BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a historic move toward culturally inclusive healthcare, Medicaid will now fund traditional healing treatments for Native Americans in four states: California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oregon. This new pilot program will allow Medicaid to cover Indigenous cultural therapies like sweat lodges, music therapy, and ceremonial rituals, a significant step toward bridging conventional and traditional approaches to health and healing. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the pilot program, which represents a significant victory for Native communities. Roselyn Tso, director of the Indian Health Service (IHS), praised the move, stating, “These practices have sustained our people’s health for generations and continue to serve as a vital link between culture, science, and wellness.” The program will last two years and apply to services provided at IHS facilities, tribal clinics, and urban Indian health organizations. Supporting recovery via tradition Many Native Americans rely on traditional healing practices to manage substance use disorders. These treatments not only aid in physical recovery but also address underlying issues of trauma and spiritual separation. Emery Tahy, a 43-year-old Navajo Nation member, is fully aware of this. Tahy’s journey from addiction and depression to recovery included reconnecting with his roots, which was made possible by traditional healing methods at Friendship House, a Native-led treatment clinic in San Francisco. “I knew immediately that I was in the right place,” Tahy says. He participated in prayers, songs, and sweat lodge sessions, all of which helped him reconnect with his cultural and spiritual roots. “From that day moving forward, I was able to reconnect to my spiritual and cultural upbringing,” Tahy disclosed. Tahy’s experience exposes a broader dilemma in Native communities. Addiction rates among Native Americans are among the highest in the country, with overdose deaths increasing year after year. Experts contend that Western medical methods alone cannot effectively treat these diseases in Native societies. “Traditional practices are, by nature, holistic,” explains Damian Chase-Begay, an American Indian health researcher at the University of Montana. “They treat the person physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. They benefit the whole being, not just the physical symptoms.” The cultural gap in healthcare Historically, Medicaid has not supported Indigenous healing modalities, leaving Native American patients without culturally appropriate care. Though some practices were available through IHS appropriations, tribal monies, or specific grants, formal Medicaid coverage remained out of reach until recently. In California, the new program under Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid arm, is noteworthy. California has the greatest Native American population in the country. Governor Gavin Newsom stated in a press release that the initiative represents the state’s dedication “to healing the historical wounds inflicted on tribes, including the health disparities Native communities face.” The program now covers two types of care. Patients suffering from substance use disorders can seek help from traditional healers who perform cultural ceremonies and rituals, or from trusted figures within tribal communities, such as spiritual leaders and tribal officials, who provide trauma counseling, psychological support, and recovery assistance. Healing historical trauma The inclusion of these techniques meets a critical need for Native Americans, whose health has suffered as a result of years of historical trauma. Chase-Begay sees this as a step toward reconnecting Native Americans with their heritage. “What California is now covering under Medi-Cal is exactly what our Native communities have been asking to be covered for years,” according to him. “This kind of support, had it been in place, could have helped stop some intergenerational trauma and substance use years ago.” For many Native people, incorporating traditional practices into rehabilitation is more than just physical healing; it is a means of recovering cultural identity and resilience. Kiana Maillet, a certified therapist from the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, noted, “Traditional healing is firmly embedded in our traditions. Without it, we are lacking a component of our identity. The advantages of traditional healing in addiction recovery Research backs up the benefits of combining ancient techniques with modern treatments in addiction rehabilitation. According to studies, cultural practices in treatment programs can promote patient engagement and result in more successful recovery outcomes. Though most research remains qualitative, the results in Native communities demonstrate the significant effects of culturally adapted techniques. The Medicaid expansion is extremely beneficial to Native American health clinics and practitioners. Medi-Cal, which presently covers traditional therapies including medicine and behavioral therapy, will soon reimburse Indian Health Service providers for these services as well. This policy expansion is set to take effect in January 2025 and will be reviewed after two years. Maillet is optimistic about the influence this program will have on Native American communities. “It is vital that we honor our traditional ways of healing,” says one woman. “These methods are more than just treatment; they are a lifeline to our identities.” A long-overdue change For those like Tahy, this innovative program has the potential to improve their lives. Tahy, who found sobriety via traditional healing at Friendship House, currently works as an evaluator for the Native American Health Center in San Francisco and is nearing completion of a Master’s degree in American Indian Studies. He even ran the San Francisco marathon a few months ago, demonstrating his health and strength. The Medicaid expansion is a promising step toward tackling Native health concerns through culturally appropriate care. Chase-Begay notes that it’s “long overdue.” He believes that these inclusive health policies can pave the way for a healthier future for Native communities by respecting and incorporating Indigenous cultural values into modern medical care. Medicaid expansion may only be a pilot program, but for many Native Americans, it represents a critical step toward comprehensive, culturally appropriate healthcare. As Tso points out, this program “serves as a vital link between culture, science, and wellness,” confirming the role of tradition in the pursuit of healing.The post Medicaid expands to cover traditional healing practices for Native Americans in 4 states first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Andy Kim, a Democrat, made history by defeating Republican businessman Curtis Bashaw for New Jersey’s open United States Senate seat. Kim, a three-term Congressman, becomes the first Korean American to serve in the Senate, completing a journey that began with his parents’ decision to immigrate to the United States fifty years ago. Reflecting on his success, Kim stated that it “would validate my parents’ decision to come here,” emphasizing the importance of his family’s journey. Kim has received national recognition for his dedication to public service and humility. He was famously pictured cleaning up the United States Capitol after the January 6th uprising, silently bagging rubbish in the aftermath of the mayhem. Addressing supporters after his victory, he spoke about America’s challenges, saying, “It pains me to my core to see the struggle we are going through. The very foundation of our democracy is rendered fragile.” Kim encouraged Americans to see the forthcoming 250th anniversary of the country’s independence as an opportunity for “healing,” reminding them that “the greatness of America is not what we take from this country, but what we give back.” Overcoming obstacles to win the Democratic Nomination Kim’s path to the Senate was not without challenges. The contest began after Bob Menendez, New Jersey’s previous Democratic senator, resigned due to bribery charges. Kim launched his candidacy shortly after Menendez’s indictment, offering a moral alternative. Menendez refuted the claims, but the Democratic Party eventually withdrew its support, opening the seat for new leadership. The Democratic primary was hotly contested, with New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy entering the campaign and garnering strong establishment support. But Kim remained undeterred. He challenged New Jersey’s ballot design system, which critics claim favors establishment candidates, and obtained an early favorable verdict from a federal judge. Murphy eventually stepped out, paving the door for Kim’s primary triumph and subsequent successful run in the general election. A clear policy vision for New Jersey Throughout his campaign, Kim championed measures that resonated strongly with New Jersey residents. His opposition to tax favors for the wealthiest and support for reproductive rights demonstrated his commitment to fair and progressive ideals. His credentials as a Rhodes Scholar, national security assistant to President Obama, and Oxford Ph.D. holder gave him credibility as a serious, hardworking public worker. His opponent, Curtis Bashaw, conducted a mostly self-funded campaign, giving more than $1 million. Although he won the Republican primary by overcoming a Trump-backed opponent, Bashaw’s lack of experience proved difficult against a seasoned politician such as Kim. Kim’s win strengthens democratic control With Kim’s victory, New Jersey keeps a solidly Democratic seat that supports Governor Phil Murphy’s progressive policies. Murphy has stated that Kim will likely take office early, when the current seat holder, George Helmy, steps aside to make way. Kim’s victory emphasizes New Jersey’s Democratic leadership, despite Republican gains in other districts. Notably, Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. was re-elected to New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, a seat the Democrats had hoped to reclaim. Redistricting added Republican-leaning areas to the district, allowing Kean to win a second term. A legacy of service and unity As he prepares to assume his position in the Senate, Kim delivers a message of strength, humility, and unity. “Let us use that extraordinary milestone as a moment of healing,” he urged, referring to the responsibilities that lie ahead. His journey from dedicated public servant to historic Senate victory exemplifies a dedication to both his family’s tradition and the nation’s aspirations. His ideals of service and devotion provide a positive vision of leadership in an era when Americans are increasingly looking for legislators who prioritize unity and democracy over partisanship.The post Andy Kim wins New Jersey Senate Seat, making history as first Korean American Senator first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

The shock of the scope and magnitude of President Elect Donald Trump’s victory have not yet worn off among the Regime Media. They’ve not yet completed their transition back to Resistance Media. But there are indeed signs that the transition is underway. Watch as Alayna Treene of CNN uncorks an old favorite while discussing Trump’s call for recess appointments: CNN NEWSROOM WITH FREDRICKA WHITFIELD 11/10/24 3:06 PM ALAYNA TREENE: (President Elect Donald Trump) said, quote: “Republican senators seeking the coveted leadership position in the United States Senate must agree to recess appointments in the Senate, without which, we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner.” The post goes on to describe other things. But I want to explain why this is so important. Essentially, Donald Trump is calling for the shattering of norms. Now what this means, a recess appointment, I know this sounds like we're getting in the weeds a bit with the Hill lingo. But recesses are normally avoided in congress. Normally, when they actually go on break, they do something called a pro forma session. Part of that is because if you go to a recess, you actually have to have a vote in the House and the Senate, and Democrats in this case, giving Republicans control of the Senate come next year, would be able to filibuster. But essentially, to get down to it, to really boil down to what this would mean is that Donald Trump is trying to find a way, and use whoever the next Senate leader- Republican leader is, to try and avoid the confirmation process for his top Cabinet officials. And I remind you, a lot of times when different presidential candidates or people are looking to make these hires, and to appoint different people to these different Cabinet roles, a key thing that is always at the top of their minds is whether or not this person can get confirmed in the Senate if they have a controversial background, if they are more conservative, in this case, if they were Democrats they’d be maybe too liberal. But really, the Senate is kind of the last line of defense of who the president could put into office with him. And so this would be a huge change. And I will also argue that really this process that Congress has now about avoiding recess appointments in their entirety started back with George W. Bush and has continued since then under the different presidents with Obama and Trump and now Biden. And so, this again would be a HUGE BREAK from the norms that we currently have. Fred. FREDRICKA WHITFIELD: And again, bucking norms. There is a vast number of stories that were reported over the past quadrennium which could have warranted “norm-shattering” coverage by the media. Some underreported, barely reported, or outright suppressed.  Whether it’s the weaponization of state and federal governments against Trump, the suppression of President Joe Biden’s physical and mental decline, the government’s cooking of all sorts of data (whether jobs, crime or illegal alien encounters: all of these stories qualify as “norm-shattering”. The Biden administration shattered many norms, but we just didn’t hear about it in those terms. No sooner a just-reelected Trump talks about staffing his administration via recess appointments, and the media go nuts. I expect that in the coming days, the media will revert to most, if not all of their hyperbolic practices that they put into place while covering the first Trump Administration. To “norms”, if you will.  

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