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

March 5, 2020
News
Omaha Tribe of Nebraska Declares Emergency amid Health and Safety Crisis

The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska declared a state of emergency last week following three suicides, and several suicide attempts among its youth over the past few weeks. The Tribal council issued the resolution on February, vowing to direct Tribal resources toward addressing suicide, methamphetamine use, and domestic violence.

The resolution called for the state of emergency to last until April 18, 2020 at which time a comprehensive plan to address the crisis would be presented. The Tribe also planned to seek state and federal aid to address the crisis. 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.
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 2, 2020:
  • 89,253 infected people have been confirmed, still primarily in China, although cases have been identified in more than 60 countries;
  • 3,048 people have died from the infection worldwide;
  • 45,393 people recovered from the infection; and
  • 86 people have tested positive for the virus in the United States.

News stories:
  • On February 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance on COVID-19 evaluation and testing, travel, etc.
  • Indian Health Service (IHS) has announced a COVID-19 update for Tribal and Urban Indian Organization Leaders, taking place today, March 5, 2020 at 3:30 pm ET.
  • The CDC has announced a Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) call today, March 5 at 2 pm ET. Learn more.
  • A person in California is the first known in the United States to become infected with COVID-19 without travel to a country with local transmission. Additionally, this person's exposure is unknown. Read more here.
  • Leaders from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), and other partners have released a public health funding justification, urging the administration to propose and Congress to pass a supplemental appropriations bill to respond to this disease outbreak.
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 Angelica Al Janabi at [email protected] or 202-507-4074.
Funding & Opportunities
National Indian Council on Aging’s 23rd Conference Call for Proposals
Deadline for proposals: Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Event: Monday-Friday, August 17-21, 2020 in Reno, NV

The National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) is currently accepting proposals for their 23rd conference on aging in Indian Country. Workshops are accepted on all research topics, including healthcare access, Medicare/Medicaid, caregiver support, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Read more here.
3rd Biennial World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference
Tuesday-Thursday, August 25-27, 2020 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

The World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference (WISPC) is seeking sponsorship and workshop/presentation submissions for data and policy, community collaborations and external partners, creative expression through arts and 2SLGBTQQIA (Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual). Additionally, WISPC is seeking bids for the next hosts of the WISPC. Tribal organizations and nations that are interested in hosting this international event may contact Carla Cochrane at 1-204-942-9400 or [email protected] .
NIHB Wants You on the Team!

NIHB is seeking qualified candidates for the following position:
  • Director of Public Health Policy and Programs.

This position is based in Washington, DC. NIHB encourages you to apply. Read more here.
Resources
Urban Indian Health Institute HIV Toolkit

The Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) is excited to announce the release of “Positively Native,” a short film featuring American Indian and Alaska Native individuals living with HIV. The film encourages dialogue to create more inclusive and supportive communities for those living with HIV. UIHI has also created a toolkit that includes discussion questions corresponding to the film, a presentation on the basics of HIV, and a facilitator’s guide. An upcoming opportunity to use this toolkit is on National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Friday, March 20, 2020. Read more and download the toolkit here .

For more information, ideas/tips for holding an event for National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, or questions regarding the film, please contact Leah Dodge at [email protected] .
This Week's New COVID-19 Resources

The World Health Organization (WHO) offers several online trainings for public health professionals and others. Trainings include COVID-19 infection prevention and control, introduction to emerging respiratory viruses, etc. Read more here.

The WHO also recently released guidance for workplaces. View the guidance here. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously released similar guidance.

Avoid the spread of misinformation! Consider syndicating the CDC's microsite on your own web page. Learn more here.

A recently-published journal article offers guidance on tackling online heroisation and blame in epidemics, including the COVID-19 outbreak. Read more here.

The American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA) is offering two online courses on COVID-19 legal preparedness and a toolkit on preparing hospitals for a COVID-19 outbreak. Learn more here.

Realities of Coronavirus: How to Travel and Meet Safely: podcast here.

The Lancet has created a Coronavirus Resource Centre , which brings together new COVID-19 content from across  The Lancet  journals as it is published. All content is free to access.

COVID-19 Resources
Be sure to check resources as they are updated regularly since the situation is rapidly changing.

Events
Only 12 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.

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.
Climate and Health Science Symposium
Thursday, March 12, 2020 in Atlanta, GA or via Webcast

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is celebrating the Climate and Health Program’s 10-year anniversary by hosting a day-long science symposium: “Climate in all Health Policies.” The seminar is available in-person in Atlanta or via webcast. It is free and open to all, although in-person attendees must be U.S.-citizens. Learn more here.
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 !
Climate Change Adaptation Planning Learning Opportunity
Tuesday-Thursday, May 19-21, 2020 in Blue Lake, CA
Deadline to apply: Friday, March 20, 2020

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) is offering an in-person Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation Planning, an in-person workshop taking place in California, May 19-21, 2020 (apply by March 20). Read more here.
3rd Annual National Native Health Research Training Conference
Monday-Wednesday, June 29-July 1, 2020 in Temecula, CA

The National Native Health Research Training (NNHRT) conference is sponsored by the Indian Health Services (IHS) and hosted by the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), and the Native Research Network (NRN). The primary goal of the conference is to contribute toward the growth of a Native health research community that is dedicated to honoring Tribal decision-making processes, building trust through Tribal community participation and guided by Tribal cultural knowledge and values. Read more here.
Develop or Update a FEMA Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan
Deadline to apply: Tuesday, April 3, 2020
Online cohort: October 2020-September 2021

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) is offering an online facilitated cohort learning opportunity, Develop or Update a FEMA Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan. 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.