Happy fall everyone! The Cherokee Indian Fair will take place October 5-9 in beautiful Cherokee, North Carolina. If you are nearby, please stop by and visit.
NICOA has begun a campaign to raise awareness of social isolation especially during the COVID pandemic. Our talented team has created a webpage, and public service announcement videos and radio spots that highlight the impact of social isolation and loneliness for elders and caregivers and what tribal leaders can do to help address the situation. People who are connected to family and friends in their community have fewer health problems and live longer. We are running some fun contests for youth and caregivers, please check it out! Be a good relative and learn more here.
September is National Preparedness Month, a time to recognize the need to promote disaster preparedness. The theme this year is “Be prepared, not scared.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency has lots of great suggestions including an emergency supply list. Check it out at https://www.ready.gov/kit.
It has been a difficult time since COVID came into our lives. I know I have dealt with emotions and concerns for my family. When people are stressed, they are more likely to fall prey to misinformation. The sheer amount of misinformation available to the uncritical eye is just overwhelming these days. Whether the misinformation being shared is well meant or not, it has led to lots of unnecessary pain and suffering. Please take a moment to read the US Surgeon General’s Advisory titled, Confronting Health Misinformation. It has sensible advice and encourages us that, “Together we have the power to build a healthier information environment.”
There are many who are coping with tremendous loss right now and everyone has been touched in some way by the pandemic. It can be hard to know the right thing to do, but anger and rage can’t be the best answer. We are all weary and doing our best. Thank you for having compassion and patience with others and ourselves.
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