Dear Editor,

Every year and including during a pandemic, the Mountain Forum for Peace, MFP, offers a community event beyond compare: the MFP Yard Sale. Serving the Peak to Peak and beyond, this nonprofit is 100% volunteer driven.

Monies from this annual fundraiser go to support global peace initiatives, empower local leadership in human kindness and earth stewardship, and support sustainable heart-centered projects.

This year the sale takes place on July 23 and July 24, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and July 25, from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Community Center in Nederland. As an added offering to the community this year, patrons can visit the NADA tent in the upper lot of the sale on Saturday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 - 3 p.m.

NADA, National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol is a non-verbal approach to healing. It is a standardized ear acupressure and acupuncture intervention for trauma, substance misuse, abuse, dependence and related behavioral and mental health conditions. NADA promotes and advocates for access to holistic health as a right of all communities.

The history of NADA in the United States dates back to the 70s when a community, together with the Young Lords protesting the conditions of Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, New York, took over the hospital. In doing so, the community launched a model of grassroots effort to provide access to holistic care regardless of socio-economic barriers, effectively introducing NADA to the US as part of the treatment protocols provided. Locally, you may be aware of this protocol via a program in Boulder called Natural Highs.

Benefits of NADA include but are not limited to: increased calmness, better sleep, decrease in anxiety and agitation, reduced cravings for alcohol and other drugs (including nicotine), relief from stress and trauma and it provides an easier connection with other healing treatments such as counseling.

“Acupuncture is a living thing. It moves lightly & quickly. It crosses lines of gender, race, and culture. It connects to someone’s inner spirit & it’s a tremendous privilege.” ~ Michael Smith

The NADA vision is a world where healthcare is people-centered, holistic, and accessible to the most vulnerable and underserved in our communities. In this spirit, the NADA, AcuWellness protocol will be offered free to the public (donations are accepted and will 100% directed to MFP). As the Peak to Peak community prepares to once again make history at the community center with the Annual MFP Yard Sale, please enjoy a bit of calm under the NADA tent.

Wishing you health, happiness and peace.

Teresa Keller
Peak to Peak