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

March 19, 2020
News
NIHB COVID-19 Tribal Survey Responses Now Online

Recently, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) conducted a rapid survey to assess the needs of Tribes regarding the evolving novel coronavirus (COVID-2019) outbreak. The results of this survey provide a basic understanding of Tribal preparedness for combating the disease as well as foreseeable challenges in responding to COVID-19. Read more here.
Sault St. Marie Tribe Wins Major Victory in Homelands Litigation

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians finally are able to celebrate victory of winning their homeland back. The Tribe is now able to fight for what they believe is right, with the federal government agreeing to their perspective. 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. On Wednesday, March 11, The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic.  Also on Wednesday, President Trump announced travel restrictions from Europe to the U.S. as well as other changes to mitigate the effects of the virus.   Read more here.
TRIBAL INPUT REQUESTED : The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is asking for your assistance in assessing the coronavirus prevention and response capacity in Indian Country.

We are asking for this information because NIHB has the opportunity to share information on Tribal needs and advocate for resources with both Congress and the Administration. To ensure that these efforts have the best possible impact, we need to gather key data from as many Tribes as possible to create a comprehensive profile of what is needed. Please complete the brief survey at this link .
As of March 17, 2020*
  • 4,226 reported cases of the virus in the United States; 
  • 75 people have died from the infection in the United States;
  • All states except West Virginia have reported cases of COVID-19 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

News stories:
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Christine Moutier, was a guest on a CNN special, A CNN Global Town Hall: Coronavirus Facts and Fears. Dr. Moutier’s segment focused on a discussion on managing your mental health in light of recent news around the virus. More tips on managing your mental health.

  • Indian Health Service (IHS) COVID-19 Update: The Indian Health Service and their partners across the Department of Health and Human Services are coordinating a comprehensive public health response for the agency. A list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) are also available.
COVID-19 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 Courtney Wheeler at [email protected] or 202-507-4081.

* Data include both confirmed and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 reported to CDC or tested at CDC since January 21, 2020, with the exception of testing results for persons repatriated to the United States from Wuhan, China and Japan. State and local public health departments are now testing and publicly reporting their cases. In the event of a discrepancy between CDC cases and cases reported by state and local public health officials, data reported by states should be considered the most up to date.
Funding & Opportunities
Community-Based Approaches to Reducing Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Applications due by Monday, May 11, 2020 at 11:59 PM ET

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 funds for a cooperative agreement with organizations with demonstrated experience and capacity of implementing community engagement methods and multi-sector partnerships to promote sexual health, advance community wellness, influence sexual health behavior and practices, and reduce STI disparities. This funding opportunity announcement focuses on projects in accordance with the Healthy People 2020 Goals for the nation. Read more here.
NIHB Seeks Director of Public Health Policy and Programs

NIHB is seeking qualified candidates for Director of Public Health Policy and Programs. This position is based in Washington, DC. NIHB encourages you to apply.  Read more here.
Resources
Positively Native , a HIV Stigma Film from UIHI

The Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) is excited to announce the release of  Positively Native , a film featuring American Indian and Alaska Native individuals living with HIV. This film encourages dialogue to create more inclusive and supportive communities for those living with HIV. UIHI has also created a toolkit that includes a presentation on the basics of HIV, including transmission, prevention, treatment, stigma and discrimination, and epidemiology of HIV in American Indian/Alaska Native communities. To download the toolkit, read more here.
This Week's New COVID-19 Resources

A video published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines preventative tips and safety precautions for older adults to use to protect themselves from COVID-19.
COVID-19 Resources
Be sure to check resources as they are updated regularly since the situation is rapidly changing.
  • Protect your Family: You can take steps to protect the health of you and your family during a COVID-19 outbreak. Learn what you can do to plan and prepare. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC))
  • National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) shared COVID-19 resources for Indian Country. Read more here.
  • The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread. Read more here.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has published Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak. Read more here.
  • Webinar: The Urban Indian Health Institute is hosting a webinar Friday, March 29th at 11:00 AM Pacific Time on COVID-19 & Homeless American Indians and Alaska Natives. Recommendations on how to best serve homeless American Indians and Alaska Natives in regards to the COVID-19 outbreak will be discussed. Register here.

Events
POSTPONED: American Climate Leadership Summit 2020
New Date: August 26-27, 2020 in Washington, DC

In the interests of all stakeholders, the American Climate Leadership Summit (ACLS) has been rescheduled for August 26-27, 2020. There will be some minor adjustments, but ACLS anticipates holding the current agenda, location, and speaker roster intact. Additional information on hotels and other the aspects of the Summit will be forthcoming.
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.