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North Sound ACH

North Sound Accountable Community of Health

Blog

Gratitude to Those Taking Care of our Health

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My colleague Nicole Willis and I were talking this week about how much ‘public’ health happens that is invisible to most unless there is an emergency or crisis that makes the mainstream news. A Hepatitis A outbreak, norovirus or the current coronavirus makes us aware of how critically important a strong surveillance and emergency response system is. And those systems don’t just pop-up overnight without preparation and training. We have amazing people who practice for these situations and therefore know what to do when they occur – hospitals, public health, first responders and more. 

We are all just one breath away from something unforeseen. A global economy brings many benefits along with challenges that may arrive. It is incredible to think that we can track tainted produce to its source; figure out who ate at a restaurant that may be at risk; identify who was on a particular flight, in an airport or facility and find them to check that they are okay. Technology helps, but people who are trained to do this work make the difference day in and day out.

Take a minute and thank the people who watch out for us, keep an eye out for threats to our health, who step into the space of caring for people who are ill, knowing that they often put themselves at risk in doing so. 

We are grateful for all (you!) they do.

Attending the Annual Centennial Accord, Hosted by Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs

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As we sunrise into 2020 and the new decade, North Sound ACH wanted to update our board, staff, partners, and communities on a convening that North Sound ACH staff were able to witness in the last quarter of 2019.

On November 7, 2019, North Sound ACH’s CEO, Liz Baxter, and project coordinator, Michaela Vendiola, were able to attend the 30th Annual Centennial Accord hosted by the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs in Shelton, Washington at the Little Creek Casino Resort’s Skookum Creek Event Center. The theme of the 2019 Centennial Accord is: Commemorating 30 Years of State-Tribal Relations. As part of the Centennial Accord updates, the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs developed and provided attendees with a copy of the 2019 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights which is a mandated annual report under chapter 43.376 RCW (Government to Government Relationships with Indian Tribes). Per the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs Executive Director, Craig Bill:

The report summarizes the work that state agencies have completed this past year to strengthen the government-to-government relationships with tribes. Also included are many great examples of successful state-tribal collaboration which have led to positive benefits for all communities.

While in attendance, Michaela was able to actively listen to updates relating to tribal and state level changes in regard to the format of government-to-government meetings in hopes that a system change will assist with synchronizing and streamlining the abundance of State and government-to-government meetings and convenings that elected tribal leaders and representatives are asked to attend on behalf of their sovereign tribal nations. Additionally, Michaela had the opportunity to witness the cohesion of the Governor’s Indian Health Advisory Council | Washington State Health Care Authority (GIHAC). The GIHAC was developed in accordance with Section 3(3) of Senate Bill 5415 (2019). Per the Health Care Authority’s – Office of Indian Affairs, the GIHAC convenes with the purpose of addressing issues in our state’s Indian health care delivery system. The GIHAC includes representatives from tribes, Indian health, state agencies, and legislators. The GIHAD builds upon the planning work of the Governor’s Indian Health Council created in 2018 through Senate Bill 6032.

Michaela’s Reflection

This is the second time that I have been able to attend a Centennial Accord. Attendance at the 2019 Centennial Accord served as, yet again, another great learning opportunity for myself and in extension, my organization, in understanding the extensive and very intentionally involved process of upholding the government-to-government relationships between the 29 Federally Recognized Tribes of Washington State and the State of Washington. As a young American Indian (Walker River Paiute and Swinomish) professional who was born and raised in the Lummi Nation, witnessing such a gathering between the highest offices of elected leaders and representatives from the sovereign tribal nations as well as from our State, sets a precedence and expectation for how government-to-government relationships should be carried out and built upon for generations to come.

It is of importance to have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the historical and contemporary policy changes (tribal changes and State changes) which have an impact on services and service delivery in both the tribal nations and the State alike. This knowledge and understanding is crucial because the leaders who have set the groundwork for the government-to-government relationships since the mid-1800s have built the foundation for which the next generations will sustain and strengthen government-to-government relationships into the future. 

It is exciting and motivating to see the work being done in the State and at the tribal nations throughout the state and how the work that we do at North Sound ACH can support the building and sustaining of tribal and non-tribal relationships, services, and access in our region. Thank you to the tribal leaders and State leaders who took time to talk with me about the work that we are doing at North Sound ACH while in attendance at the Centennial Accord. I continue to take these learning opportunities to observe and grow from the mass amount of work that has been done, and continues to take place, by the tribal leaders and delegates as well as the representatives from Washington State.

Finally, thank you to Squaxin Island and the staff of the Little Creek Casino for hosting the 2019 Centennial Accord and for your hospitality during the event. And especially thank you to the 2019 Centennial Accord fish cook, Andy Whitener of Squaxin Island Tribe. It is a huge and important lift to cook salmon for and feed the leaders of our tribal nations, our State, as well as several hundred additional attendees.

Hysh’qe (Thank you),


Michaela B. Vendiola, Walker River Paiute and Swinomish
Project Coordinator, North Sound Accountable Community of Health



Community Impact Director Joins North Sound ACH Team

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In January we welcomed Alicia Benish to the team as the new Community Impact Director. In her role, Alicia will develop meaningful community engagement opportunities among regional partners while supporting North Sound’s collaborative learning initiatives.


Before joining North Sound ACH, Alicia managed the Mobile Medical Program for Seattle-King County Public Health. In this role, Alicia collaborated with community and governmental agencies to develop outreach strategies to provide person-centered physical, dental, and behavioral health services to people experiencing homelessness across the region.
 
Prior to working for Public Health, Alicia was a management consultant who advised health industry clients in developing best practices to engage individuals with complex health conditions. Alicia’s work as a consultant and program manager were informed by her early experiences assisting individuals in navigating health and social service systems as a Spanish medical interpreter, case manager, and community organizer.

Alicia grew up in Snohomish County before moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies in 2006 and a Master of Health Administration in 2014. In her free time, Alicia enjoys cooking, skiing, and discovering new hiking trails in the PNW. Welcome, Alicia!

New Administrative Staff

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Our team is thrilled to have two new staff members! Kassy Kadoun joined us as Finance Associate, and Vanessa Diaz as Administrative Associate earlier this month.

Originally from Shelton, WA, Kassy Kadoun moved to Bellingham in 2015 to attend Western Washington University, where she received her degree in Business Administration with a focus on Management. Kassy has experience working in the fields of administration, finance, and marketing. Most recently, she managed the scheduling, production, and finances at a local branding company.

At North Sound ACH, Kassy will handle all expense reports, payroll processing, and various financial statements, along with assisting in other administrative tasks to support the team. Although she is new to the field of healthcare, she is excited to further her knowledge and experience in the field of finance while learning more about public health.

Vanessa Diaz grew up in the Skagit Valley and is an enrolled Samish Indian Nation tribal member. She earned her degree in Medical Assistant Phlebotomy and has over twenty years experience working in the medical community, supporting the front and back office of medical offices ranging from primary care to specialty clinics. Most recently she worked at the Upper Skagit Tribal Community as the Purchased and Referred Care Clerk. In addition to her work, she is part of the wrestling team board and coaches soccer.

In her role, Vanessa will provide administrative support to staff, senior leadership, and various advisory groups focused on health system transformation initiatives and strategies. Vanessa brings much positive energy with her, and excited to join the team that can make a difference in the communities that have helped shape and mold the person she is today.

Welcome, Kassy and Vanessa!

Kassy Kadoun, Finance Associate; Vanessa Diaz, Administrative Associate

Chief Operating Officer Selected for National

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Nicole Willis has been selected to serve on the American Medical Informatics Association’s inaugural Health Informatics Certification Commission. The Commission’s work will expand health informatics certification opportunity for professionals and complement the clinical informatics subspecialty certification.

The 14 member Commission will be responsible for eligibility, examination development, and recertification requirements. Commission members represent different primary health domains, practice settings, and career stages. The Health Informatics Certification Commission is a committee of AMIA that will be autonomous with respect to all certification decisions and operations.

“I am excited about the opportunity to participate in the Health Informatics Certification development process,” shared Nicole. “AMIA is well-positioned to help shape, strengthen, and build leadership capacity in the wide spectrum of health informatics, and I am eager to be part of this inaugural national effort.”

The Commission members bring a broad range of perspectives and significant expertise to their work. They represent individuals who have training in nursing, health informatics, public health, pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, and nutrition.

For more information visit: AMIA Health Informatics Certification Commission:

https://www.amia.org/ahic-certification-commission

Note from Liz (Nov 2019)

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A growing number of communities are observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day in October rather than Columbus Day. Our team, as part of our learning journey, has been exploring the (incorrect) mythology of our nation being ‘discovered’ as a ‘new land’. In reality, the nation was rich with culture, history, and people who had been here, and remain here, even after many attempts to remove them and eliminate them from the history books.

To honor Indigenous communities is to acknowledge the horrors and injustices of the past, and those that continue today. There is much to learn. We are thankful to gracious teachers in our region’s tribal communities who share with us, patiently offering correction and further resources when we inevitably make mistakes.

We reached out to Candice Wilson, former North Sound team member, to hear her thoughts on this time of year. An article was shared by our team that we want to share with you: For Native Americans, Fall is the Least Wonderful Time of the Year.

Please continue to join us on this learning journey.

Liz

Another recommended reading: An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People (ReVisioning American History for Young People) – Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. You can get this at your local library.