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

August 19, 2021
News
HHS Announces COVID-19 Booster Shots for the American People
On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a joint statement from public health and medical experts on the Biden Administration’s plan for COVID-19 booster shots for the American people. Pending the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, the Biden Administration announced that the third vaccine shot will be available as early as September 20. On August 12, 2021 the FDA announced that a third vaccine dose is recommended for immunocompromised individuals effective immediately. Many Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities are presently updating or creating internal policies to administer the shot and contact their immunocompromised patients. Community Health Representatives and public health nurses will work to provide shots to patients who are homebound, disabled, or lack transportation. Tribal health systems are also reaching out to immunocompromised patients and planning vaccination events for boosters.
 
Currently, the three vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson – authorized for use in the U.S., IHS facilities, and Tribal health systems are effective at reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 infection including the more contagious Delta variant. Booster shots are recommended immediately for immunocompromised individuals. Once approved by the FDA and following ACIP recommendations, booster shots for all other individuals will be given eight months after a person’s second vaccine dose. American Indians and Alaska Natives who were vaccinated during the beginning of the vaccine rollout in December 2020 will mostly likely be eligible for the booster upon release the week of September 20. At this time, there is not a recommendation for a Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine booster. However, data is still being collected and it is expected that a booster shot of the J&J vaccine will be needed.
 
As the Delta variant, the most contagious of the Covid-19 strain, enters Tribal communities, Tribes continue to lead the way in vaccination efforts to protect youth, elders, and communities. The Delta variant is rapidly spreading, and Tribal and community leaders as well as IHS and Tribal healthcare providers, continue to recommend that partially vaccinated and unvaccinated AI/ANs receive the COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the spread of this terrible virus.
 
A booster is recommended by experts who examined recent scientific data and have seen evidence that protection against mild and moderate illness decreases over time. To maximize and prolong protection and continue to protect our Tribal communities, it is recommended that Tribal Nations continue vaccination efforts and follow updated vaccine guidance and information in order to best plan for administering COVID-19 booster shots if needed.
 
For vaccine resources, check out National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) “Questions to Ask Your Provider” for patients to use when considering getting a COVID-19 vaccine. For answers on the Delta variant from the White House Vaccine Coordinator and a Native physician, watch the webinar “Response to the Delta Variant in Tribal Communities Webinar” – the first in the NIHB #ACTOFLOVE COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar Series in partnership with the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP).
 
For questions or comments, please contact Courtney Wheeler . Visit NIHB’s COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center at www.nihb.org/covid-19.
Call for Information from Tribal Environmental Health Professionals
National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is seeking information from Tribal environmental health professionals on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted environmental health work in Tribal communities.
 
If you are a Tribal environmental health professional and would be interested in an approximately one-hour to discuss best practices, policies, and procedures being implemented for your ongoing COVID-19 response implementation efforts and planning activities, please email Audrianna Marzette at AMarzette@nihb.org or Brett Weber at bweber@nihb.org.
Perspectives from Native Women Who Have Quit Smoking
 
Are you a Native woman who has embarked on a journey to quit smoking in the past year? National Indian Health Board (NIHB) would like to hear from you! If you are interested in a brief (~20 minute) phone call so we can hear about your journey to stop using commercial tobacco products during the COVID-19 pandemic and what advice you’d offer to other Native women struggling with tobacco addiction, please email Brett Weber at bweber@nihb.org.
Researchers are Concerned About the Possibility That COVID-19 Might Lead to Dementia

With many people complaining about brain fog, attention problems and confusion after COVID-19, researchers are exploring whether infections could have long-term consequences for the brain. In trial results presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2021, scientists said they found changes in brain biology after hospitalization with COVID-19 and a link between smell loss and mental sharpness in older adults. Read the full article here.
ICYMI: COVID-19 Screening and Patient Placement Training for Frontline Tribal Staff
In case you missed it, National Indian Health Board (NIHB) hosted a COVID-19 Screening and Patient Placement Training for Frontline Tribal Staff on July 22, 2021. The webinar presented by Sally Penick, Infection Control Manager at Cherokee Indian Hospital, provided information about current guidelines for patient screening and patient placement considerations for Tribal frontline staff. The discussion focused on best practices for preparedness and evaluating patients for COVID-19. The webinar is one of several in NIHB’s Project Firstline Tribal Infection Control Learning Community (TICLC) series. If you missed the training, the recording can be viewed HERE. To view past webinars visit the TICLC webpage. For more information about NIHB’s Project Firstline contact Carmen Sanders at Csanders@nihb.org.
ICYMI: Response to the Delta Variant in Tribal Communities Webinar
On August 16, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), hosted its first webinar in the #ACTOFLOVE COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar Series in partnership with the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) on the Delta variant which is now the predominant strain of COVID-19 circulating in Tribal communities. The new surge in cases is prompting Tribes to re-evaluate current public health measures like mask mandates and vaccine requirements. This webinar focused on knowledge sharing and helping Tribal communities plan and prepare for the increase in cases attributed to the Delta variant.

Panelists:
  • Bechara Choucair, Vaccinations Coordinator, White House COVID Response Team
  • Blair Matheson, Treasurer, Association of American Indian Physicians

IHS National Tribal Advisory Committee on Behavioral Health (NTAC) Roster Vacancies
The Indian Health Service (IHS) National Tribal Advisory Committee on Behavioral Health (NTAC) membership roster currently has ten vacancies. There are four Area Primary vacant positions and six Area Alternate positions. The following areas have vacant positions:

  • Albuquerque: Primary and Alternate
  • Nashville: Primary and Alternate
  • Navajo: Primary and Alternate
  • Tucson: Primary and Alternate
  • Bemidji: Alternate
  • Billings: Alternate

For more information or questions regarding these vacancies, please contact Michele Muir-Howard at Michele.Muir-Howard@ihs.gov.
Funding & Opportunities
*Deadline Extended* NIHB Brain Health Funding Opportunity: Supporting Tribal Partnerships for Implementing the Road Map for Indian Country
Applications due: Tuesday, August 24, 2021
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) has extended the deadline to apply for a funding opportunity that will support Tribes that wish to address Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias in their communities. NIHB anticipates funding up to 12 Tribes or Tribal Organizations for up to $15,000. Learn more.
Request for Proposals Supporting Indigenous Early Childhood Development
The Better Way Foundation (BWF) seeks to invest in Indigenous Early Childhood Development (ECD) by forging strong relationships with Tribal partners interested in building meaningful connections with BWF to advance high-quality training and professional development that is in harmony with Tribal cultural identities and ensures Tribes are fully supported to lead and deliver high-quality ECD programs. BWF seeks four to eight new partner organizations for Fall 2021, with the average annual grant amount to be between $50,000-$100,000. A webinar with more information will be hosted by BWF on August 19th, 2021 at 10:30-12:00 CT. Read more
National Environmental Health Association Offering Funding for Food Safety in Tribal Communities
The National Environmental Health Association will soon be offering a multi-year funding opportunity for retail food regulatory agencies in their efforts to reduce the occurrence of foodborne illness and increase conformance with the Retail Program Standards. The Grant Program has three tracks depending on the level of capacity of the applicant. Read more here.
CDC/ATDSR Tribal Advisory Committee Accepting Member Nominations
Applications due Monday, August 30, 2021
The Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) provides Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and ATSDR and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) with input and guidance on policies, guidelines, and programmatic issues affecting the health of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes. Nominations for Tribal leader representatives are currently being accepting for several Areas:
  • Bemidji, Billings, Nashville, and Portland Areas until August 30, 2021. Read more here.
IHS Announces Technical Assistance Webinars for CHAP Expansion Funding Opportunities
Applications due Monday, September 6, 2021
 
The Indian Health Service (IHS) has announced two Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) funding opportunities.
  • CHAP Tribal Assessment and Planning (TAP) Grant
  • Deadline: Monday, September 6, 2021
  • Designed to provide funding to Tribes and Tribal Organizations to identify barriers to care and assess whether the CHAP model can address barriers to care through focusing on key areas derived from Tribal consultation including clinical infrastructure, workforce barriers, provider certification, provider training, and cultural inclusion. The CHAP TAP grant program is a two year grant program of a total of $520,000 per awardee and the IHS intends to fund nine (9) awards. Tribes and Tribal Organizations within an IHS Area are strongly encouraged to partner. To assist applicants and answer questions regarding the content of the grant, a webinar was held on August 9. Read more here.
  • CHAP Tribal Planning and Implementation Grant
  • Deadline: Monday, September 6, 2021
  • Designed to provide funding to Tribes and Tribal Organizations positioned to begin operating a CHAP or support an expanded CHAP by providing infrastructure support to address clinical supervision, scope of practice, training, technology, workforce integration, and social determinants of health. The CHAP TPI grant program is a two-year grant program of a total of $1,000,000 per awardee and the IHS intends to fund three (3) awards. Tribes and Tribal Organizations within an IHS Area are strongly encouraged to partner. To assist applicants and answer questions regarding the content of the grant, a webinar was held on August 10. Read more here.
HRSA Funding Opportunities
Various deadlines
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has the following funding opportunities available:
  • Promoting Resilience and Mental Health Among Health Professional Workforce (HRSA 22-110)
  • Deadline: Monday, August 30, 2021
  • Approximately ten awards will be made totaling approximately $29 million over three years to health care organizations to support members of their workforce. This includes establishing, enhancing, or expanding evidence-informed programs or protocols to adopt, promote and implement an organizational culture of wellness that includes resilience and mental health among their employees.
  • NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
  • Deadline: Wednesday, September 1, 2021
  • The program established $1 billion in funds for Tribal Broadband Connectivity Grants to support access to and adoption of broadband service on Tribal lands. Funding can be used for broadband infrastructure deployment, affordable broadband programs, distance learning, telehealth, digital inclusion efforts, and broadband adoption activities. (Access the recorded webinar here and attached is the presentation.)
  • Emergency Broadband Benefit Program | Enhanced Tribal Benefit
  • The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households.
NIH Maternal Health Funding for Prevention of Perinatal Depression: Improving Intervention Delivery for At-Risk Individuals
Due date: October 9, 2021
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently announced two funding opportunities for applications to refine and examine preliminary effectiveness of perinatal depression preventive interventions in settings where women receive perinatal care. Read more on RFA-MH-21-240 or RFA-MH-21-241.
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.

  • Deputy-Director of Public Health Programs Management
  • Public Health Project Coordinator (Emergency Preparedness)
  • Public Health Project Coordinator (Environmental Health)
  • Public Health Project Associate (Infectious Disease)
  • Public Health Project Associate (Maternal and Child Health)
  • Public Health Project Associate (Maternal Mortality Review Committee)
  • Public Health Communications Coordinator
  • Public Health Social Media Communications Specialist
  • Public Health Administrative Assistant

Job descriptions are available here.
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.
Resources
Request Technical Assistance on NIHB’s Brain Health Webpage
On the National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) Brain Health for Tribal Nations webpage, you 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. Read more here.
Infectious Disease Response Template
 
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) created a response plan template as a resource for Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations to use in developing COVID-19 or other outbreak response plans or in cross-walking with existing plans. In recognition of Tribal sovereignty and self-governance, the response template acknowledges that Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations may differ in respect to their approaches to COVID-19-related mitigation and response. Therefore, this document serves as a starting or reference point for Tribal nations to review and determine what content may be relevant to their unique circumstances. Read more here.
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New! COVID-19 Resources

  • Update: COVID-19 Vaccination during Pregnancy. Read more here.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination during Pregnancy Key Messages. Read more. Read more here.
  • Updated: Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States. Read more here.
  • Updated: COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People. Read more here.
  • Talking with Patients Who Are Immunocompromised. Read more here.
  • Updated: Testing Strategies for SARS-CoV-2. Read more here.
  • CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Transfer and Redistribution Guidance for IHS and Tribal Facilities. Read more here.
  • Updated: Guidance and Tips for Tribal Community Living During COVID-19. Read more 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.
CDC’s Coronavirus Self Checker
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a great tool to help you make decisions on when to seek testing and medical care. Tribal members who are 13 and older, and parents and caregivers of children ages 2 to 12 can use the tool to help decide when to seek testing or medical care if they suspect they or someone they know has contracted COVID-19 or has come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19. Tribal members can use the on-line tool to find recommended actions and resources based on their response to questions in the Self-checker tool. 
Events
COVID-19 Community Corps Call on Vaccine Boosters
Today! Thursday, August 19, 2021, at 1:00 PM ET"
Join the Surgeon General for a briefing and Q&A on the Biden Administration’s plan for the COVID-19 vaccine boosters. RSVP here.
Webinar: Basics of Planning for an Infectious Disease Outbreak
Today! Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 3:00-4:00 PM ET
Please join the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), for an Infectious Disease Preparedness Learning Community (IDLC) webinar on the basics of planning for an infectious disease outbreak. Once the decision to conduct a field investigation of an acute outbreak has been made, working quickly is essential to protecting the health and wellness of Tribal communities. Tribal epidemiologists want to work quickly and get the right answers but they also want to make sure they are systematic in their approach. A systematic approach ensures that the investigation proceeds without missing important steps along the way. During this presentation, attendees will gain experience in outbreak investigation through real-world examples that can assist with planning for outbreaks in Tribal communities. Read more here.
HIV Challenge: Seeking Innovative Community Engagement Strategies to Reduce HIV-Related Stigma and Disparities
Today! Thursday, August 19, 2021, at 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
The Office of Minority Health (OMH) and Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) is hosting a webinar on August 19, 2021, to review the details of the new HIV Challenge. The HIV Challenge is a national competition to identify innovative and effective approaches to enhance community engagement and mobilization on the reduction of HIV stigma disparities.
Urban Indian Health Institute and Portland Area Indian Health Service to host Basic Tobacco Intervention Skills Training
August 24-26, 2021 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
Join Urban Indian Health Institute and Portland Area Indian Health Service for a virtual training, Basic Tobacco Intervention Skills, on August 24-26 from 9am to 12pm PT. This training will cover traditional tobacco use versus commercial tobacco use as well as how to support clients, youth, elders, and adults in quitting. Upon completion, participants can earn up to 7.5 continuing education units (CEUs). Due to limited space, priority registration will be given to organizations serving urban Native communities. Read more here
The NIHB Tribal COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness Learning Event
Thursday, August 26, 2021, at 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is excited to announce the NIHB Tribal COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness Learning Event. This event will provide information on preparedness, planning, and response, the importance of data sharing in response to COVID-19, and much more. Each session will assist Tribes with current and future emergency response efforts. There will also be a panel on Federal response with presenters from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indian Health Service (IHS). Register here.
9th International Meeting on Indigenous Child Health (IMICH)
September 10-11, 2021 (virtual)
Discounted Registration ends August 27, 2021
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. Discounted registration ends August 27. There is no charge for Tribal elders. Those interested may register here.
Symposium: Missing or Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives
September 14-16, at 1:30pm-5:15pm ET
In an effort to find lasting solutions to the public safety challenges Tribal communities encounter and to protect them from violence, abuse, and exploitation, a national symposium on missing or murdered indigenous persons (MMIP) related issues for federal, state, Tribal and local stakeholders is being held September 14-16, 2021. This MMIP training is via webinar and will address important topics like data collection, victim advocacy, creating a community strategy for addressing missing persons, and working collaboratively across jurisdictions. The webinar is free. Learn more here.
HRSA 2021 American Indian/Alaska Native Health Summit—Virtual
September 21–23, 2021
Join the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Office of Regional Operations (ORO) in Seattle in collaboration with Health and Human Services (HHS) operating divisions and Tribal and Urban Indian Organizations in Region 10 for the 2021 American Indian/ Alaska Native (AI/AN) multidisciplinary health summit. The summit will focus on promising practices and innovative approaches to improve AI/AN health and address disparities in the midst of COVID-19. Read more
Save the Date! NIHB's National Tribal Health Conference
October 4-8, 2021

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is excited to invite you to its annual National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC)! The theme of this year's conference is, "The Future of Native Health in Our Changing World!"
 
The Early Bird Registration Rate for the NTHC ends September 3rd! Starting September 4th, registration rates for attendees will increase by $70 to $420. Youth rates will remain the same price of $125.
 
Join NIHB for 5-days of action-packed plenary sessions, informative workshops from experts across Indian Country, and consultation and listening sessions with federal agencies. Make sure to stick around for the last day of the conference for sessions dedicated to technology in American Indian and Alaska Native health systems!
 
2021 NTHC Daily Topics:
·   Health Equity and the Trust Responsibility: Be Heard, Make Change
·   Disruption, Governance, Politics in the Tribal Health Space
·   Transformational Approaches to Financing our Health Systems
·   Resilience During Periods of Sustained Crisis
·   The Rise of Technology to Revolutionize AI/AN Health
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.