Tribal Public Health Broadcast
Weekly News, Funding, Resources, and Upcoming Events in Indian Country

January 21, 2021
News
NIHB Requests Tribal Examples of Policies with Best and Promising Practices that Support Brain Health During Emergencies

People with brain health issues, and their caregivers that provide services, experience-enduring challenges when faced with a crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is a perfect example of such an event. When people with brain health issues experience abrupt changes to their daily routine, which is reinforced through consistent mental expectations, confusion sets in which in turn contributes to health and safety risks and creates hardships for caregivers.

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is seeking examples of Tribal policies with best and promising practices that support vulnerable people living with cognitive impairment and their caregivers, especially during emergency situations. This type of policy may reside within Tribal codes or alongside health, mental health, aging, social services, food distribution, emergency management, public safety, transportation, or other types of policies.  Your thoughts are welcomed if no such policy or best and promising practice exists.

The purpose of this request is to inform the development of a toolkit, intended for Tribal health leaders and Tribal Government officials, to support people living with brain health challenges and their caregivers during a pandemic or other emergency conditions. If you have examples that you are willing to share or would like to provide general input on the contents of the toolkit, contact Karrie Joseph, kjoseph@nihb.org, or (202) 507-4079.
Healthy Gut Microbiome and Reduction of Certain Diseases Associated with a Plant-based Diet

Eating not only nourishes the body but also the trillions of microbes living within your gut's microbiome. A recent Nature Medicine publication conducted by Harvard Medical School and other institutions showcases the relationship between healthy gut microbes and a plant-based diet. Co–senior author Andrew T. Chan from Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital says, "This study demonstrates a clear association between specific microbial species in the gut, certain foods, and risk of some common diseases," including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Read more here.
Funding & Opportunities
Health Resources and Services Administration Funding Opportunities

Rapid Response Rural Data Analysis and Issue Specific Rural Research Studies
  • Applications due Friday, January 29, 2021
  • This funding opportunity aims to help rural communities with conducting rapid data analyses and short term, issue-specific rural research studies to understand the impact of current and proposed policies and regulations as well as provide information that will improve health care in rural America. Read more here.

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part C Capacity Development Program
  • Applications due Friday, February 19, 2021
  • The purpose of this program is to strengthen organizational infrastructure to respond to the changing health care landscape and to increase capacity to develop, enhance, or expand access to high-quality HIV primary health care services for low-income, uninsured, and underserved people with HIV. Read more here.
  • A recording of the technical assistance webinar is available here.

Evidence-Based Telehealth Network Program
  • Applications due Saturday, April 2, 2021
  • The two-fold purpose of this award is (1) to demonstrate how health networks can increase access to health care services utilizing telehealth technologies and (2) to conduct evaluations of those efforts to establish an evidence base for assessing the effectiveness of telehealthcare for patients, providers, and payers. Read more here.
  • A technical assistance webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, February 2, 2021 from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM ET.

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Psychostimulant Support (RCORP-PS)
  • Applications due Monday, April 12, 2021
  • The goal of RCORP - PS is to strengthen and expand prevention, treatment, and recovery services for rural individuals who misuse psychostimulants, and to enhance their ability to access treatment and move towards recovery over a three-year project timeline. Read more here.
  • A technical assistance webinar is scheduled for Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM ET.
FEMA Youth Preparedness Council
Applications due Sunday, March 7, 2021

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC). The YPC is an opportunity for young leaders to engage with FEMA and provide their perspectives, feedback, and opinions related to preparedness, to grow their leadership skills, and to support the resilience of their communities. Students in grades 8 through 11 are invited to apply. Selected members serve on the YPC for two years and support national and local preparedness projects. YPC members are chosen based on their passion for preparedness and helping others, their involvement in their community, and their aptitude for working in a team and as a leader. Read more here.
The National Indian Health Board is Hiring!

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is seeking qualified candidates for the following open positions in the Public Health Policy and Programs Department based in Washington, DC:

  • Public Health Project Coordinator (Emergency Preparedness)
  • Public Health Project Coordinator (Aging)
  • Public Health Program Coordinator (PHICCS)
  • Public Health Project Coordinator (Environmental Health)
  • Public Health Project Associate (Behavioral Health)

Job descriptions are available at www.nihb.org.
Resources
Laptop
New! COVID-19 Resources:

National Indian Health Board
  • Prevention Strategies for Youth During COVID-19 Pandemic. Recording and slides are available.
  • Influenza Disease and Vaccination during COVID-19 Pandemic. Recording and slides are available.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Updated: Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States. Read more here.
  • US COVID-19 Cases Caused by Variants. Read more here.
  • Updated: Summary for Healthcare Facilities: ​Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of PPE during Shortages. Read more here.
  • Updated: People with Certain Medical Conditions. Read more here.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination: Understanding the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program. Read more here.
  • COVID-19 Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. Read more here.


American Medical Association (AMA) Ed Hub

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
  • Web-Based Locator for COVID-19 Outpatient Treatment Sites for Monoclonal Antibodies. Read more here.
  • New telehealth resources added by telehealth.hhs.gov. Read more here and here.
  • HHS Telemedicine Hack and TeleECHO. Recordings available here.
NIHB COVID-19 Contact
 
The National Indian Health Board is committed to serving Tribal Nations in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Visit our COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center for more information and resources.
Events
COVID-19: Strategies and Techniques for Coping
Monday, January 25, 2021 at 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET

Join the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addictions Services for a webinar on strategies to cope with COVID-19. The current COVID-19 pandemic has impacted communities worldwide. Disruption of services due to bans on travel or group activities, decreased staffing levels, increased demands for services, and potential problems with the supply chain for medications, have strained every part of the healthcare, behavioral healthcare, and emergency management system. The impact on those already struggling with mental illnesses and substance abuse problems can represent a critical challenge to their safety and survival. This webinar will address the behavioral consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as strategies and techniques for coping. Register here.
Tribal Accreditation Learning Community (TALC)
Monday, January 25, 2021 at 3:00 PM ET

TALC is a free, monthly webinar series held by NIHB. It is designed for sharing and learning about public health performance improvement, system improvement, and accreditation in Tribal communities

Communication mapping serves as an organizational alignment tool to ensure consistency and identify gaps in communication methods or workflows. The incorporation of communication mapping may include contacts, links to documentation, etc. and can contribute to both planning for and responding to various public health topics and challenges.

This session, led by Pamela Gutman, Public Health Manager with the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, will engage participants on the various types of communication mapping and provide examples of practical application in Tribal settings.

Meeting ID: 640 835 7429
Passcode: 2025074070
Webinar: The Impact of COVID-19 on Children and Families
Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 10:00 AM ET

There are a variety of challenges facing children and families during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Hear from experts working in pediatric emergency medicine, clinical psychology, and behavioral health as they address how families can work together to keep healthy routines, manage emotions & behavior and build resilience.  

Speakers include:
  • Joelle N. Simpson MD, MPH, FAAP, FACEP, Children’s National Hospital Medical Director for Emergency Preparedness, Medical Advisor to Prince George's County Public Schools
  • Rachel Kaul, LCSW, CTS, Senior Advisor and Lead for Behavioral Health ASPR/EMMO
  • Dominique Charlot-Swilley, PhD, Psychologist at Early Childhood Innovation Network (ECIN), Children's National Primary Care

Moderator: Kandra Strauss-Riggs, MPH, NCDMPH Education Director

Webinar: AARP Fraud Watch
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 2:00 PM ET

This webinar hosted by the AARP Fraud Watch Network will teach consumers how to spot and avoid frauds and to provide families when scam happens. Join Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP, for an interactive discussion about how to spot and avoid the latest scams and fraud. Read more here.
USDA Rural Development Programs and Funds
Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM ET

Please join the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region II National Preparedness Division for a webinar about US Department of Agriculture - Rural Development (USDA) Programs. Miguel Angel Ramirez, Public Information Officer, from USDA-Rural Development, will provide information on the Agency's available programs and funds. Their programs range from water, community facilities, industry, business, cooperatives, and rural housing. Program eligibility criteria and the application process will also be discussed. Register here.
children_at_school.jpg
School Safety: Involving Students in Creating Safer Schools 
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET

Please join the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region II and Region V National Preparedness Divisions for a webinar on how you can resolve to be ready in 2021 by involving students in creating safer schools. Topics covered will include FEMA’s Student Tools for Emergency Planning program and other ways to empower youth to be preparedness leaders in their schools. Register here.
Climate Change and Human Health ECHO Series: Increase your knowledge about climate change and health!
February 17 - April 7, 2021

The Climate Change and Human Health ECHO are hosting an 8-week training series with an evidenced-based curriculum covering the science of climate change and climate-related health effects. Health care providers, public health professionals, community health workers, social workers, and first responders will learn about 1) the impacts of climate change on human health and 2) how to communicate climate impacts with their patients/constituents and community members. Continuing education credits provided at no cost. Read more and register here.