As we all continue to improve and uphold Tribal health, the deficit-based language used to describe health priorities may have unintended consequences. In her Shelterforce article, Miriam Axel-Lute discusses how deficit-based language can reinforce stereotypes or lead to ostracization, yet the use of asset-based language alone may have its own concerns. How do we lead positive and productive conversations when working with ourselves and others while acknowledging the issues worth prioritizing? Read more here.

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Project Firstline — a comprehensive infection control program designed to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases in U.S. healthcare settings. With Project Firstline funding, NIHB will implement a multi-pronged approach to providing infection prevention and control (IPC) training and technical assistance to Tribal health officials and Tribal health systems. To help guide the development of the training NIHB is creating a steering committee. The steering committee will assist with reviewing and advising on program materials and developing and implementing the infection control project. NIHB is also offering a mentorship program and scholarships to those interested in completing online IPC courses and/or completing the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) certification. Anyone interested in applying for the Steering Committee, mentorship program or scholarship, please contact Carmen Sanders at [email protected].

The International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA²) is looking for two (2) elders and two (2) family caregiver representatives to participate on a National Advisory Committee to help guide the work of a project focused on Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementias (ADRD). If you would like more information or would like to submit your name to volunteer to participate, please email Jolie Crowder at [email protected] to learn more. Read more here.

The Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice, a collaborative group of 22 national organizations tasked with improving public health education, training, practice, and research, is currently revising the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals. These competencies have been widely used among departments and institutions to inform public health education, workforce development, and training. With an anticipated October 2021 release date, the Council on Linkages is now collecting input and feedback as a part of efforts to promote equity and ensure Tribal Health Organizations are included in the process. For more information on how to contribute to the Core Competency revisions, read more here.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) announced they are accepting applications to the 2021 Lincoln Leaders Program, which includes fellowship opportunities to connect USDA resources with faculty and staff at 1994 Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). The Terra Preta do Indio Tribal Fellowship benefits faculty and staff from TCUs and secondary education superintendents, principals, agricultural and/or district level teachers working for Bureau of Indian Education designated high schools. Fellows will receive access to long-term collaboration opportunities, and then share what they learned with students and colleagues at their home institutions. Read more here.

Established in 2015, the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Tribal Advisory Committee, was designed to provide Tribal representatives and NIH staff a space to exchange information about NIH research policies and program priorities. Advisory committee members contribute to Tribal health, wellness, and inclusion by providing recommendations to inform NIH policies, programs, and priorities.

Letterhead templates are available here and here. Read more here.

The Health Resources Service Administration has announced the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program for Professionals application is now open. The purpose of the BHWET is to develop and expand experiential training opportunities to improve the distribution and supply of the behavioral health workforce. Interested accredited institutions of higher education or professional mental health training programs, doctoral, internship, and postdoctoral programs of health service psychology, and master’s and doctoral degree programs of social work are encouraged to read the Notice of Funding Opportunity to learn more about the eligibility requirements.

The Spirit Aligned Leadership Program elevates the lives, voices, and dreams of Indigenous elder women who are working to heal, strengthen, and restore the balance of Indigenous communities and the world. The organization will choose 8 intergenerational partnerships consisting of a Legacy Leader and Future Legacy Leader. Both the Legacy Leader and Future Legacy Leader will apply together in one application and describe an “intergenerational knowledge transfer project." Read more here.

Job descriptions are available at www.nihb.org.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new fact sheets about Tribal road safety and how to reduce crash-related injuries and deaths in Tribal nations by:

The fact sheets focus on restraint use, child passenger safety, alcohol-impaired driving, and safer driving in Tribal communities. These fact sheets provide proven strategies to help reduce crash-related injuries and deaths in Tribal nations. Tribal communities can use the new fact sheets to identify strategies that help people stay safe on the road. Read more here.

Visit the National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Information Hub for resources, findings, and instruments around adverse childhood experiences. The ACEs Hub also provides a “Technical Assistance Request Form” for behavioral health workers to request assistance from NIHB and a “Continuous Feedback” form for individuals to voice their comments and suggestions on the Hub. Read more here.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, the Indian Health Service (IHS), and the United States Environmental Protection Agency are pleased to offer Development and Implementation of Tribal Solid Waste Codes and Ordinance training. The virtual courses will be held February 1-4, March 3, and April 19-22, 2021 and will focus on the writing and implementation of effective Tribal solid waste codes. Read more here.

New! COVID-19 Resources:

The National Indian Health Board is committed to serving Tribal Nations in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Visit our COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center for more information and resources.

The CDC is hosting a COCA call with experts from Hennepin Healthcare and Bellevue Hospital. They will present background on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) framework, Guidance for Establishing Crisis Standards of Care for Use in Disaster Situations (IOM, 2009), and identify how Crisis Standards of Care apply to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Presenters will also highlight systems-level information sharing and coalition-level coordination activities to help clinicians plan for these potential situations and make medical decision during a crisis. Join the webinar here.