NACA Evolved from ‘Resting Place’ to Healthy Community

By Almalía Berríos-Payton

Native Americans for Community Action, Inc. (NACA) originated in the late 1960s, as a place for Native American individuals to eat, rest, visit and receive various health services. In 1969, the newly established “Indian Center Organization” (now known as NACA) began fundraising and building support in the community.

When NACA first opened in

1971, its purpose was to be a “resting place,” a hospitality center, designed to offer a variety of social and health-related programs. Soon thereafter, the center received its first funding from Indian Health Services (IHS) to provide health-related materials. In 1974, NACA sponsored the Miss Indian Flagstaff pageant, a basketball tournament, a community dinner and began several community programs: Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA)

NACA provides services such as capacity building in Native American communities by assisting future political and community leaders, fighting stereotypes of Native American individuals and organizations, and advocating as a knowledge base on Indigenous issues to governments and other non-Native organizations.

Program, The Youth Education Program, The Adult Education Program, Substance Abuse Prevention Program, Social Services Program, Grandparent Elders Program and The Hozho Youth Program.

In 1986, NACA expanded its space to incorporate more services, programs and community resources. In 1991, NACA was designated as the first federal Urban Indian Health Center in Northern Arizona. In just eight months, NACA received more than 3,500 visits. By 2012, the NACA team was staffed by more than 50 individuals, with more than 70% representing Indigenous cultures. Programs at NACA now also included: Economic Development – Oak Creek Overlook Artisan Program, Health Promotions and Wellness Center Programs, Diabetes Intervention, Emergency Social Services and Behavioral Health Services.

In 2014, NACA was awarded with a Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). NACA was also recognized with an “Arizona Outstanding Out-of-School Time” award by the Arizona Center for After School Excellence. In 2021, NACA celebrated 50 years of service in the Flagstaff and Coconino County communities, providing programs and services that assist clients in increasing their self-worth, empowerment, dignity and self-sufficiency. These services center around identifying clients’ individual strengths, promoting selfpride, awareness and respect, helping the client establish realistic goals and strengthen personal autonomy, and providing tangible assistance that does not create dependence.

The mission of Native Americans for Community Action Inc. is to provide preventive wellness strategies and empower and advocate for Native peoples and others in need, in order to create a healthy community based on harmony, respect and indigenous values.

NACA provides services such as capacity building in Native American communities by assisting future political and community leaders, fighting stereotypes of Native American individuals and organizations, and advo- cating as a knowledge base on Indigenous issues to governments and other non-Native organizations. NACA’s core program is the Family Health Center, which provides health and medical services to Native Americans and non-Native Americans. NACA also has a Pathways - Afterschool For Youth Program, Social Support Services and an on-site Phoenix Indian Center Workforce Specialist. NACA accepts and provides services to all ethnic groups of all ages, focusing on holistic and family care, and prioritizes the overall well-being of patients by honoring their customs, culture and beliefs. FBN

Almalía Berríos-Payton (Lenca/Pipil de El Salvador) is the marketing and public relations officer at NACA.

NACA’s Family Health Center currently offers the seasonal flu vaccine, the COVID-19 Moderna and Pfizer primary vaccines, and the COVID-19 bivalent booster. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 928-773-1245.