Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians Partners with the Medi-Vaxx Program to Provide Easy-to-Access Covid-19 Vaccines
Los Angeles, CA. — (July 2nd, 2021): Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians originated in the areas ranging from Simi Valley and Malibu in the west, Cahuenga and Encino in the south, Tujunga in the east, and the present-day Tejon Ranch in the north. To this day, they continue to not only be dedicated to preserving and enriching tribal culture but embracing their community roots to help them thrive. As part of this tenet, they are making Covid-19 vaccinations easy to access and readily available to all by providing vaccinations via three pop-up clinics as well as a mobile vaccination “come to you” service for individuals with transportation challenges.
“Community outreach is a large part of what we do. Through our Tribe’s non-profit, Pukúu Cultural Community Services (Pukúu), we provide community programs to Native Americans living in Los Angeles County,” says Rudy Ortega, Jr., Tribal President. “But we are invested in all of the people of our communities and are happy to have some great local partners through the Medi-Vaxx Program to make sure everyone has easy access to this vaccination, especially those that are traditionally underserved by the medical community.”
The Medi-Vaxx Program is a collaboration between four groups in the San Fernando Valley. The Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians is working alongside The Mission Community Hospital, El Proyecto del Barrio, and First Med Ambulance to ensure that underserved subgroups, namely Latina individuals, Native-American individuals, and elders over 65 years old are conveniently served with vaccinations.
Medi-Vaxx offers the following three vaccination options:
- Pop-up Clinics: no registration or reservation needed, and walk ins are welcome.
Pop Up Clinic #1: Second Vaccine — Tuesday, July 6th, from 9:30–2pm (The first vaccine was June 15th) James Jordan Middle School, 7911 Winnetka Avenue, Winnetka, California 91306
Pop Up Clinic #2: First Vaccine — Saturday, August 7th, from 9–4 pm
Second Vaccine — Saturday, August 28th from 9–4 pm
James Jordan Middle School, 7911 Winnetka Avenue, Winnetka, California 91306
Pop Up Clinic #3: First vaccine — Wednesday, July 14th, from 9–4 pm
Second vaccine — Wednesday, August 4th, from 9–4 pm
Pukúu Cultural Community Services, 1019 Second Street, San Fernando, California 91340
Pop Up Clinic #4: First Vaccine — Saturday, July 17th, from 9–2 pm
Second Vaccine — Saturday, August 7th from 9–2 pm
Plaza Del Valle, 8610 Van Nuys Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402
Pop Up Clinic #5: First Vaccine — Saturday, July 22nd, from 3–7 pm
Second Vaccine — Saturday, August 12th from 3–7 pm
Bella Vista Apartments, 12100 Sheldon St, Sun Valley, CA 91352
2. Ambulance vaccination delivery via Mobile Vaccination: First Med Ambulance provides mobile vaccination “come to you” services for individuals with transportation challenges (i.e., handicapped, special needs, the elderly, etc.), high-risk individuals, or anyone who, out of an abundance of caution, needs at-home services. To schedule the mobile vaccine, contact the Tribal office: Xochitl Ramos, 818–837–0794 or Raymond Salas, 661–877–5744
3. Daily vaccinations at Mission Community Hospital: Mission Community Hospital provides vaccines through their regular, recurring daily clinic. The link is here to schedule.
Through Medi-Vaxx, El Proyecto Del Barrio, First Med Ambulance, Mission Community Hospital, and Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians are united in their desire to provide easy and safe ways for all people in their communities to get vaccinated. For more information or questions regarding the Medi-Vaxx program, please contact the Tribal office at 818–837–0794 or email Itati Ortega on itati.ortega@tatavian-nsn.us.
About Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (www.tataviam-nsn.):
The distinct community of the present-day Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (FTBMI) originated in the lineages, villages, and culture of the pre-Mission period. Mission San Fernando was established on September 8, 1797 at the village of Achoicominga and, for years following, enslaved their ancestors from the traditional villages in the geographically surrounding area, ranging from present-day Simi Valley and Malibu in the west, Cahuenga and Encino in the south, Tujunga in the east, and the present-day Tejon Ranch in the north. Today, FTBMI is dedicated to preserving and enriching their tribal culture by celebrating shared traditions and honoring their ancestral ways through a yearly Tataviam Days celebration, Monthly Cultural Workshops, and sharing their language with the younger generations. The tribe also provides community programs to Native Americans living in Los Angeles County and their own tribal community through the Tribe’s non-profit, Pukúu Cultural Community Services (Pukúu). Follow the FTBMI on Instagram @Fernandenotataviam, and Facebook @Tataviam.
