In Honor of Baba Dr.Mutulu Shakur , we’re hosting a NADA Protocol Training Workshop led by Juan Cortez at AfroVillage PDX Project Office Hub ✊🏽. The training is free with light snacks. Contact Kirk to register and for more info: kirk@afrovillagepdx.org ans 307-287-0005.
The NADA Protocol is practiced with the placement of 5 small acupuncture needles into specific points on the ear to help with stress reduction, detoxification, and improve healing. It can be easily practiced in settings designed to aid behaviorial health, disaster relief, and managing substance use by reducing withdrawal symptoms when detoxing. This non verbal approach can be utilized anywhere that folks can come together in a room
Juan Cortez, Registered NADA Trainer
Holistic Services Manager, NYHRE/WHCP. Bronx, New York
Juan Cortez (He/Him) is a registered NADA trainer, acupuncture detoxification specialist, certified Tai Chi instructor, reiki master, personal fitness trainer and associate in occupational studies. First came to NYHRE as a young injection Drug user in the 1990s where I was introduced to acupuncture and harm reduction for the first time on the streets of Harlem.
In 2006 I started to volunteer At NYHRE and become a peer doing outreach as I was detoxing and going through withdrawals from Methadone, crack and pills . Combining Harm reduction at NYHRE and receiving, acupuncture treatments and attending support group at Lincon Detox, I was able to achieve my goal of being drug free. Soon after I took the acupuncture training at Lincoln detox and was hired at NYHRE as a case manager then holistic health specialist.
since then, I have received a degree in massage therapy From the Swedish Institute specializing in Shiatsu . Certifications as a Reiki Master, Tai Chi , Qigong instructor, Personal Fitness trainer , Black Belt in ITF Tae Kown Do, and as a Registered trainer with the national acupuncture detoxification Association
My Passion is bringing Holistic services to the streets to people that may not otherwise be able to get the services like myself when I was first introduced to harm Reduction on the street. Using my own personal and Professional experience I work with formerly incarcerated ,Military veterans and young injection Drug users using acupuncture /Acupressure as an introduction to wellness and harm Reduction then connecting people to other supportive services. The most important tool I have is my love for the people I serve and my community.
To me I am not a healer but just part of the healing process , we heal together as a community . Because of the legacy of Mutulu Shakur , the Black Panthers, young Lords and Act Up, Today I fight hate , stigma ,racism and oppression . My Activism is through Wellness