Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley (IHC) Podcast

In this episode of IHC Podcast | Culture Is Medicine, we explore migraine and headache disorders in Indigenous communities with Mary Herne, FNP-C, a Kanienkeha (Mohawk) and Wake'nehsi (Snipe Clan) healthcare provider and headache specialist, and Jenny Tillman, a Cherokee and Creek community member, U.S. Air Force veteran, former surgical nurse, and National Director of Development at Miles for Migraine.

Mary and Jenny share their professional expertise and personal experiences with migraine while discussing the unique challenges Indigenous people may face in receiving a diagnosis and accessing effective headache care. They talk about common misconceptions surrounding migraine, the importance of culturally responsive healthcare, barriers to treatment, and why elevating Indigenous voices is essential to advancing health equity.

The conversation also explores the work of the Indigenous Migraine and Headache Awareness Forum, the future of migraine advocacy in Indigenous communities, and how healthcare providers, community members, and organizations can help improve awareness, access, and care.

Whether you live with migraine, support someone who does, or work in healthcare, this episode offers valuable insight into recognizing migraine, advocating for better care, and bringing greater awareness to an often-overlooked health issue in Indigenous communities.

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Migraine Links mentioned in podcast

Association of Migraine Disorders | Research, Education & AwarenessFirst Contact: Headache in Primary Care | American Headache SocietyNational Headache FoundationMigraine and Kids Support for Children with Migraine | Migraine at School

In this episode of Culture Is Medicine, Claire Alford shares her inspiring journey toward medical school and her passion for improving healthcare in Native communities. From volunteering as a Patient Navigator with IHC’s Diabetes Program to earning her Master of Public Health, Claire discusses the experiences that shaped her path in healthcare.

Claire also talks about the importance of community outreach, her involvement with the Santa Clara Powwow, and the power of volunteering and giving back. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about culture, community, public health, and pursuing a career in healthcare.

Fact check: Daniela Arcienega at IHC is the Director of Population HealthIndian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley. Special thanks to her for proposing this interview.

🎙 IHC Podcast | Culture Is Medicine: Indigenous Voices in Medicine

Host Marissa Hemstreet talks with Buddy Seto Myers (Kanaka Maoli, Med Student, UW), George Nakahara (Native Hawaiian, Med Student, UCSF), and Nikki Apana (Native Hawaiian, Med Student, UCSF PRIME-US & MPP, Harvard) about their journeys in medicine and how their Native Hawaiian culture informs their approach to wellness and healthcare.

The episode explores health disparities in Indigenous communities, cultural and traditional healing, representation in medicine, and how storytelling can improve trust and outcomes. Guests share personal reflections on the meaning of “Culture is Medicine” and advice for future Indigenous medical students.

Tune in for inspiring stories and insights on blending culture, community, and care in healthcare.

In this special Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month episode, IHC Podcast host Marissa Hemstreet speaks with Dr. Lukejohn Day—UCSF Health System Chief Medical Officer, gastroenterologist, and member of the Oglala Lakota Nation.

Dr. Day shares insights on colorectal cancer disparities impacting Native communities, the importance of early screening, and increasing Native representation in medicine. As President of the Association of American Indian Physicians, he brings both clinical expertise and cultural perspective to the conversation.

🎧 Tune in for an important dialogue on prevention, equity, and Indigenous leadership in healthcare.

#CultureIsMedicine #ColorectalCancerAwareness #NativeHealth #AAIP #IHCSanJose

IHC Podcast | Culture is Medicine with Claire Alford

In this inspiring episode of the IHC Podcast’s Culture Is Medicine series, we sit down with Claire Alford (she/her), a proud descendant of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. Claire is a public health and biology major at Santa Clara University, a passionate advocate for Native health, and a 2024 Udall Scholar.

Claire shares how her heritage influences her passion for public health, what led her to study both biology and public health, and how these fields connect to Native health priorities. As Senior Chair of the Santa Clara Powwow and President of the Native American Coalition for Change (NACC), she discusses the importance of leadership and advocacy in creating spaces for Native students and communities.

We dive into Claire’s work founding a free hygiene program for Native communities, her leadership in establishing Indigenous Peoples’ Day at SCU, and her volunteer work with IHC’s Diabetes Program. Claire also shares her insights on the biggest healthcare challenges facing Native communities, strategies for balance and motivation as a student leader, and powerful advice for Native youth aspiring to enter public health or community leadership roles.

Tune in for an episode full of passion, action, and inspiration!

#CultureIsMedicine #IHCPodcast #NativeHealth #PublicHealth #AbsenteeShawnee #SantaClaraUniversity #IndigenousExcellence

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Brian Laban, founder of the Native American Fitness Council (NAFC), as he shares his journey in cultural education, movement, and community wellness. Brian discusses the importance of reclaiming traditional movement practices in Native communities and how fitness connects to mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Discover the story behind NAFC, the challenges of building a nonprofit, and the impact of their training programs. Plus, learn how you can get involved and support their mission!

🔗 Support NAFC: Donate here

🎧 Listen now:

Spotify - https://bit.ly/IHC-Podcast

YouTube - https://bit.ly/IHC-YouTubeLink

Apple - https://bit.ly/IHCpodcast_Apple

#IHCSanJose #CultureIsMedicine #NativeWellness #TraditionalMovement #NAFC #CommunityHealth

In this episode of the IHC Podcast | Culture is Medicine, we speak with Elena Dutra, M.A., Academic Counselor for EOPS & the AIAN Student Success Program at San Jose City College. A Sicangu Lakota and enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Elena has over 20 years of experience supporting American Indian/Alaskan Native and first-generation college students.

She shares insights on the Native American Student Success Center, its resources, and the importance of representation, cultural programming, and community support in higher education.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how this new center is making a difference!

#IHCsanjose #IHCPodcast #CultureIsMedicine #NativeStudentSuccess #HigherEd #SanJoseCityCollege #IndigenousEducation

Start the year off right with our latest episode, "New Year, New Mindset," featuring an empowering conversation with Brooke, a personal trainer at 24 Hour Fitness and a remarkable trans woman. 🌟 Brooke shares her incredible journey to becoming a fitness coach, including how she transformed her life and why she’s passionate about helping others on their wellness journeys.

In this episode, Brooke talks about the importance of empathy and humanity in fitness, how to build sustainable habits, and practical advice for beginners starting their health and wellness goals. Whether you're looking to make a fresh start or take your fitness to the next level, Brooke’s insights will inspire you to embrace a new mindset in 2025.

Tune in now to learn why wellness isn’t just about the body—it’s about the mind and soul, too. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe for more stories that inspire!

#IHCSanJose #CultureIsMedicine #NewYearNewMindset #FitnessJourney #TransVoices

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions about suicide and mentions of abuse in Indian boarding schools.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Calvin Hedrick, Interim Director of the California Native Vote Project and a proud member of the Mountain Maidu community. Calvin discusses what drives his advocacy, the importance of civic engagement in Indigenous communities, and the work being done to reshape how California history is taught in schools.

Learn about the California Native Vote Project’s youth programs and Fellowship Program, designed to empower future Indigenous leaders, and discover how you can make a difference. We also highlight critical mental health resources, like the 988 Lifeline, for those in need of support.

Tune in now to explore why Culture is Medicine and don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe for more impactful stories!

Connect with the California Native Vote Project: canativevote.org

#IHCSanJose #CultureIsMedicine #IndigenousVoices #CivicEngagement #MentalHealthAwareness

In this episode, we chat with Paloma Mendoza, Medical Administrative Assistant at IHC Medical, about her journey adjusting to IHC and what sets it apart from other health centers. Paloma dives into how her role supports both the team and our patients, sharing unique insights into community-focused care.

We also explore:
🌟 How IHC integrates AI/AN cultural perspectives with Western medicine.
💉 Current vaccine recommendations and flu season updates.
🏥 How IHC ensures vaccines are accessible to the community.
✨ Paloma’s advice for anyone considering joining the IHC team.