| This week, we get COVID-19 updates with a clip from the latest Community Health Conversation with Leah Lemm and Dr. Antony Stately, which also features a conversation with artist Reuben Kitto Stately. These Community Health Conversations can be found on our website. |
MDH is offering free at-home rapid COVID tests. The program – Say Yes! To Covid Test is online at sayyeshometest.org. Every household can place a new order every month until the program ends.
Your health insurance needs to be renewed periodically. Avoid losing your Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare by being prepared for your renewal. 1 in 4 Minnesotans will need to renew their healthcare coverage soon. Learn what it means for you or someone you know. To learn more, go to the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.
The CDC is recommending adults with underlying conditions, those over 60 and toddlers to receive the recently approved RSV vaccine. RSV is a respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but it can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.
An updated COVID vaccine has become available as of a couple of weeks ago. The vaccine is recommended for individuals 5-years and older. There are also options for children between 6-months to 5-years old.
Minnesota residents who have symptoms of COVID-19 and have tested positive or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 are eligible to receive treatment at no-cost. The Minnesota Department of Health in partnership with Cue Health run the Test to Treat program, which provides access to care and COVID19 medication. Health insurance is not required to receive treatment. To receive your treatment call 1-844-609-2415 to speak with a healthcare provider.
More from Native Lights
- Kent Estey: The Art of Survival
On this episode, we speak with contemporary artist and White Earth Nation citizen Kent Estey. Kent paints at his home studio in Naytahwaush, in the heart of the White Earth Reservation. He’s known for really bold abstract landscapes, acrylic, oil, ink, and metal. He’s also an author. In 2025, he released the children’s book Picking Sweetgrass. His latest exhibit, “Mino-Bimaadiziwin: The Good Life” runs through Labor Day weekend in Detroit Lakes. - Rafael Gonzalez, aka, Tufawon: How a Minneapolis Rap Artist Learned How to Sing and Make a Difference
We are very excited to speak with Rafael Gonzalez, aka, Tufawon. He is a Mdewakanton Dakota and Boricua (Puerto Rican). He’s a rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer who calls South Minneapolis home. In addition to his music making, he’s an educator. He teaches youth music production, songwriting, and recording through his music production program “.WAVWARRIOR”. - Alexandera Houchin: Life on Two Wheels
Today, we’re very excited to Welcome Alexandera Houchin to the Native Lights podcast. Alexandera is a citizen of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe). She resides in her reservation community in northern Minnesota. She’s an ultra racer, bike packer, mountain biker, outdoor adventurer, storyteller, and writer. And she is currently working on her memoir for Penguin Random House and is the subject of a documentary.
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- MNN Extended Interview: Gary FarmerThis week, we revisit reporter Deanna StandingCloud’s interview with Cayuga tribal member Gary Farmer, a First Nations actor and musician best known for his roles in Powwow Highway, Dead Man, and Smoke Signals to hear his thoughts on acting.
- The Native American Community Clinic Moves into a New Building, and Native Running Clubs Are Growing FastThis week, a Native clinic gets ready to move into its new building, and running clubs are promoting health and healing.
Creativity During the Pandemic with Reuben Kitto Stately