community Resource Fair at Everett Station, 3201 Smith Ave., Everett, Wash.
·         The second clinic will run from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26 at Comcast Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett, Wash. This clinic is sponsored by the South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary Club and coincides with a free skating event for the public in the main ice rink.
 
The Snohomish Health District will provide 200 doses of adult flu vaccine and 200 doses of adult whooping cough vaccine, also called Tdap, at the WorkSource event; and 300 doses of each at the Comcast clinic.
 
Washing hands, covering your coughs, and staying home when you are sick are effective ways to reduce spreading and getting diseases. The best way to prevent illness is vaccination.
 
The flu season in Snohomish County is proving to be more severe than usual. Three adults in our county have died from flu complications in the past several weeks .Getting a current flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others. Everyone 6 months and older should get a shot every year, since the flu vaccine changes to match the most common illnesses.
 
Vaccination is also the best protection against whooping cough. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is no longer at epidemic levels in Snohomish County, but cases of it are still being confirmed and it can still be deadly to babies. All adults who have not had a whooping cough booster shot should get one. It is especially important that all pregnant women and people – including teens – who are around newborns get the booster shot to protect the infant.
 
Download vaccine information sheets and consent forms in English and Spanish at www.snohd.org.
 
Visit www.flu.gov for more information about flu, and www.doh.wa.gov for statewide updates.
 
Established in 1959, the Snohomish Health District works for a safer and healthier community through disease prevention, health promotion, and protection from environmental threats. Find more information about the Health District at www.snohd.org.

Stage 2 Burb Ban in effect for King, Pierce & Snohomish Counties until further notice

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
Please rely on your home’s cleaner source of heat until air quality improves
 
SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2013 – The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 2 burn ban in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties to protect residents from worsening air quality.  The bans are effective at noon, Sunday, January 13, 2013 and remain in effect until further notice.
 
Overnight, many areas around the Puget Sound reached air pollution levels of “UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS”, especially in areas where wood burning is common.  Agency forecasters expect the current cold, dry, and stagnant weather conditions to extend well into the week.  The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely monitor the air quality and weather situation.
 
During a Stage 2 burn ban:
 
  • No burning is allowed in ANY wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves or fireplace inserts (certified or uncertified) or pellet stoves. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled. The only exception is if a wood stove is a home’s only adequate source of heat.
  • No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.
  • Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.
It is OK to use natural gas and propane stoves or inserts during a Stage 2 burn ban.
 
The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors, especially when exercising. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to people with lung and heart problems, people with diabetes, children, and older adults (over age 65).
 
(Note: The Seattle Parks Department prohibits beach fires at Alki and Golden Gardens during the burn ban.)
 
For more information:
 

United Indians of All Tribes Foundation 43rd Anniversary Celebration Weekend – March 8-10, 2013

GalaDinnerFriday, March 8, 6:00 PM

The 43rd Anniversary of the founding of United Indians of All Tribes Gala Fundraiser Dinner to be held on Friday March 8 2013 at The Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center.

The Fundraiser will raise funds for UIATF’s Elders Nutrition Program, and the Labateyah Youth Home.Each year we provide thousands of hot nutritious meals for low income Native American Elders and Veterans, and for the past 18 years the Labateyah Youth Home has provided transitional residential services to homeless youth through one of the largest youth homes in the state of Washington.

The Gala Dinner will be a inspired Gourmet tribute to the finest Native American cuisine highlighting its Spiritual and Nutritional components. Traditional Salmon bake, Clams, Shrimp, Crabs, Elk, Wild Rice, Fry Bread and a Vegetarian menu. The evening will include Live Entertainment and a Silent/Live Auction.

Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10: Arts Festival with Artists Market, Live Music, Dance and Food.

Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center

Seattle, WA

http://www.unitedindians.org/

 

CONTACT INFO: jmontano@unitedindians.org

‘By the Salish Sea’ shows February 28 at Tulalip Hibulb Cultural Center

By-the-Salish-SeaThe Tulalip Hibulb Cultural Center & Natural History Preserve will show  ‘By the Salish Sea,’ a film by Director Serge Gregory, on Thursday, February 28, 6-7 PM.

In the early 19th century on the Pacific Northwest coast, a Salish native’s dream quest is disturbed by the arrival of a tall ship.

Director’s Statement:

“For me the natural world is something ‘out there,’ something I capture, something I pass through and return from. I’m fascinated by the very different animalistic beliefs of early Native Americans, who saw no separation between humans and the natural world. I have made a short film from that perspective.

The Hibulb Cultural Center is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM. The Center is a place of learning and a source of civic pride for the Tulalip people and our neighboring communities.

6410 23rd Avenue NE

Tulalip WA 98271

360.716.2600

http://www.hibulbculturalcenter.org

 

Tulalip Tribal Member Charged in Death of Toddler

Source: 7th Space, 7thspace.com

An enrolled member of the Tulalip Tribes was charged today with second-degree murder and two counts of criminal mistreatment related to the October 2012 death of her young daughter and the neglect of her second daughter, announced United States Attorney Jenny A Durkan. Christina D Carlson will make her initial appearance in United States District Court in Seattle at 2:30 today. Carlson was transferred to federal custody this morning and the criminal complaint was unsealed. The complaint describes how on October 8, 2012, emergency crews were called to an address on Marine Drive NE on the Tulalip Tribal Reservation where Carlson was performing CPR on her 19-month-old daughter, who was unresponsive on a blanket on the ground.

The child was unconscious, not breathing, and covered in urine and feces. A second child, a 33-month old girl, was found strapped in her car seat in a nearby vehicle. The child was pale, unresponsive, and covered in urine and feces. The girl was transported to the hospital and later recovered.

The 19-month old child died and the Snohomish County Medical examiner classified the manner of death as homicide by parental neglect. According to the report, the child was malnourished and dehydrated, weighing only 19 pounds. The child’s skin in the diaper area was excoriated and infested with maggots. Her hair was infested with lice.

The investigation revealed that Carlson had been living in the car with the girls on the property since mid-September. On October 8, 2012, Carlson had left the girls in the car while she went to use a phone at the residence on the property. Carlson was away from the car for more than an hour by some estimates. About 20 minutes after the neighbors told her to go back to the car and her children, Carlson returned asking them to call 9-1-1 because the youngest child was unresponsive.

Second-degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison. Criminal mistreatment is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the Tulalip Tribal Police and the FBI. Press contact for the United States Attorney’s Office is Emily Langlie at (206) 553-4110 or Emily.Langlie@usdoj.gov.

Tulalip Health Clinic offering flu mist through Jan 14

The Karen I. Fryberg Tulalip Health Clinic has the flu mist, a type of a influenza vaccine in the form of a nasal spray available for tribal children ages 2 to 18.  This is not an injection but a mist in the nostrils.

The Clinic will have the mist available until January 14th, 2013.  No appointment necessary, walk-ins are welcome.

Off the Rez, serving Native American eats since 2011

off the rez

Off the Rez, a mobile food truck has been serving up Native American eats around Seattle since 2011.

The outfit of Mark McConnell and partener Cecilia Rikard, Off the Rez is inspired by Native American food, a cuisine generally not found on menus around Seattle. McConnell, A Ballard native, grew up on Indian tacos, frybread and other foods that his mom and grandmother would cook for gatherings and special occasions. Marks; mother grew up on the Blackfeet reservation on Montana.

McConnell says he originally intended to open a restaurant but opted for a mobile operation. The Native food truck can be found at lunchtime around downtown, with possible stops in South Lake Union and late nights on Pike Street and Capital Hill.

This not-to-be-missed truck of tasty meals features a mural of a chief in a war bonnet on one side and a fellow smoking out of a peace pipe with a scene of Seattle on the rear.

The highly-rated menu includes pulled pork smoked for ten hours, a bacon burger, and frybread and tacos, slathered in homemade jam or chicken chili verde.

You can find the Off the Rez truck on Facebook. The Capitol Hill stops are fairly regular, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. by the Caffe Vita at 1005 E. Pike St.

By Kim Kalliber, Tulalip News staff

 

SAIGE Announces Youth Program at 10th Annual National Training Program

Saige, www.saige.org

The Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) is a national non-profit organization that advocates for American Indian and Alaska Native Government employees. SAIGE will host their 10th annual National Training Program, Guiding Our Destiny with Heritage and Traditions, June 3-7, 2013 in Spokane, Washington, at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino, owned by the Kalispel Tribe.

As part of the Training Program, SAIGE will also host the annual Native Youth Program. This program is designed to provide Native American students an opportunity to learn about careers within the federal government, to participate in professional and personal development workshops and leadership training, and to network with Native American professionals.

SAIGE encourages Native American youth to realize their potential to become leaders in their communities and schools, continue their educations by obtaining a college degree, and ultimately, to seek a career in the government sector in one of the multitude of civil service professions. Federal agency representatives attending the conference will have the opportunity to participate as Exhibitors, meet students, and promote career opportunities within their respective agencies.

SAIGE is offering a limited number of scholarships for Native students to attend the 2013 Training Conference June 3-7, 2013 in Spokane, Washington. The scholarships will include conference fee, airfare, hotel accommodations and meals.

The Youth Program is open to Native Students between the ages of 18 and 25 who can demonstrate they are currently enrolled in good standing at an accredited high school, college or university. Students must be interested in gaining a professional degree and in the possibility of pursing a career with the federal government. SAIGE invites American Indian/Alaska Native students to submit their application form, letter of reference, proof of school enrollment, and completed emergency medical information form for consideration to attend the conference. A short essay about their interest in government careers and information about themselves is also required. Completed application packets must be postmarked or electronic copies sent no later than April 1, 2013. To obtain a complete application visit our website at: www.saige.org under Youth Program.

Flu more widespread in US; eases off in some areas

Associated Press,  Mike Stobbe AP Medical Writer, Jan 11, 2013

Flu is more widespread across the nation, but the number of hard-hit states has declined, health officials said Friday.

Flu season started early this winter, and includes a strain that tends to make people sicker. Health officials have forecast a potentially bad flu season, following last year’s unusually mild one.

The latest numbers, however, hint that the flu season may already have peaked in some spots.

Flu was widespread in 47 states last week, up from 41 the week before, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday Many cases may be mild. The only states without widespread flu are California, Mississippi and Hawaii

The hardest hit states dropped to 24 from 29. Those are states where large numbers of people were treated for flu-like illness.

Those with less activity include Florida, Arkansas and South Carolina in South, the first region hit in the current flu season.

Nationally, 20 children have died from the flu. There is no running tally of adult deaths, but the CDC estimates that the flu kills about 24,000 people in an average year.

Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months or older. Health officials are still recommending vaccinations, even in areas with widespread flu reports.

Nearly 130 million doses of flu vaccine were distributed this year, and at least 112 million have been used, according to CDC officials.

Vaccine is still available, but supplies may have run low in some locations, health officials say.

Also on Friday, CDC officials said a recent study of more than 1,100 people has concluded the current flu vaccine is 62 percent effective. That’s in line with how effective the vaccine has been in other years.

The flu vaccine is reformulated each year, and officials say this year’s version is a good match to the viruses going around.

Flu usually peaks in midwinter. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, head and body aches and fatigue. Some people also suffer vomiting and diarrhea, and some develop pneumonia or other severe complications.

Most people with flu have a mild illness. But people with severe symptoms should see a doctor. They may be given antiviral drugs or other medications to ease symptoms.

National Indian Council on Aging, Inc Public Service Announcement

Are you an elder looking for work? The National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) is seeking participants in its recently funded Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).  Participants are selected based on their needs and must be at least 55 years old; there is no upper age limit!  Veterans and persons over the age of 65 are especially encouraged to apply.

The NICOA SCSEP offers paid training through meaningful community service and skills development as well as job search assistance. Applicants selected will be assigned to local agencies and paid 20-30 training hours per week. To see if you qualify, call toll-free 888-642-6297 for a referral or contact the West Region NICOA office in Tempe, AZ at 480-921-3406 or email dbegay@nicoa.org.  Also, local public or private nonprofit agencies interested in hosting an elder trainee are encouraged to contact the program.

NICOA’s Elder Employment Project (SCSEP) is provided from American Indian Set-aside funds in the Older Americans Act through a grant from the US Department of Labor.  NICOA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

http://nicoa.org/