Dear Friends and relatives, 

The past few days have been challenging for many of us in our community and at our clinic here at DIHFS. We have faced a wave of worry, fear, and uncertainty due to the recent executive orders. However, amid these trials, we remain strong and dedicated to providing exceptional care you and our community deserve. It's normal to feel fear and anxiety during such times, but we must remember that we have overcome tougher challenges in the past. 

Though the fight may seem daunting at times, hope is our guiding light. We want to reassure you that we are in a stable position, bolstered by the temporary lift on the freeze regarding some of our grants. This relief enables us to assess our path forward for DIHFS. Our commitment to our community has never wavered, and we are devoted to ensuring that our services continue without interruption. As we navigate these circumstances, we will keep you informed. Thank you for your understanding and support. Together, we will rise to meet these challenges. Please reach out to our clinic if you need any additional support during this time. 

With gratitude, 

Adrianne Maddux
Executive Director
Hopi Sun Forehead Clan

As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we've shared and the profound impact we've made together. 

On behalf of everyone at Denver Indian Health and Family Services, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones during this special time. 

We understand that providing healthcare to our community is a complex and challenging journey. We truly care about addressing the needs of our patients, whom we lovingly refer to as relatives. Our commitment to continually improving our services and planning for our future reflects our deep dedication to you. This year, we were able to secure the future home of DIHFS at 901 Navajo, a step that represents our ongoing commitment to serving our community.

During the holidays, we are reminded of the importance of kindness, compassion, and the connections we share. As we gather with family and friends, let us also remember and reach out to those who may be struggling or in need. Together, we can lift each other up and create a supportive community. 

Thank you for being such an important part of our journey. We wish you a holiday season filled with peace, love, and happiness, and we look forward to facing the challenges and successes of the upcoming year together. 

Happy Holidays,

Adrianne Maddux 
​Executive Director

November is Native American Heritage Month, and as we reflect on our culture, we also look to the future and how we can continue to make a difference in our community. In partnership with Mercy Housing, Native American Housing Circle, and Wellpower, we are developing affordable and supportive housing co-located with a health clinic at 901 Navajo Street in Denver. It will be the first housing development in the Denver metro area focused on serving our Native community. Our clinic will occupy 18,000 square feet, and we will have case management to assist with housing for the development.

On Friday, November 22, 2024, we were deeply honored to participate in a significant land blessing ceremony. This sacred event, steeped in our cultural traditions, demonstrated our profound respect and appreciation for the land on which our future clinic and community will stand. We sought blessings of abundance and protection, reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of our future home. 

As we look ahead to the future of 901 Navajo, this marks a significant and unique opportunity to enhance the healthcare of our people. Never have our local Native organizations, or even our local government, come together with such a shared commitment to provide this vital service for our community in the Denver area. This is a testament to the value and importance we place on each and every member of our community. 

We are excited to share that we are on track to close on the property in early December, marking a significant milestone in our journey. With construction expected to be completed in late 2026, we are eagerly anticipating the transformation of 901 Navajo into a vibrant hub for our community. We're excited to invite you to support our $10 million capital campaign for 901 Navajo! Please share this opportunity with your friends and family. Donations can be made through Colorado Gives, and until December 10th, every contribution will be boosted by a $1 million incentive fund, giving us a chance to win over $100,000 in prizes for DIHFS. Donations can be made any time after this, but this is a great time to maximize your impact! 

As November comes to a close, we are committed to our mission and supporting our community. Your support truly makes a difference! Wishing you and your families all the best! 

Our goal at Denver Indian Health and Family Services (DIHFS) is to promote sustainable, healthy lifestyles so our clients can continue these practices after their clinic or personal training visit. Beginning this month, our patients and clients will have the opportunity to purchase Denver Recreation Center day passes for 50% off! Ask our Front Desk team how to get a pass and get active all over the Denver metro area, especially at Rude Rec Center, which is just a few short steps from our front door. ​Purchasing a pass will allow entry into any Denver Recreation Center for one day only.

​AI/AN Communities Prepare for National Hope for Life Day on September 10

To further advance the Action Alliance's priority to support community-based efforts to implement effective suicide prevention strategies, the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Task Force launched National AI/AN Hope for Life Day in 2015. This annual observance coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 and provides an opportunity for AI/AN leaders across the country to share messages of hope and resiliency with their communities.
 
To help support community leaders, grassroots organizers, and health care professionals working in Native communities, the AI/AN Task Force developed the National AI/AN Hope for Life Day toolkit, which was recently updated to include new tools and resources. This toolkit provides community organizers with specific steps to take on September 10 to change the conversation about suicide, initiate action, and foster hope in their efforts to reduce suicide in AI/AN communities across the country. To learn more and get involved:

• Promote the observance widely among your various channels and contacts.
• Share the Hope for Life Day toolkit with those working with AI/AN communities.
• Use the hashtag #Hope4LifeDay to spread the word about National AI/AN Hope for Life Day on September 10.

​You can learn more here: https://theactionalliance.org/events/national-aian-hope-life-day