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

November 14, 2019

NIHB Requests Tribal Input on Pilot Public Health Training

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has developed an electronic training module to provide Tribal leaders with information on public health and consultation. This module is designed to educate Tribal leaders on what public health is, why it is important, and how it is different from healthcare. It also provides information to help prepare Tribal leaders for consultation sessions on public health topics. NIHB is seeking input from current or former Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) members who can complete the training (from anywhere with a computer and internet access) and provide feedback. In total, this is expected to take two hours and a small stipend may be available for those who complete piloting and meet project requirements. For more information, email [email protected] .

Alaska Federation of Natives Declares Climate Emergency – Youth Speak Out

On October 19, 2019, two young Alaska Natives introduced a resolution on climate change at the Alaska Federation of Natives: Nanieezh Peter (Neets’ail Gwich’in, age 15) and Quannah Chasing Horse Potts (Gwich’in and Lakota, age 17). “In recent years, we have lost community members due to unpredictable and unsafe ice conditions,” the resolution reads in part. “We have seen the die-off and disease of [native species] and recognize that these are also our relatives. We, the Alaska Native youth, are asking our Tribal leaders to consider, as is traditional, the future of their grandchildren and the generations to come.” Read more here.

FDA Reopens Comment Period for New Cigarette Health Warnings; Additional Materials Available

Deadline: Wednesday, November 27, 2019

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reopened the comment period for the “Required Warnings for Cigarette Packages and Advertisements” proposed rule published on Aug. 16, 2019, which when finalized, would require new cigarette health warnings on cigarette packages and in advertisements to promote greater public understanding of the negative health consequences of smoking. FDA has placed additional materials in the docket and reopened the public comment period for 15 days to allow comment on the additional materials. The additional materials are available in the docket . 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 Sara Zdunek at [email protected] or 202-507-4077 .

NIHB Request for Applications: 2020 Cross-jurisdictional Systems Improvement Partnership Technical Assistance Opportunity

Applications due Friday, December 6, 2019

Public health and systems issues often span jurisdictional boundaries. To improve public health systems and infrastructure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has partnered with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO), and the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) to support a collaborative technical assistance opportunity, the Cross-jurisdictional Systems Improvement Partnership program. Participating health departments (Tribal, local, and state) will receive technical assistance in their effort to work together to improve public health across jurisdictions.

Read more here or apply for this opportunity



Additional information on NIHB's resources for performance improvement, systems improvement, and public health accreditation may be found by visiting www.nihb.org/tribalasi

Department of Homeland Security Pre-Disaster Mitigation Funding Opportunity

The US Department of Homeland Security has announced a funding opportunity to help communities plan for and implement and sustain cost-effective measures to reduce the risk to individuals and property from natural hazards while reducing reliance on federal funding from future disasters. Tribes are eligible. Cost-sharing is available at up to 75% and “small, impoverished” Tribal communities are eligible for a 90% federal cost share. Read more here.

EPA Tribal Nonpoint Source Management Grants

Due: Friday, December 20, 2019

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing funding for Tribal Nonpoint Source Programs. The grants will support Tribal-led projects that will make a significant difference in water quality and human health on Tribal lands. A wide range of activities are eligible for this funding, including but not limited to: Nonpoint source training for Tribal staff, developing watershed-based plans, riparian planting, livestock exclusion fencing, lake protection and restoration activities, nonpoint source ordinance development, and outreach and education.

Read more here or apply for this opportunity.

Yale School of Public Health: Climate Change and Health Certificate

Applications due Monday, January 27, 2020

The Yale School of Public Health offers a Climate Change and Health Certificate that will help prepare public health professionals and those in related fields (healthcare, health policy, government, advocacy, etc.) to address the adverse health impacts of climate change. All components of the certificate are online. The program consists of three six-week courses. The total cost is $2000 but discounts, scholarships, and financial assistance are available. Read more here.

NIHB Shares “Staff Picks” for Native American Heritage Month

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month this November, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is sharing “Staff Picks” each week in the Public Health Broadcast. The staff picks are resources chosen and recommended by NIHB staff that educate, honor and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Native America.

This week’s staff picks:

CALMHSA Toolkit



This toolkit was developed by the Native American Health Center in partnership with the California Mental Health Services Administration (CALMHSA) to advance cultural competence in our systems of care. The name of the toolkit is “Engaging Native Wellness: Healing Communities of Care”. To have access to the toolkit, training video, resource guides, and literature reviews, read more here.

Health Disparities and Strategies for Reduction as We Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention highlights strategies on dealing with different health related issues among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Continuous efforts are being made to address sudden unexpected infant death syndrome (SUIDS), diabetes, and Tribal road safety. As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, outcomes of public health programs are on the spotlight. Read more here.

Indigikitchen - A Youtube Channel

Indigikitchen is an online cooking show hosted by Mariah Gladstone (Blackfeet) and is dedicated to re-indigenizing diets using digital media. Watch the channel's summary video here or read more here.

Domestic Violence is Never Okay

The StrongHearts Native Helpline 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) is a safe domestic violence and dating violence helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy daily from 7 AM to 10 PM CT. StrongHearts advocates offer the following services at no cost and are anonymous and confidential:

Read more here.

A Story of Health: A Multi-Media eBook

When people get sick or develop a disability, they often ask their health care providers, “How or why did this happen?” In some cases, the answer is obvious. In others, it’s more complicated. A Story of Health is a multimedia eBook that explores this question and delves into how our environments interact with our genes to influence health across the lifespan. The book is told through the lives of several fictional characters. Read more here.

Preparing a Proposal and Presenting at the Tribal Public Health Summit – Climate and Health Learning Community Webinar Recording Now Available

The Climate and Health Learning Community is building capacity for Tribes to share their stories and work! View a recent webinar recording to learn more about submitting proposals, writing abstracts, effective presentation methods, creating measurable learning objectives, the NIHB Summit, and travel scholarships. View the recording here.

Financing Suicide Prevention in Health Care Systems

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) has released the Financing Suicide Prevention in Health Care Systems . This set of tools provides guidance on optimizing workflows and billing practices to finance the delivery of suicide prevention services aligned with the Zero Suicide framework. Designed for health and behavioral health care organizations, it summarizes current reimbursement mechanisms for delivering suicide care and offers tips for maximizing them.

Webinar: National Indian Health Board Tribal Public Health Summit: Abstract Submission Information

Webinar: TODAY! Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET

Abstract proposals are due by Sunday, December 15, 2019.

NIHB is currently accepting proposals for workshops and roundtables at the 11th Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit (TPHS) on March 17-19, 2020 in Omaha, Nebraska. Join us for an informational webinar to learn more about writing a high quality conference abstract. During this webinar, NIHB staff will discuss how to create learning objectives, develop an engaging session, and write a strong abstract. NIHB staff will also share information on the different conference tracks and presentation types at this year’s TPHS.

Register for the Webinar here

Submit your abstract proposal here . 

Being Trauma Informed Training

Tuesday-Thursday, November 19-21, 2019 in Anchorage, AK

Historical and inter-generational trauma continues to impact Tribal and urban communities. The Being Trauma Informed training is intended for Tribal and urban workers representing health and social service programs, Tribal leaders, behavioral health, administrative staff, and others wanting to learn about trauma’s effects. Read more here.

2020 Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit

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

Save the date! Please join NIHB in Omaha, NE for the 11th Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit. For the latest information on registration, location, lodging, exhibitors, and sponsorship, visit the  Summit website here.

Call for Proposals Now Open! Public health practitioners, researchers, and policy experts are invited to submit abstracts for workshops and roundtable sessions. NIHB encourages presentations highlighting evidenced based, best, wise, or promising practices developed in and for Tribal communities.

This year, the Summit will feature 5 tracks:

Read more and submit your proposal here.