NALCHA Regional Meeting

On Monday, the Native American Leadership Commission On Health and AIDS (NALCHA) held its Akwesasne Regional Meeting at the Brass Horse Restaurant. The purpose of the meeting was to gauge community needs in regards to health, but specifically HIV and AIDS. NALCHA was also accepting new members.

Speakers included Konwahahawi, ACT NOW Community Educator, Cissy Elm, Program Director of American Indian Community House, HIV/AIDS Program and Ken Dunning, Administrative Coordinator of American Indian Community House, HIV/AIDS Program.

NALCHA is a program “designed to bring together leaders from different Indian communities for discussion of HIV and Native Americans.” Topics included priority interventions needed, especially in regards to at-risk behavior and substance abuse, like outreach and referral so people can seek treatment, and Native Community needs assessment activities, which members of NALCHA take part in.

The main message of the meeting: they want community input. It is so important for the community to get involved, and HIV/AIDS awareness is crucial. Stop in anytime at the American Indian Community House ACT NOW at 206 State Route 37 Hogansburg or call 518-358-2001.