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

June 17, 2021
News
U.S. Supreme Court Dismisses Affordable Care Act Challenge

On June 17th, the United States Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act by a 7-2 decision in California v. Texas. Justices Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito were the dissenting justices in the case. This decision means that the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) and other Affordable Care Act provisions are upheld and will remain in place. The majority, written by Justice Stephen Breyer, ruled that the state and individual defendants in the case lacked the necessary standing to bring the action.

Additional information on the Supreme Court's decision will be communicated through the National Indian Health Board's homepage.
Suspected Suicide Attempts Increased for Adolescents and Young Adults During COVID-19

A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) found that during the spring of 2020 (March 29-April 25, 2020) both males and females ages 12-25 years experienced a 42% decrease in overall ED visits, coinciding with stay-at-home orders. However, as the pandemic continued, between February 2021-March 2021, ED visits increased by 39% among adolescents aged 12-17 years compared to the same time period in 2019.

It is important to closely monitor the changes in suicide and suicidal behavior in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC’s 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 25.5% of the AI/AN high school youth attempted suicide one or more times during the 12 months before the survey. The CDC stated that the COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious public health crisis our nation has seen in more than a century. During these types of crises, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and behaviors can increase. Read the MMWR: Emergency Department Visits Related to Suspected Suicide Attempts among Persons Aged 12-25 Years Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Information on suicide prevention is available here.

Please visit here for resources available for those who need assistance.
Funding & Opportunities
Federal Funding Opportunities for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Projects
Wednesday, June 30, 2021

The Administration for Native Americans Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS or SEDS-AK) have open funding opportunities that could be used to invest in community-based solutions to address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) crisis. These opportunities close on June 30th, 2021! Click here for the SEDS or SEDS-AK options. Read more here.
Red Feather small
NIHB COVID-19 Survey for Tribal Health Directors

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) has developed a quality improvement survey to gather input and information from Tribal Health Directors on COVID-19-related challenges that their respective Tribes and Tribal organizations experienced from July 2020 to February 2021. NIHB is requesting Tribal Health Directors to please consider completing the survey and share any information. Through the survey, NIHB is seeking to understand what has occurred and what is currently taking place on the COVID-19 front lines in the Tribal communities we serve. There is much to learn from our experiences over the past year and NIHB stands ready to listen, learn, and act, according to the wishes of the Tribes.
Request for Information on Infection Control and Disaster Plans
 
One of the goals of The National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) Project Firstline: Tribal Infection Prevention and Control Capacity Building Program is to “develop and/or adapt existing materials to inform Tribal health professionals about important components of infection prevention and control (IPC)”. To support this endeavor, NIHB is in the process of compiling current materials and plans which Tribal Health Organizations and Systems currently use or have used. NIHB is seeking assistance with gathering information about existing infection control learning materials and/or infection control response plans. Recognizing that many Tribes and Tribal organizations have set an example in their response through great planning, NIHB requests that anyone willing to share their materials to please contact Carmen Sanders at csanders@nihb.org.
Red Feather small
Call for Interviewees for Tribal Injury Prevention Project!
 
Last year, the National Indian Health Board hosted four discussions on injury surveillance and prevention priorities, needs, and opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. To understand current activities and priorities of Tribes, we are conducting a second round of in-depth interviews with Tribal subject matter experts (SMEs). SMEs hold rich insight and knowledge of how to prevent injuries (unintentional and intentional) and create positive change.
 
Those interested are invited to participate in one in-depth interview with NIHB staff on the following topics, including but not limited to:
  • Definitions of injury
  • Current injury surveillance and prevention activities
  • Data collection and utilization experiences, including facilitators of information sharing and knowledge translation
  • Priority topic areas
We expect each interview to last between 45 to 60 minutes, and will be conducted over Zoom or phone. At the end of these sessions NIHB will compile general themes from the additional interviews to inform a white paper that will help guide future CDC injury prevention surveillance activities for AI/AN communities.
If you are interested in participating in an interview, please contact Nina Martin at nmartin@nihb.org or 202-548-7299!
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:

  • Director of Congressional Relations
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Deputy-Director of Public Health Programs Management
  • Public Health Program Manager (Infectious Disease)
  • Public Health Program Coordinator (Infectious Disease)
  • Public Health Project Coordinator (Emergency Preparedness)
  • Public Health Project Coordinator (Environmental Health)
  • Public Health Project Associate (Behavioral Health)
  • Policy Center Communications Coordinator

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

Updated: Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Post-COVID Conditions: Interim Guidance. Read more here.
Red Feather small
Request Technical Assistance on Brain Health

On the National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) Brain Health for Tribal Nations webpage, Tribes or Tribal organizations can now submit a request for technical assistance for implementing the Roadmap to Indian Country strategies, hosting a Brain Health Action Institute, locating resources, starting conversations on brain health in your community, and more. To request assistance or learn more, click here.
Be Prepared for Extreme Heat

As we head into summer and plan for summer gatherings, do not forget to plan for extreme heat. Extreme heat events are defined as 2-3 day periods of high heat and humidity with temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot weather and high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses to set in, which may lead to death.

Those at high risk of heat-related illness include:
  • Elders ages 65 and older
  • Young children under 2
  • Pregnant women
  • Community members with chronic diseases or mental illness

During extreme heat, make sure to connect with elders, children and other community members and remind them to protect themselves. Some tips to protect Tribal communities during extreme heat include:
  • Staying hydrated;
  • If outside, find shade and wear a hat to protect your face;
  • If wearing a cloth mask, use a breathable fabric such as cotton;
  • Check yourself, family members, and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness and COVID-19.

Read more here and here.
COVID-19 Contact

The National Indian Health Board is committed to serving Tribal Nations in response to the coronavirus outbreak. We welcome your requests and feedback. Contact Courtney Wheeler at cwheeler@nihb.org or 202-507-4081.
Events
Global Indigenous Youth Forum
June 16 – 18, 2021
 
The upcoming Global Indigenous Youth Forum, co-organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus, and the Indigenous UN Food Systems Summit Champions is currently taking place between June 16-18, 2021. The forum gathers Indigenous youth from across the globe to share their stories and perspectives, and to discuss Indigenous youth’s game-changing solutions for the UN Food Systems Summit 2021. Read more here.
COCA Call: Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Post-COVID Conditions
Today! Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is hosting a Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) call on the new interim guidance for persons with possible post-COVID conditions which was developed by subject matter experts, physicians, and patient representatives from across the United States. Post-COVID conditions refer to a wide range of physical and mental health consequences experienced by some patients that are present four or more weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, including by patients who had an initial mild or asymptomatic acute infection. Rapid recognition by healthcare providers of patients with post-COVID conditions and multidisciplinary care using the assessments and approaches described in this guidance could improve the wellbeing and treatment of people with post-COVID conditions. Read more here.
CDC Guidance for Post-COVID-19 Conditions (PCC)
Today! Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 7:00 PM ET
 
Join the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a call discussing CDC’s guidance for Post-COVID-19 conditions. Subject matter experts will provide an overview of the guidance and respond to audience questions. This document provides background information, general considerations for clinical evaluation of patients with post-COVID conditions, suggested workup, management, clinical care and public health recommendations, and future directions for post-COVID conditions.  Register here.
Red Feather small
Tribal Accreditation Learning Community: Creating an Elevator Speech
Monday, June 21, 2021 3:00 PM ET
 
An elevator speech is a short, catchy way to put forth an idea in an amount of time that could be delivered during an elevator ride. Elevator speeches are often used to market an idea or initiative. You can use an elevator speech to convey meaningful information and to grab an audience’s attention. Join the Tribal Accreditation Learning Community for their monthly learning community as they explore ways to bring awareness and buy-in to Tribal public health efforts and activities through elevator speeches.
 
Join the meeting here.
 
Meeting ID: 640 835 7429
Passcode: 2025074070
Red Feather small
2021 NIHB Behavioral Health Learning Event
Thursday, June 24, 2021 from 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM ET

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) in partnership with Arizona State University School of Social Work are excited to announce the NIHB Behavioral Health Learning Event. Sessions will occur online via Zoom and will focus on suicide prevention, substance abuse, domestic/intimate partner violence prevention, and topics related to the COVID-19 crisis. NIHB will be offering Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for the following: NAADAC, NASW, APA, and NBCC. For any questions, please contact Chyna Locklear at clocklear@nihb.org. To register for this free event, read more here.
Red Feather small
Webinar: Understanding the Journey to Public Health Accreditation: A Conversation with Accredited Tribes
Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 3:00 - 4:15 PM ET
 
Achieving public health accreditation using the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) standards and measures can help Tribal health departments achieve performance excellence. The standards and measures include a framework for evaluating a health department’s processes and services, their outcomes, and progress toward specific goals and objectives. Since the initial launch of national voluntary accreditation in 2011, several Tribal specific resources have been developed to assist Tribes along the journey to accreditation.
 
Join the National Indian Health Board for a conversation with nationally accredited Tribal public health departments as we explore challenges, best practices, achievements during their journey to public health accreditation.
 
Federal Listening Session on MMIP in LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit Communities
Friday, June 25, 2021 from 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM

The Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives, also known as Operation Lady Justice, is hosting a listening session to understand issues regarding Murdered and Missing Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) in the LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit communities. The session will be hosted virtually on June 25th, 2021 from 1:30-5:00 PM ET. Register here.
Infectious Disease Preparedness Learning Community Informational Webinar
Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
 
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), is developing an Infectious Disease Preparedness Learning Community (IDPLC) that will meet once a month to discuss guidelines, best practices, and lessons learned for the prevention and control of present and future infectious disease outbreaks in Tribal communities as well as guidelines and strategies shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The learning community is focused on knowledge sharing and attendees are encouraged to share information and build relationships with each other. Submit questions ahead of time so presenter(s) have time to review them. Please come prepared to ask questions or share your own insights and experiences. Read more here.
CDC Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting and Tribal Consultation

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) will be hosting their Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting over two days:
  • August 4, 2021, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Eastern
  • August 5, 2021, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern

The meeting will be held via Zoom; please register here. CDC is also planning to host Tribal consultation on August 5, 2021 following the CDC/ATSDR TAC meeting, and will share more details soon. Click here to find the Dear Tribal Leader Letter issued on June 9, 2021.
9th International Meeting on Indigenous Child Health (IMICH)
September 10-11, 2021 (virtual)

The 9th International Meeting on Indigenous Child Health (IMICH) – the only conference dedicated to the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, American Indian, Alaska Native and other Indigenous children and youth in North America and around the world. The National Indian Health Board is pleased to serve on the planning committee for the IMICH as the work of the IMICH aligns with several NIHB public health and youth-focused strategic priorities. Those interested may register here.
This publication is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $9,600,000, and by the Indian Health Service (IHS) of HHS as part of a financial assistance award totaling $266,000, with up to 75 percent funded by CDC, up to 15 percent funded by IHS, and up to 10 percent funded by other governmental and non-governmental source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.