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

February 27, 2020

Proposed Reductions in Medicaid Would Have Catastrophic Impact on Urban Native People

Indian Country is faced with a reduction in access to medical care as a results of cuts in Medicaid. The limits in access of care and budgeting services for American Indian and Alaska Natives poses health care risks with the lack of funding in the Indian health care system. Read more here.

Endangered Species Throw Roadblock in Path of Rosemont Copper Mine

A federal judge has overturned environmental permits for the Rosemont Copper Mine, a controversial project opposed by Tribes in Arizona. Read more here.

Energy & Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone Urges FDA to Proceed with Setting a Maximum Nicotine Level in Cigarettes

House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) sent a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Stephen Hahn raising concerns the FDA appears to be reconsidering proposed regulations setting a maximum nicotine level in cigarettes in order to make them less addictive. The proposed regulation to set nicotine levels was announced as part of FDA’s comprehensive regulatory plan to reduce tobacco-related disease and death. Read more here.

NIH Releases RFI to Gather Public Input for NIH-Wide Strategic Plan

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued a request for information (RFI) regarding public input on a framework for the 2021-2025 NIH-wide Strategic Plan. The plan, meant to expand on the previous NIH-wide Strategic Plan, will articulate NIH’s priorities in research and scientific integrity. The RFI will remain open through March 25 and NIH is encouraging stakeholder organizations (e.g., patient advocacy groups, professional societies, etc.) to submit a single response reflective of the views of the organization or membership as a whole. Read more here.

Indian Health Service Asks Indian Country to be Vigilant to Prevent the Novel Coronavirus

As more cases are being investigated, Indian Country is making an effort to preventing transmission of the Coronavirus. Read more here.

COVID-19 Updates



COVID-19, formerly known as 2019 Novel Coronavirus or 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 25, 2020:

News stories:

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 [email protected] or 202-507-4074.

Dental Preventive Clinical Support Program

Priority Deadline: TBD

This is a forecasted grant from Indian Health Service, with Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Urban Indian organizations eligible to apply. The purpose of this grant program is to combine existing resources and infrastructure with Indian Health Service (IHS) Headquarters and IHS area resources in order to address the broad challenges and opportunities associated with IHS preventive and clinical dental programs. Read more here.

Disaster Response Grant Program Released – Services for Adults

Applications due Monday, March 16, 2020

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recently released a grant funding opportunity announcement to provide mental and substance use disorder treatment, crisis counseling, and other related supports to adults impacted by tornadoes and floods occurring in calendar year 2019 in areas for which a major disaster or emergency was declared under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Federally Recognized American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Urban Indian organizations in areas impacted by tornadoes and floods occurring in calendar year 2019 in those areas for which a major disaster or emergency was declared are eligible: Santee Sioux Nation, Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska, Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, Winnebago Tribe, Ponca Tribe. Read more here.

Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Grant Released

Applications due Monday, March 30, 2020

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recently released a grant funding opportunity announcement (FOA) entitled, “Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Grant." The purpose of this program is to recruit and train emergency medical services personnel in rural areas. Eligible applicants are rural emergency medical service agencies operated by a local or Tribal government (fire-based and non-fire based) and non-profit emergency medical service agencies. Read more here .

Respecting the Circle of Life Teen Pregnancy Prevention Grants

Applications due Monday, April 13, 2020

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Population Affairs will give 65 awards of $500,000-$1,500,000 per year for 3 years to organizations serving youth in communities with the greatest need with the newly announced opportunity: Optimally Changing the Map for Teen Pregnancy Prevention – Tier 1. Funding will be used to replicate Respecting the Circle of Life, an STI/HIV and pregnancy prevention program for Native American youth and their parents. Respecting the Circle of Life is  evidence-based,  proven effective by the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health with Tribal partners. Read more here.

NIHB Wants You on the Team!

NIHB is seeking qualified candidates for the following position:

This position is based in Washington, DC. NIHB encourages you to apply. Read more here.

Combating Gastric Cancer in Alaska Native People

Alaska Native people have disproportionally higher rates (and deaths) from gastric cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published an article summarizing the outcomes of a collaborative meeting with experts and Tribal stakeholders, describing needs and the need for solutions designed to work in Alaska, where around 40% of people live in communities not connected to a road system. Read more here.

National American Indian and Alaska Native ATTC Resources

Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network is meant to serve experts in culturally informed prevention services, addiction treatment, recovery, and mental health services. The National American Indian and Alaska Native ATTC focuses specifically on American Indian and Alaska Native communities and has a number of resources helpful to Native communities as well as a newsletter. Read more here.

COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Resources

Be sure to check resources as they are updated regularly since the situation is rapidly changing.

Only 19 Days until the 2020 Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit!!

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

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

Exhibitor spots are currently filled!

If you would like to be added to our waitlist, please contact Sara Zdunek at [email protected] with your name, preferred method of contact, and booth type.

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.

American Climate Leadership Summit 2020

Wednesday-Thursday, 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 !

IHS World Autism Awareness Day Interagency Roundtable

Thursday, April 2, 2020 at 1:30 – 4:30 PM ET

5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is hosting their third annual World Autism Awareness Day Interagency Roundtable this coming April. Federal officials and Autism Speaks will discuss recent collaborations, important resources for those with autism spectrum disorder, and hold a live Q&A session. An additional Inclusion Efforts to Improve Life Experiences discussion will allow all participants to gain information, discuss challenges, find solutions, and identify resources for sensory-friendly venues to encourage and support family connectedness and community involvement. For more information, contact Dr. Marcy Ronyak at [email protected] or (301)-443-6458. Livestream the event here.

2020 National Tribal Leadership Climate Change Summit

Monday-Wednesday, October 12-14, 2020 in Seattle, WA

The 2020 National Tribal Leadership Climate Change Summit will convene leaders from Tribes, First Nations, and Indigenous communities to build on the knowledge and experiences related to climate change impacts and traditional knowledges, develop approaches promoting Tribal leadership in adaptation, mitigation and resiliency programs, and fostering pathways to influence climate policy. The Summit will include internationally renowned plenary speakers, participatory breakout sessions, and more. 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 public health service and program 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.