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

January 23, 2020

NIHB Announces NEW Opportunities to Pilot Online Trainings

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recently developed two electronic training modules. One module is designed to educate Tribal leaders on public health and provide supportive materials on Tribal consultation; the other is a training for federal government partners on best working with Tribal nations. NIHB is seeking input from Tribal leaders, current and former Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) members, stakeholders from national or regional Tribal organizations or Area Indian Health Boards, and non-Tribal stakeholders such as state Tribal liaisons or relevant national/regional organizations. Piloting will take place over the next several months and involves completing the training from anywhere with internet and computer access. The expected time commitment is around 2 hours but can vary based on each piloter's individual pace. A small stipend may be available for those who complete piloting and meet project requirements. For more information, email [email protected].

Makah Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Resource Assessment

In a new article published in the journal Parks Stewardship Forum , the Makah Climate Change Workgroup highlights their preliminary framework demonstrating how Tribal nations and Indigenous groups can utilize traditional knowledge in their climate adaptation plans. Read more here.

E-cigarette, or Vaping and Associated Lung Injury - Update

American Indians have the highest prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use and the effects are a concern among Tribes. A new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated the E-cigarette or Vaping Product-Use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) patient demographic and self-reported substance use characteristics. The number of EVALI cases reported to CDC peaked during the week of September 15, 2019; the weekly number of hospitalized patients has since steadily declined. It is known that Nationwide, 82% of patients hospitalized with e-cigarette or vaping, product use–associated lung injury (EVALI) reported tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing product use. Vitamin E acetate, an additive to THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products, is strongly linked to the EVALI outbreak. Read more here.

Patients with Newly Diagnosed Musculoskeletal Pain Are Prescribed Opioids More Often Than Recommended

A recent National Institutes of Health study shows that during the first physician visit, patients experiencing newly diagnosed chronic musculoskeletal pain are prescribed opioids more often than physical therapy, counseling, and other nonpharmacologic approaches, according to a new study published in the  Journal of Pain . This stands in contrast with clinical recommendations. While the data does not include non-federal hospitals, prescribing practices are concerning due to American Indian and Alaska Native populations being disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. Read more here.

Call for Abstracts: Public Health Improvement Training

Submissions deadline extended to Friday, January 31, 2020 at 11:59 PM PT

The National Network of Public Health Institutes is seeking workshop abstracts for the 20 ^th annual Public Health Improvement Training (PHIT). PHIT is a skills-based training experience, offering three days of interactive, hands-on sessions, intensive peer sharing and learning, and focused networking opportunities for public health professionals. The National Indian Health Board is a partner in planning this conference, and encourages Tribal Health Department staff to consider presenting at, and attending this training.

Abstracts for PHIT should propose 90-minute workshops that emphasize “how to” and skill development relating to this year’s theme, Optimizing Your Resources Through Performance Improvement .

Submit an abstract here

Contact Sarah Price, [email protected] , (202)507-4078 for more information about PHIT.

Seeking Native Artist Local to the IHS Bemidji Area!

(Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)

Submissions due by Friday, February 7, 2020



The National Indian Health Board is seeking to work with a Native artist local to the IHS Bemidji Area (including Tribes in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin) for our 2020 National Tribal Behavioral Health Conference taking place in the Bemidji Area in late spring/early summer 2020. Selected artwork will be featured throughout our conference books, banners, staging, and digital marketing. Artwork can be paintings, drawings, beadwork, crafts, pottery, sculpture, photography, et cetera, and the selected artist will also receive a complimentary conference exhibit booth in our exhibit hall.

Please submit high resolution images of original artwork to Courtney Wheeler,  [email protected]  no later than Friday, February 7, 2020.

Indian Highway Safety Lifesavers Conference Grant

Deadline to apply: March 6, 2020

NOFO Number: BIA-IHSP-2020-0001

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Justice Services (OJS), Indian Highway Safety Program (IHSP) solicits proposals for implementing traffic safety programs and projects designated to reduce the number of traffic crashes, deaths, injuries and property damage within these populations. Indian Highway Safety Grants are reimbursable grants available to federally recognized Native American Tribes. Read more here.

NIHB Wants You on the Team!

NIHB is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions:

These positions are based in Washington, DC. NIHB encourages you to apply. Read more here.

UCSF Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education Fellowship

Deadline passed; Email rolling submissions to [email protected]



The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Postdoctoral Fellowship offers diverse educational and research opportunities, including a grant writing seminar, graduate research positions, advocacy training, and individualized documents training. Read more here.

We R Native’s Health Promotion Resources for Native Youth

We R Native is a comprehensive health resource for Native youth, by Native youth, providing content and stories about the topics that matter most to them. Help promote We R Native's resources by encouraging youth to :

Only 55 Days until the 2020 Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit!!

Tuesday-Thursday, March 17-19, 2019 in Omaha, NE

Save money and time! Register by February 14 for Early Bird Rates!

Join NIHB at the 11th Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit (TPHS) on March 17-19, 2020 in Omaha, NE. This premiere Indian public health event attracts over 500 public health professionals, elected leaders, advocates, researchers, and community providers. This event features dynamic national speakers, interactive presentations, a welcoming reception, a fitness event, networking opportunities, an exhibit hall and marketplace, local host activities, and the presentation of the Native Public Health Innovation Awards.

Visit the Summit website to learn more and register!

Exhibitor Information

NIHB welcomes Tribal organizations, institutions, non-profits, vendors, and corporations to host an exhibit or vendor booth at TPHS. Space is limited. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis until full, or by March 6, 2020, whichever comes first. Register early to secure your spot!

For more information, view the exhibitor webpage.

Become a TPHS Sponsor

Sponsoring the National Tribal Public Health Summit provides a great opportunity to elevate the presence and visibility of your organization and work, as well as your commitment to Tribal public health care needs. Most importantly, your financial support helps NIHB advocate for Tribal sovereignty in health to the highest levels of national policy making. We are in Washington, D.C. fighting every day for your Tribe, your citizens and your health.

We have a variety of sponsorship opportunities available. For more information visit our sponsorship webpage.

NPAIHB Indian Country ECHO Program – HCV and SUD Training

Wednesday-Thursday, April 29-30, 2020 in Billings, MT

Hepatitis C (HCV) and Substance Use Disorders (SUD), including opioid use disorder, have a disproportionate impact on Indian Country and can be treated at the primary care level. Clinicians serving American Indian and Alaska Native people are invited to participate in the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board’s (NPAIHB) Indian Country Hepatitis C and Substance Use Disorders ECHO programs. The programs provide comprehensive information for clinicians to effectively address the evolving hepatitis C and opioid epidemics. This event will offer a free 2 day in-person training with MAT waiver – with a follow up ECHO collaborative to continue learning, knowledge sharing and support as you start treating. CE will be provided. Read more here.

Join NIHB for Injury Prevention and Surveillance Discussion Sessions!

Join the National Indian Health Board for a series of conversations on injury surveillance and prevention for American Indian and Alaska Native communities! Tribal communities, service providers, practitioners, and subject matter experts are invited to share their insights and expertise during one of the 1.5 day sessions in Spring and Summer 2020. All are welcome to participate.

Registration is expected to open in early 2020. Sign up for our email list to receive updates and information on how to register.

Have questions? Please contact Nina Martin ( [email protected] , 202-548-7299) or visit our website for more information.