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

February 13, 2020
News
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, yet cavities are preventable. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who do not. Learn how you can protect your child’s teeth from cavities with these resources. Read more here.
‘Strong Teeth, Strong Kid,’ Brightening Smiles in Native Communities

Native-led dental campaigns are changing the landscape of children’s oral health in Indian Country. One of these campaigns is led by the National Indian Health Board’s Tribal Oral Health Initiative to support Tribal efforts to bring dental therapy to their communities. These midlevel providers are well suited to deliver quality, culturally competent oral health to Tribal communities. Read more here.
Congressional Investigation Finds Juul Targeted American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes

A recent report released by Congressional investigators finds Juul, an electronic cigarette company, targeted Tribes when selling their products. When responding to the House Oversight and Reform Committee questions, Juul admitted to pitching its products to leaders of at least eight Tribes between December 2018 and February 2019. No agreements were made between Juul and the Tribes. Read more here.
University of North Dakota Announces Indigenous Health Program

The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks is starting a program focused on Indigenous health, adding to some of its existing Tribal work. This program will train health scholars on disparities and resilience of Indigenous groups worldwide. Read more here.
2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Updates

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus causing an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Because the virus is newly identified, there are many unknowns and experts are unsure how it may impact health worldwide. This is a rapidly-evolving situation. However, the outbreak has been declared a public health emergency internationally and nationally.
As of February 11, 2020:
  • 43,141 infected people have been confirmed, still overwhelmingly in China;
  • 1,018 people died from the infection;
  • 4,340 people recovered from the infection;
  • 13 people have tested positive for the virus in the United States.
News from this week: 
  • The World Health Organization officially names the virus COVID-19, for Corona Virus Disease 2019.
  • More than 1,000 people have died from the new virus, surpassing deaths for recent past outbreaks of related viruses SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)
Novel Coronavirus 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 Angelica Al Janabi at aaljanabi@nihb.org or 202-507-4074.
Funding & Opportunities
INMED – Reimagine IndianS into MedicinE (RISE) Summer Academy 2020
Priority Deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2020

The Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine has opportunities for enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes or descendants, to participate in pathway programs.

The RISE Summer Academy, a 6-week program, includes MCAT Prep, a Supplemental Basic Science Refresher, Cultural Engagement and Community Building, and Medical Student Mentors. Read more here.
Call for Proposals: 2020 National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference
Proposals Due: Friday, April 3, 2020

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) is hosting the United States’ first Biennial National Tribal and Indigenous Climate Conference, which is open to US Tribal nations and Indigenous Peoples from throughout the world. Proposals will be accepted for their 12 different tracks through April 3. Read more here.
NIHB Wants You on the Team!

NIHB is seeking qualified candidates for the following position:
  • Director of Public Health Policy and Programs.
These positions are based in Washington, DC. NIHB encourages you to apply. Read more here.
Resources
Ready or Not 2020: Protecting the Public’s Health

"Ready or Not" provides an annual assessment of states’ level of readiness in responding to public health emergencies—such as diseases, disasters, and bioterrorism—and recommends policy actions to ensure that everyone’s health is protected. Read more here.
Beware of Misinformation!

Misinformation is everywhere, especially in a new situation where many people are scared or confused. It is important to think critically about the news sources you see. Be especially cautious with comments on social media posts. Remember anyone can leave a comment, including people who don’t understand science well, people who are selling a product or have other self-interests, and people who are pushing conspiracy theories. Even on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) official social media channels, people frequently reply to official posts with incorrect information. This can be scary or cause people to question facts. Read Harvard Medical School guidelines for identifying misinformation.
Events
Only 31 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.

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.
Honoring Traditional Indigenous Knowledge as Potential Cancer Prevention
Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 12:00 PM CST

Join American Indian Cancer Foundation and Roswell Park Center for Indigenous Cancer Research as they explore Indigenous Lifeways as potential tools for cancer prevention. This presentation seeks to bridge the gap between cancer prevention research and the pillars of traditional Indigenous Lifeways. Read more here.
Webinar: Colorectal Cancer & the Alaska Native Diet: Fiber for CRC Prevention
Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Join the American Indian Cancer Foundation and Dr. Timothy Thomas from the Alaska Native Tribal Consortium for an upcoming webinar titled Colorectal Cancer & the Alaska Native Diet: Fiber for CRC Prevention . Alaska Native people have the highest colon cancer rates in the world. Studies show diets have a crucial impact on the kinds of bacteria living in the colon. This webinar will discuss colon cancer, the Alaska Native diet, and ways to increase fiber intake for cancer prevention. Read more here.
American Climate Leadership Summit 2020
March 25-26, 2020 in Washington, DC

The realities of climate change are being felt intensely in communities across the country, and the 2020 elections are poised to determine our fate. Advocacy is increasing, but opposition remains formidable. How can we make climate a winning issue in 2020, and make certain our leaders implement policies ensuring a healthy, just, and prosperous future? Join NIHB at the 9th annual American Climate Leadership Summit (ACLS 2020) — AMBITION • RESTORATION • JUSTICE on March 25-26 in Washington, DC. It’s the nation’s largest and most diverse gathering of leaders dedicated to broadening and catalyzing action and advocacy for climate solutions. Learn strategies and ideas to help transform climate action into a true national priority. ecoAmerica is pleased to offer a 35% discount to all program partner members on the Summit Two Day Pass only . To receive this discount, you will be asked to verify your affiliation during registration. Register now at acls2020.org !
Social Determinants of Health Symposium
Tuesday, June 2, 2020 in Salt Lake City, UT

Experts will discuss the inseparable relationship between the social determinants of health and health outcomes, providing challenges and successes, best practices, and strategies to effectively advance community health. Read more here.  
2020 National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference
Monday-Friday, August 31-September 4, 2020 in St. Paul, MN

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) is hosting the United States’ first Biennial National Tribal and Indigenous Climate Conference, which is open to US Tribal nations and Indigenous Peoples from throughout the world. 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 ( nmartin@nihb.org , 202-548-7299) or visit our website for more information.