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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 15, 2018)
S moke S ignals FEBRUARY 15, 2018 5 Tribal preventive measures keeping the flu at bay By Danielle Frost Smoke Signals staff writer 2013 – The Confederat- ed Tribes of Grand Ronde officially became a minori- ty owner of SAM Medical Products on Monday, Feb. 11, after Tribal Council Chairman Reyn Leno and company Chief Executive Officer Sam Scheinberg and his wife, Cherrie, signed the documents before 50 Tribal representatives, employees File photo and other dignitaries. As 2013 part of the agreement, the Tribe provided a five-year term loan and revolving loan to SAM Medical, which would allow the company to quickly expand its product line. 2008 – Dozens of Tribal hunters convened at the Community Center to pave the way for the return of Tribal ceremonial hunts. The Tribe was awaiting a mid-April decision by the state Fish and Wildlife Commission that was expected to return its sovereign right to hunt for ceremonial game outside of state-sanctioned hunting seasons. The proposal had the support of Gov. Ted Kulongoski and a number of commissioners. 2003 – The Tribe hosted six of Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes in an effort to find ways to better work together and form a state gaming alliance. However, differences on casino issues threatened to drive a wedge into the discussion. “This is not about Tribe versus Tribe,” Intergovernmental Affairs Director Justin Martin said. “This is about a policy that affects all nine Tribes and ultimately the future of Indian gaming in Oregon.” 1998 – An expansion of Spirit Mountain Casino, which originally opened in 1995, was scheduled for completion in June. The casino grossed $40 million in 1997. The expansion was set to include 150 to 250 more slot machines, more buffet seating and increased capacity in the bingo hall, along with a larger non-smoking area and off-track betting, poker and keno rooms. 1993 – Leon “Chips” Tom was the subject of a February Smoke Signals Elders’ Spotlight article. Tom was born and raised in Grand Ronde, and spent 43 years working in the timber industry. He was elected to Tribal Council in 1992. He said serving on Tribal Council was a way to make a difference in the Tribe’s future. “There’s going to be many changes during the next 20 years,” he said. “In the future, people will not only need education, but they will need to be able to compete in the business world.” 1988 – The Housing Improvement Program for fiscal year 1988 was cut at the federal level and would only fund two repair projects for Elders. “Tentative recipients have already been notified they will receive help when our housing contract is approved,” Tribal Housing Coordinator Dave Bailey said. “Those of you who have not received a call or letter saying you will be helped will not receive assistance this year.” Yesteryears is a look back at Tribal history in five-year incre- ments through the pages of Smoke Signals. Ad created by George Valdez As the flu rages throughout Ore- gon this year, Tribal Health & Well- ness Center preventive measures appear to be stifling any outbreak in the Grand Ronde area. “We are still having a handful of cases each week, but are below the state average,” Health Services Executive Director Kelly Rowe said. “We have hand sanitizer and masks available as patients walk into the clinic to try and prevent spreading it as much as possible.” The National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System, which monitors influenza and other respiratory viruses, has confirmed almost 13,000 flu cases in Oregon this season, which runs from Octo- ber to April. The Oregon Health Authority’s most recent statistics show a spike in emergency room visits for flu-like symptoms at approximately 5.5 percent, up from 4 percent last year and the highest rate in four years. There also have been 105 report- ed outbreaks of the flu this season, with the bulk, 84 percent, occurring in long-term care facilities and 10 percent in schools. Rowe said she credits the low- er-than-average rates at the Tribal clinic to simple prevention mea- sures, such as getting a flu shot, washing hands thoroughly and staying home while sick. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated, but we (at the clinic) currently have a very limited supply, as we have vaccinated many so far this season,” she said. The Oregon Health Authority and Centers for Disease Control provide the following tips to avoid the flu: • Take the time to get a flu vaccine, especially if you are in a high-risk category, which includes young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and those 65 and older. • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. • If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to obtain medical care or other necessities. • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If none is available, cough into your elbow and not your hand. • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alco- hol-based hand rub. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu. MARRIAGES IN TRIBAL COURT Tribal Court is now issuing marriage licenses and is able to perform marriage ceremonies for a filing fee of $40. For questions regarding sched- uling, please contact the Tribal Court at 503-879-2303.
