The story behind the focus:
Interlace Incorporated was established in 1996 as a not-for-profit organization focused on providing specialized aviation pilot/mechanic training for humanitarian missions work. With operations in Redding California, we have been providing a variety of aerospace services to businesses and community organizations in the Redding area since incorporation.
In 1997 we established a formal relationship with Mercy Air Ambulance, a division of Catholic Health Care West located in Redding California, to provide quality air service to their customers. This was our launching-point to hone expertise as a viable aviation organization and develop a strong long-standing reputation in the California Northstate community. In May of 2005 Mercy Air Ambulance discontinued their air ambulance service, affording us opportunity to re-align and broaden our community service.
During our tenure with Mercy Air Ambulance we became aware of the unmet needs of the Native American's in Northern California related to health/wellness education and extended health services to increase access to quality and affordable health care. This knowledge prompted Interlace to engage in primary and secondary research. As an example, secondary research provided data from across the nation that shows alarming statistics in American Indian population concerning diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Statistics for these major diseases are far above the national average for Native Americans and American Indians (AI/NA). Diabetes for instance, was over twice the national average in the NA/AI population (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 1994-2004).
In addition to secondary research, we engaged in primary research through formal dialogues with various tribes in the Northern California area. It is clearly evident they advocate for change and seek assistance to address the unmet needs in the current health care system.
Please note: As with all nonprofit service organizations, Interlace Incorporated uses exempt-purpose activities to fulfill its mission. The organization is considered a corporation adhering to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Code Section 501(c)(3) and has acquired permanent status as a nonprofit by the IRS.
Partner for change, participate in action!
Interlace has been the lead agency working with tribes in the development of the formal Tribal Consortium in Northern California. The Tribal Consortium forms the “community” that has the acute insight to clearly identify these un-met health issues and provide guidance on effective processes that address these needs. In the development of a comprehensive system of health services to California Indians, Interlace is advocating a Coalition of humanitarian organizations that work in partnership in order to implement these services. With seed funding provided by grants, foundations, industry and private individuals, we can formalize best practices to satisfy the identified un-met needs. The primary objectives are to establish mechanisms that maintain financial self-sustainability to ensure the elimination of health disparities. To this end, Interlace Incorporated is seeking one-time tax-deductible donations from interested individuals and organizations that will partner with us in this effort. So please participate with us in action!
(Updated: October 24th, 2005)
