Lena's Lens

5 in 5 Initiative Update - Dr. Felix Muniz

In this episode of Lena's Lens, Lena welcomes back Dr. Felix Muniz for an update on the 5 in 5 Initiative. Dr. Muniz shares progress from Phase 2, which included talking circles, group concept mapping, surveys, and a community readiness assessment. These efforts brought in nearly 250 Community voices and helped identify wellness dimensions, determinants of health, and priority areas for change. He also discusses next steps, including a public-facing data dashboard and a strategic plan that will guide long-term wellness efforts in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Dr. Muniz reflects on the personal meaning of doing this work in his own community and emphasizes how community input is shaping the future of the initiative. Questions? Comments? Please email Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov [podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov]

Inside Salt River Business Development with CEO Michael Mainwold

In this episode of Lena’s Lens, Lena Jackson‑Eckert talks with Michael Mainwold, CEO of Salt River Business Development, about the Community’s newest enterprise and its mission to expand economic opportunities beyond the reservation. They explore how SRBD was created, why diversification is important, and how federal contracting and commercial investments are shaping long‑term growth.    Questions? Comments? Send an email to Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov [Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov]

Journey to Recovery – A Conversation on Healing, Hope, and Community

In this episode of Lena’s Lens, host Lena Jackson‑Eckert sits down with Dr. Troy Melendez, Clinical Manager for Journey to Recovery, and Dr. Nate Velez, Chief Behavioral Health Officer at HHS, to take a closer look at the Community’s approach to substance use treatment, recovery, and long‑term healing. Together, they discuss the “culture of stickiness” at Journey to Recovery, the importance of relationships and hope in the healing process, and how the program’s continuum of care supports individuals for up to a year or more. Lena, Dr. Melendez, and Dr. Velez also explore trends they are currently seeing in the Community, the growing strength of the local recovery network, the role families play in treatment, and the stigma that programs like JTR are working to break. The conversation highlights the challenges, innovations, and inspiring stories that make recovery possible — and the work that still lies ahead. Questions? Comments? Send an email to Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov [Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov]

SRPMIC Development Updates

Community Manager Bryan Meyers joins host Lena Jackson‑Eckert to discuss key development projects shaping the Salt River Pima‑Maricopa Indian Community. Bryan shares updates on the Salt River Auto Show, recent changes at the Pavilions, and the planning process that ensures new development aligns with Community standards and long‑term goals. He also announces a major new addition coming to the SRPMIC corridor and explains its expected economic impact for future generations. Topics Covered  • Salt River Auto Show expansion  • Long‑term economic planning for SRPMIC  • Announcement of a major new project coming to the Community Questions? Comments? Send an email to Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov [Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov]

5 in 5 Initiative

Dr. Felix Muniz, Assistant Scientist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, visits with Ms. Lena to discuss the 5 in 5 Initiative and research that is being conducted in the SRPMIC. As an enrolled member of the Salt River Indian Community, Dr. Muniz is proud to be part of the effort and the long term impacts it will have on the health and wellbeing of its members. Learn more!  SURVEY: https://jh.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_74KJ5DuaUcwSfz0?Q_CHL=qr [https://jh.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_74KJ5DuaUcwSfz0?Q_CHL=qr]