The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is committed to advocating on behalf of all Tribal Governments and American Indian/Alaska Natives while: promoting healthy practices; preventing diseases and injuries; providing basic resources and infrastructure to Tribes; and researching and developing Tribal, local, state, and national health policy. To view all our public health resources, please visit www.nihb.org/public_health/public_health.php. | |
Friday, February 24, 2023 | |
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COVID-19 Public Health Emergency to End on May 11, 2023
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has extended the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) for 90 days to May 11, 2023; this is the final renewal. HHS based this decision on the most recent COVID-19 trends.
What will not be affected:
- Access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, such as Paxlovid and Lagevrio.
- Medicaid will continue to cover COVID-19 vaccinations without a co-pay or cost-sharing through September 30, 2024. After that, coverage will vary by state.
- Medicare telehealth flexibilities will not be affected. This is a win for Tribal communities in rural areas or those who struggle to access care.
What will be affected:
- Medicaid Continuous Enrollment Provision. People no longer eligible for Medicaid may lose coverage as early as April.
- Medicare and Medicaid waivers and flexibilities for healthcare providers will end.
- Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Part B will lose access to free over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests.
Although HHS will announce the end of the PHE classification for COVID-19 on May 11, COVID-19 infections will not disappear overnight. We must work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and support interventions to keep our people healthy. Consider getting a booster to protect yourself and your loved ones against Omicron variants and to reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
The National Indian Health Board will continue to monitor the status of major health policies when the public health emergency ends. As new information is provided, we will provide updates.
You can read more about the HHS plan for ending the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency here.
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Tribal Epidemiology Centers Request Access to Epidemiological Data
On March 4, 2022, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report providing recommendations for how the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) can clarify how public health data will be made available, as required by law, to Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs) and create procedures to do so. Among the 12 TECs, public health entities serving American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities across the U.S., access to epidemiological data varies. Federal law authorizes TECs' access to data from HHS to monitor the spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, and conduct other analyses supporting public health decision-making in AI/AN communities.
To improve engagement with Tribes and Tribal organizations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a new website on Tribal Public Health Data. The website provides information about CDC Tribal health data, issues, tools, technical assistance, training, and Tribal data-related resources. The website includes a CDC Public Health Data set list and a form for Tribal members to request data.
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SAMHSA 2021 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)—Key Findings for Indian Country
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released its 2021 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSUDH). NSDUH is an annual survey that provides self-reported, nationally representative data on substance use, treatment, and mental health issues and services among those aged 12 or older.
In 2021, American Indians and Alaska Natives reported the highest use of tobacco products, nicotine vaping, and marijuana. They were more likely to have used illicit drugs in the past year than any other group. They were also more likely to have a diagnosed substance use disorder and mental illness and to need substance use treatment.
Rates of opioid misuse and suicidal thoughts and behaviors were comparable, with no statistically significant differences compared to other groups.
As Tribal communities continue to gather data to provide effective behavioral health services, it is essential to note that the 2021 NSDUH survey results apply only to 2021 and cannot be compared to earlier years.
Click here to read more about the survey’s findings, limitations, and potential implications for Tribal communities.
Click here to read more about NIHB’s ongoing work in substance use and suicide prevention.
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PHAP Host Site Applications Open
The Public Health Associate Program (PHAP) places early-career public health professionals in State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial public health agencies and nongovernmental organizations such as community-based organizations, public health institutes and associations, and academic institutions- to gain broad experience in public health program operations and increase host site agency capacity.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2023
Learn more and apply here.
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NEW Funding Opportunity!
HEAR HER CAMPAIGN: MATERNAL HEALTH PROMOTION FOR AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE COMMUNITIES
American Indian and Alaska Native women are twice as likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than White women. This is unacceptable. Implementing culturally tailored messages and resources can save lives while encouraging healthcare providers to provide respectful, responsive care and listen to their patient'spatients' concerns. Raising awareness of urgent maternal warning signs will work to reduce maternal mortality. This funding opportunity is open for those interested in increasing awareness of key actions to support positive maternal health outcomes while utilizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hear Her campaign materials. The goal is to support Tribes and Native serving organizations' efforts in maternal mortality prevention, implement campaign materials that meet their needs, and speak to their perspectives on maternal health promotion.
NIHB will provide up to 3 subawards to Tribes, Tribal organizations, consortiums of Tribes, Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TEC), Native serving 501©3 and Urban Indian Organizations or other Tribal bodies with the public health authority in amounts of up to $20,000 each. The completed application is due by 11:59 pm EDT on March 2, 2023. The project period will run from approximately April 2023 to July 2023.
To apply for this funding opportunity, you can contact Elisha Sneddy, Public Health Program Coordinator, at [email protected] no later than Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 11:59 pm EDT. You can learn more here.
Apply here by Tuesday, March 2, 2023, 11:59 pm ET.
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NCOA to Award Vaccine Grants to Local Organizations Serving Older Adults and People with Disabilities
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) recently announced a funding opportunity to implement a nationwide campaign to ensure older adults and people with disabilities get the latest COVID-19 and flu vaccines. NCOA expects to distribute approximately 250 grants to organizations participating in this initiative. Tribal organizations that serve, support, and include older adults and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until March 1, 2023, or until funds are exhausted. Project start dates can begin in early January 2023 and close as late as April 15, 2024. Visit the full Notice of Funding Opportunity here.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2023, by 11:59 PM ET
Apply to the Vaccine Grants here.
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IHS Tribal Management Grant Program
The Tribal Management Grant Program supports Tribes and Tribal organizations in developing their health management infrastructure to exercise contracting and compacting authority under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The Indian Health Service (IHS) anticipates awarding 15 grants between $50,000 and $150,000.
Application Deadline: March 6, 2023
The Notice of Grant Opportunity is accessible here.
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HRSA Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospital Program
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is now accepting applications for a five-year cooperative agreement to improve rural healthcare through in-depth technical assistance provided at rural hospitals. A primary focus of the program is to ensure better local access to essential healthcare services in rural communities. Tribal hospitals and hospitals operated under Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act authorities are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: March 7, 2023
Learn more and apply here.
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New Funding Opportunities from SAMHSA
Application Deadlines: March 2023
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has announced three new funding opportunities to assist Tribes with prevention, treatment, and recovery services for community members with substance use disorders (SUDs).
Medication-Assisted Treatment—Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction (MAT-PDOA): This program aims to provide resources to help expand and enhance access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). SAMHSA anticipates approximately 24 awards of up to $750,000 annually for up to five years.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 7
To learn more and apply, visit the MAT-PDOA page here.
Grants to Expand Substance Use Disorder Treatment Capacity in Adult and Family Treatment Drug Courts (SAMHSA Treatment Drug Courts): This program aims to expand SUD treatment and recovery support services in existing drug courts and promote treatment rather than incarceration for individuals with SUDs. These awards provide a continuum of care that includes prevention and harm reduction services. SAMHSA anticipates approximately 81 awards of up to $400,000 annually for up to 5 years.
Application Deadline: Monday, March 6
To learn more and apply, visit the SAMHSA Treatment Drug Courts page here.
Adult Reentry Program (AR Program): The purpose of this program is to expand SUD treatment and related recovery and reentry services to sentenced adults in the criminal justice system with a SUD and co-occurring substance use and mental disorders who are returning to their families and communities following a period of incarceration in state and local prisons, jails, or detention centers. SAMSHA anticipates approximately 33 awards of up to $400,000 annually for up to 5 years.
Application Deadline: Monday, March 6
Apply for the Adult Reentry Program here.
For all opportunities listed: Tribes, Tribal organizations, health facilities, or programs operated by or by a contract or grant with the Indian Health Service are eligible and encouraged to apply.
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Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Plan
The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) uses non-competitive cooperative agreements to provide up to $900 million of American Rescue Plan (ARP) and Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funding for state, Tribal, and territorial governments to purchase foods produced within the state or within 400 miles of the delivery destination to help support local, regional and underserved producers. This program aims to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency. The cooperative agreements allow the states, Tribes, and territories to procure and distribute local and regional foods and beverages that are healthy, nutritious, unique to their geographic areas, and meet the population's needs. The food will serve feeding programs, including food banks, schools, and organizations that reach underserved communities. In addition to increasing local food consumption, the funds will help build and expand economic opportunities for local and underserved producers.
The performance period will be up to two years from the time of award to accommodate two harvest seasons.
Learn more here.
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Medicaid Unwinding Toolkit for Tribal Enrollment Assisters
At the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency, many flexibilities were implemented in the Medicaid program, including continuous enrollees coverage without the normal annual renewal process. Enrollees retained coverage regardless of a change in circumstance that would have otherwise deemed them ineligible for Medicaid coverage. This continuous enrollment requirement ends on March 31, 2023, before the end of the PHE. States will soon begin to engage in normal eligibility determination processes. We will see a drop in enrollment as conditions start to disenroll those who no longer qualify for Medicaid. Some states may have already started this process but will need to wait until April 1 to terminate coverage for any individual.
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), in collaboration with the Indian Health Service (IHS), created the Medicaid Unwinding Toolkit for Tribal Enrollment Assisters to familiarize Tribal health facility staff with this “Medicaid Unwinding” process. Millions of individuals could lose healthcare coverage; American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) are no exception. NIHB estimates that as many as 236,000 AI/ANs could lose their coverage due to Medicaid unwinding. Tribally operated healthcare facilities must understand how to prevent as many patients as possible from falling off Medicaid coverage and assist those who need to change healthcare coverage plans due to changes in their circumstances, financially or otherwise. The toolkit provides (1) a summary of Medicaid unwinding guidance, (2) recommendations on how to prevent an eligibility redetermination crisis, (3) a summary of Medicaid telehealth flexibilities, (4) information on the impact of the unwinding on Tribal communities, (5) FAQs, and (6) customizable graphics for outreach and education purposes.
Learn more about Medicaid Unwinding here.
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No Cost Mental Health Services for 2SLGBTQ+ Persons (Ages 15+)
Access to mental health services that affirm our Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ identities is Indigiqueer Joy. The Paths (Re)Membered Project offers NO COST mental health services to Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer 2SLGBTQ+ persons aged 15 years and older. Services are currently offered in limited states (AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, GA, ID, IN, KS, KY, MD, ME, MN, MO, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, & WI). They are working hard to expand availability to other states.
Please note that this is not a mental health crisis line, and submissions of this form are NOT monitored 24/7. It may take up to 5 business days to receive a response. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text NATIVE to 741741 to chat with the Crisis Text Line.
Please complete this form to connect virtually with an affirming mental health professional.
If you have any questions about these services, email [email protected].
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CDC Launches Website to Help Consumers Find Free Covid-19 Testing Sites
The Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program provides no-cost testing sites to Tribes and other communities greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. ICATT sites are a partnership between the federal government, state and local jurisdictions, and a federal testing contractor.
The ICATT program provides testing resources for people experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19. People without health insurance must not pay for COVID-19 testing at ICATT locations. The tests are billed to third-party payers, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurers to increase program sustainability.
For more information about the CDC Testing Locator website, click here.
For more information about the ICATT program, click here.
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Watch AMA and CDC's Project Firstline Virtual Town Hall
Do you have infection control questions about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), flu, SARS-CoV-2 or other respiratory viruses during this challenging respiratory virus season?
On Tuesday, December 13, Project Firstline joined The American Medical Association (AMA) to host a virtual town hall. This event provided a chance for physicians and other frontline healthcare workers to get answers to their questions about what infection control measures they can take to protect patients and themselves from respiratory viruses.
To watch the recording of the town hall, visit the AMA events page.
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Virtual Reproductive Webinar for Healthcare Workers Reproductive Grief Care Education: Sensitivity to Perinatal Loss
Workers Reproductive Grief Care Education: Sensitivity to Perinatal Loss will be hosted by Sara West, MSHS-PH, on Friday, February 24, 2023, from 10 am-11:30 am MST. The webinar is for maternal healthcare professionals, paraprofessionals, and program staff serving community members in Tribal communities across Arizona.
This innovative Reproductive Grief Care virtual webinar for healthcare professionals helps care providers recognize the reproductive loss and grief reactions and learn to help patients actualize the loss, validate the grief, and cope with those experiences. Healthcare professionals are equipped with various effective communication modalities and cultural competency skills, innovative options for memorialization, practical applications, and personal self-care strategies to positively impact the grief trajectory and promote healing for the bereaved. This webinar is free to attend.
February 24, 2023, from 12:00 - 1:30 PM Eastern Time
Register and join the webinar here.
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Virtual Webinar for Birthing People, Families, and Community Members: The Power of Prenatal Care During Pregnancy
The Power of Prenatal Care During Pregnancy will be hosted by Jacqueline Badine, RDN, on Monday, February 27, 2023, from 10 am-11:30 am MST. During this webinar, attendees will discuss and review the importance of prenatal care to keep you and your baby safe and healthy. Prenatal care is essential while pregnant- they will review the benefits of prenatal care and what to expect during prenatal visits. They will also describe ways to advocate for your needs during prenatal visits. This webinar is free to attend.
February 27, 2023, from 12:00 - 1:30 PM Eastern Time
Register and join the webinar here.
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IHS Tribal Consultation Series on Health Information Technology Modernization
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is initiating a four-part series of Tribal consultations related to its Health Information Technology (HIT) Modernization Program. The sessions begin with "Preparing for Change" on March 8, 2023, from 1:30-3:00 pm ET. This first session will provide background on the program and focus on Tribal feedback on change readiness for electronic health record modernization. The remaining sessions will cover resources, governance, and future planning. This event is free to attend.
The first session will be held on March 8, 2023, from 1:30 - 3:30 PM Eastern
Register here.
Future consultation dates and registration information are located in the IHS Dear Tribal Letter
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Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) TAC Meeting
On March 8-9, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) will convene in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, for its spring 2023 meeting. Members of the public are invited to listen in to the session via Zoom; however, active participation is limited to the TAC Delegates. The public is also invited to share written testimony on public health issues impacting Indian Country prior to the meeting. Testimony on public health issues impacting Indian Country prior to the meeting. Testimony may be sent to CAPT Carmen Clelland at [email protected] by March 1, 2023.
March 8-9, 2023
Access the meeting agenda here.
Register here.
HRSA continues to seek qualified candidates to serve on its TAC for the Navajo Area.
Please contact CAPT Clelland if interested.
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Save the Date for the National Tribal Opioid Summit
Join NIHB as we partner with the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board’s National Tribal Opioid Summit, to be held August 22-24, 2023 at the Tulalip Resort in Tulalip, Washington.
The summit will provide an unprecedented opportunity of national scope for Tribal nations and communities to share stories, build strength, and collaborate to address the opioid crisis. This inaugural summit will provide dedicated space to addressing the fentanyl crisis with a Tribally driven agenda.
August 22 - 24, 2023
More information to come!
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