Weekly News, Funding, Resources, and Upcoming Events in Indian Country

September 19, 2019

NIHB's 36 ^th Annual National Tribal Health Conference Gathers Nearly 600 Tribal Health Professionals in Temecula, California

(l-r) NIHB CEO Stacy Bohlen ( Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), Mohawk Nation Tribal Chief Beverly Cook, NIHB Chair Victoria Kitcheyan (Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska), National Congress of American Indians President and Chickasaw Nation Lt.Governor Jefferson Keel, and Lummi Nation Tribal Councilmember Nick Lewis discuss Tribal sovereignty and health equity during the opening plenary of the 2019 National Tribal Health Conference in Temecula, CA

Today, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) wraps up its 36 ^th Annual National Tribal Health Conference in Temecula, CA . Between Monday's federal listening sessions and today's closing plenary , NIHB brought together more than 600 Tribal leaders, health providers, health experts and advocates to focus on strengthening health policy through advocacy and federal relations and highlighting the importance of health as a key component of the federal trust responsibility and a pathway to sovereignty. Read More Here.

Come Work for NIHB!

NIHB is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions:

These positions are based in Washington, DC. Those who are interested in making a positive difference in the health of America’s Native Peoples’ lives are encouraged to apply. Read more here.

NIHB is Seeking Indigenous Knowledge on Blood Lead Level Testing

NIHB is working in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to increase the capacity of rural and non-urban Tribal communities for identifying and addressing elevated blood lead levels in Tribal children. To accomplish this, NIHB seeks to engage Tribal representatives and health professionals in 60-minute key informant interviews. The interviews will ask Tribal Health Directors or programmatic staff to describe their programs or operational plans in place for blood lead level testing and their current knowledge of lead exposure risk factors. Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Stephen Valliere, Public Health Project Coordinator, at [email protected] or 202-507-4082 . Read more here.

Funding Opportunity: Strong Systems, Stronger Communities: Strengthening Tribal Public Health Systems (Webinar Recordings Now Available)

Applications Due: TOMORROW Friday, September 20, 2019 by 11:59 PM ET

NIHB and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention( CDC) are pleased to announce the second cycle of funding for Strong Systems, Stronger Communities (SSSC) for Tribes. This opportunity continues NIHB’s commitment to the strengthening of Tribal public health systems by offering support and technical assistance directly to Tribes for projects designed to build their public health capacity.  Read more here.

For additional questions about this Request for Applications, contact Sarah Price, Public Health Project Coordinator, at [email protected] .

2018-2019 SSSC Cohort at the in-person training in Washington, D.C.

We R Native Seeking Youth to Participate in Sexual Health and Texting Study

Limited availability; Enroll as soon as possible

The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) We R Native program is seeking American Indian and Alaska Native(AI/AN) teens and young adults to evaluate a text messaging program for developing healthy romantic relationships, mental health and wellness skills, and cultural pride. Participants will be compensated for completing a total of 4 surveys over a 9 month period. To enroll, text BRAVE to 97779. For more information, contact Stephanie Craig-Rushing at [email protected]. Read more here.

First Nations' Native Agriculture & Food Systems College Scholarships

Applications Due: Monday, September 30th, 2019 by 5:00 PM MST

The First Nations Development Institute is now accepting applications for its First Nations Native Agriculture and Food Systems Scholarship Program. Applicants must be Native college students majoring in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. 20-25 awardees will be selected to receive up to $2500 for the academic year. Read more here.

ecoAmerica’s American Climate Leadership Awards Nominations

Nominations Due: October 31, 2019

Awards Gala Date: Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 in Washington, DC

 

The American Climate Leadership Awards, hosted by ecoAmerica, are now accepting applications for award recipients. The awards recognize individuals and local and national organizations for their demonstrated success in mobilizing public support and political will on climate amongst key constituencies. The awards welcome entries from community, faith, health and youth organizations and leaders (or those who engage these constituencies) on the local, regional and national scale, prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion. Read more here .

Funding Opportunity: HRSA State Offices of Rural Health Coordination and Development Program

Applications Due: Friday, December 20, 2019

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) are accepting applications fo r the State Offices of Rural Health Coordination and Development Program (SORHCDP). The program aims to build capacity of the 50 State Offices of Rural Health and other rural stakeholders through strengthening leadership, increasing opportunities for collaboration, and offering education on policy and emerging health issues. Read more here.

Tribal Researchers Cancer Control Fellowship Program

Applications Available: January 2020

Applications Due: Sunday, March 22, 2020

 

The Tribal Researchers’ Cancer Control Fellowship is recruiting a third cohort to participate in their program, which aims to reduce cancer incidence and mortality and improve cancer survival in Tribal communities through the efforts of AI/AN researchers. Co-sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH), and NPAIHB, this fellowship program offers training and mentorship to prepare researchers to design and implement cancer-related research projects within AI/AN communities. Costs associated with the training, including travel will be covered. For more information, contact Ashley Thomas at athomas@ npa ihb.org . Read more here.

Suite of Materials: SAMHSA AI/AN Suicide Prevention

If you are feeling alone and having thoughts of suicide—whether or not you are in crisis—or know someone who is, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) .

In an effort to help prevent suicide, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has collected and developed resources for populations at greater risk of suicidal ideation, including American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Find additonal suicide prevention resources here.

Report: Trust for America's Health State of Obesity: U.S. Obesity Rates at Historic Highs

Trust for America's Health (TFAH) has released its 16th annual State of Obesity Report, which reports on the state of obesity rates for each state and by racial and ethnic groups, age, and gender. This year, the report found that AI/AN continue to have some of the highest rates of obesity. In particular, AI/AN children experience almost twice the rates of obesity of white children. Read the full report here.

Along with updated information on obesity rates, the report also provides policy and program recommendations

Webinar Series: Cancer Risk Reduction in Indian Country

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM, 3:00 - 4:00 PM EST

Join the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan's National Native Network with Indian Health Service (IHS) Health Promotion & Disease Prevention and IHS Clinical Support Center next Wednesday, September 25th, for their two-part Cancer Risk Reduction in Indian Country Webinar Series.

The first webinar, Running Medicine: A mind, body, and spirit approach to wellness , will discuss an effort to encourage self-efficacy through walking/running programs. Register Here.

The second webinar, Promoting Health Through Culture and Partnership , will highlight the implementation and benefits of cultural practices in healing. Register Here.

Webinar: Facing Alzheimer's Through Community Strengths

Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from 3:00 - 4:00 PM EST

Please join NIHB and the Alzheimer's Association for our joint webinar, Facing Alzheimer's Through Community Strengths . The rise in Alzheimer’s and other dementias is a challenge for all communities, including those in Indian Country. The webinar will cover what is Alzheimer’s and other dementias, how dementia relates to diabetes and heart disease, and why dementia affects multiple generations. While responding to this growing health problem may seem daunting, there are ways to get started using a communities’ existing strengths and partners. Read more here.