Public health communication and collaboration are key tools in crisis situations. Using Zika as an example, Utah Department of Health epidemiologist Dallin Peterson, MPH will describe how Zika virus funding allowed the health department to increase mosquito trapping, mosquito identification, and disease surveillance and opened new opportunities for communication and collaboration between local and Tribal mosquito abatements.

                  

The webinar will transition to highlight other collaboration efforts between the Utah Department of Health, Tribal, and the Indian Health Service (IHS). Melissa Zito, MS, RN, the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Health Liaison/Health Policy Consultant at the Utah Department of Health's Office of AI/AN Health Affairs, will share how her position was created at the request of the Utah Tribal Leaders (UTL).  Ms. Zito will also share examples of Tribal-specific communication materials created through the formal consultation and conferment process and describe the health department's partnership with the Utah Indian Health Advisory Board (UIHAB) as a critical step in the formal process.

 

Representing the Board, LeAnna VanKueren,  MBA, the UIHAB Chairwoman will provide insights and recommendations for Tribal and state collaboration. Hunter Timbimboo, BS, the health director for the Northwest Band of Shoshone Nation representative, will also share his experiences with the state of Utah and the consultation process. 

Learn more about the webinar or register here.

The above link includes presenter information.

Also, learn about the National Indian Health Board's Zika project here. You may also submit a Zika question, access resources, or email NIHB to request technical assistance. 

Note: Image courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).