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Upcoming
NIHB EVENTS!
9th Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit
Submit a Proposal!
Reserve your Room!
Sponsor, Exhibit and More HERE
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Join the NIHB Team!
Interested in joining a mission driven organization dedicated to
affirming and empowering American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples to protect and improve health and reduce health disparities?
NIHB seeks qualified candidates for the following open positions based in Washington DC:
Stay up to date on Health Policy news with NIHB's
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News
Funding and Opportunities
Events
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NIHB Releases Call for Proposals for the 9th Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit
Due Friday, February 23, 2018
Summit May 22-24, 2018 in Prior Lake, MN
Public health practitioners, researchers, and policy experts are invited to submit abstracts for 90 minute workshops and 60 minute roundtables
for the NIHB 2018 National Tribal Public Health Summit, taking place May 22-24 at the Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
NIHB encourages presentations highlighting evidenced-based, best, wise, or promising practices developed in and for Tribal communities. NIHB highly encourages dynamic, interactive sessions that will draw upon the skills, knowledge and experience of session participants.
NIHB is particularly interested in interactive presentations that provide tools along with information and research, so that participants can make the knowledge they gain actionable. NIHB is also looking for presentations highlighting the social determinants of health (i.e. socioeconomic status, access to education and employment, the physical environment, etc.) as they pertain to the issues discussed.
This year's summit emphasizes balance, harmony, culture and health, so please consider topics and content that focus on these interconnections within one of the six summit tracks: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Public Health Infrastructure and Capacity, Public Health Policy, Substance Misuse and Behavioral Health, Climate Change and Environmental Health, and Cancer Prevention and Treatment.
For more information and to submit your proposal, click HERE
American Psychological Association (APA) Releases Stress and Health Disparities Report
The American Psychological Association (APA) recently released a report entitled Stress and Health Disparities: Contexts, Mechanisms, and Interventions Among Racial/Ethnic Minority and Low Socioeconomic Status Populations. The report includes information about American Indians where available and identifies issues such as discrimination, higher poverty rates, and lessened life spans. The report's executive summary states that stress has been identified by the WHO (2008) as one of the top ten "determinants of disparities in health. This report presents a state-of-the-science overview of research examining stress as a driver of disparities in health. Stress occurs when individuals experience demands or threats without sufficient resources to meet these demands or mitigate the threats (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). We document disparities in stress exposures; explore biopsychosocial mechanisms that may link stress to health, with a particular focus on disparities in depression, cardiovascular disease, and cancer; and identify interventions on the individual, family, community, and national levels that may reduce stress and the effects of stress on health among health disparity populations. The aim is to identify actions that APA and others can take to reduce stress and stress-related health disparities."
Yup'ik Communities Turn to Indigenous Knowledge to Prevent Risk for Youth Suicide and Alcohol Abuse
"Culture plays a substantial role in reducing disparities among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations; experts acknowledge culture's critical importance to intervention success and sustainability," begins a recently published article from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. "For more than a decade, researchers at the Center for Alaska Native Health Research have been collaborating with Yup'ik communities to address challenges facing Alaskan youth. The Qungasvik (qoo ngaz vik) or 'tools for life' prevention model is grounded in Yup'ik cultural and an indigenous knowledge framework. Through a self-determined, local community-developed and staffed intervention, the Qungasvik prevention model helps improve the lives and health of Yup'ik community members."
Click
here
to continue reading and learn about the qasgiq ("organizingstructure and modeling system that reflects and transmits core Yup'ik principles, ideologies, and theories) and the Yup'ik "cultural model of intervention, community healing, and repair."
"We need the research to demonstrate that our culture [...] is our prevention, it is intervention," a man in the article states. "Every community has a local cultural process of coming together, of organizing its work, and of intervening effectively. In Yup'ik communities, this spirit of community is always present, and not only in times of problems and crisis."
Study Shows that Even Short Term Exposure to Air Pollution Increases Mortality among Elderly
As reported in a press release by the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health on December 26, 2017, short-term exposures to fine particulate air pollution and ozone-even at levels well below current national safety standards-were linked to higher risk of premature death among the elderly. The importance of this study is that the US Environmental Protection Agency is required to reexamine its National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) every five years and these results suggest that current national air quality safety levels may need to be reevaluated.
Alex Azar Confirmed as Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services
On January 24, 2018 the Senate confirmed in a vote of 55-43, Alex Azar as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Deputy Director, Eric Hargan has been serving as acting Director, following former Secretary Price's resignation on September 29, 2017.
Azar's previous experience includes work as a pharmaceutical executive and a twice-confirmed HHS official during the George W. Bush administration. Supporters of Azar have noted his oversight of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (which created Medicare Part D) and Medicare Advantage as evidence of his expertise.
During his Senate confirmation hearing on January 9, 2018, Azar pledged to prioritize lowering drug prices, tackling the Opioid Crisis, stated his in interest in moving towards value-based purchasing (away from the Fee-for-Service model) and suggested that he favored block grants for the Medicaid program.
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Funding and Opportunities
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The Public Health Improvement Training (PHIT) abstract submission period for the 2018 annual conference ends today. This training conference, which will take place June 26-27, 2018 in Atlanta, GA, offers health department leadership and professionals networking opportunities in conjunction with a series of interactive learning and skill-building sessions. Topics include performance management and quality improvement, national voluntary accreditation and reaccreditation, workforce development, health assessment, and improvement planning. Attendees will include leaders and professionals working in performance improvement and public health accreditation from national, state, local, and Tribal health departments.
National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is a partner in the collaborative planning for the PHIT conference, and encourages Tribal health departments to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase the performance improvement work being done in Indian Country.
For more information about PHIT, click
HERE
Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) Education & Research Foundation Public Health Scholarship
Due January 31, 2018
Support for Expectant and Parenting Teens, Women, Fathers, and Their Families
Webinar Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 2:00 pm ET
Letter of intent due Monday, February 12, 2018 (non-binding)
Applications due Thursday, April 12, 2018
The Office of Adolescent Health announces the anticipated availability
of funds for States and Tribes to develop and implement programs for expectant and parenting teens, women, fathers, and their families to improve health and related educational, social, and economic outcomes.
The Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) grant program provides funding to States and Tribes to establish, maintain, or operate life-affirming services for expectant and parenting teens, women, fathers and their families in high schools, community service centers, and Institutions of Higher Education. The PAF program also allows States and Tribes to provide funding to its Attorney General to improve services for pregnant women who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Additionally, the PAF program allows States and Tribes to use grant funds to increase public awareness and education concerning any services or resources available to expectant and parenting teens, women, fathers and their families, which support the intent and purposes of this funding announcement.
OAH anticipates funding up to 23 grants with an annual budget of $250,000 - $1,000,000 for a two-year project period (FOA Number: AH-SP1-18-001). To learn more,
view the announcement on Grants.gov
.
There will be a technical assistance webinar for potential applicants on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 2:00 pm ET (start time of 1:00pm CT, 12:00pm MT, 11:00am PT). The conference number is 888-677-1131 and the passcode is 9256839. Join the webinar directly
here.
Empowering Indigenous Scholars and Making Connections: Call for Applications and Nominations
Due Thursday, February 15, 2018
The
Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS)
is currently accepting applications (for self) and nominations (for others) to find Arctic Indigenous scholars - defining "scholar" as "a person who is an expert within their own knowledge system." No formal education level or professional qualifications are required.
"Arctic Indigenous scholars have historically and continue to advance a variety of issues, such as food security, hunting and fishing rights, community resilience, climate change, biodiversity, and a number of other topics and disciplines. The information and understanding put forward by such scholars is invaluable. It is increasingly clear that the study of the Arctic depends upon successfully empowering Arctic Indigenous scholars with the opportunity to provide insight and expertise to those scientists studying the Arctic within the realm of academic research, often from urban-based settings. The objective of this opportunity, led by the Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S. (ARCUS) and the
Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) Alaska
, and supported by the National Science Foundation's Division of Arctic Sciences, is to create an intellectual and political space for Indigenous scholars to educate and influence policy- and decision-makers engaged in Arctic Issues from the nation's capital, Washington, D.C.
Selected Arctic scholars will be "engaged in many formal and informal activities to connect with the Arctic research community in Washington, D.C. Depending on the Scholar's specific expertise and interests, a customized agenda, as well as timing of the visit, will be scheduled." The following are listed as examples of activities:
- If appropriate, meetings with local science educators and their students.Seminar (with live-streamed and recorded webinar) at the ARCUS D.C. office.
- Meetings with:
- Senior Arctic research officials at agencies like the U.S. Arctic Research
Commission and the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee;
- Non-governmental organizations like the National Academy of Sciences Polar
Research Board, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Arctic 21 coalition;
- Federal agencies relevant to the Scholars' work, such as in the Department of
the Interior (e.g., USFWS, USGS, USDA, BLM), Department of Commerce, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, or Environmental Protection Agency;
- Representatives of other nation states or inter-governmental organizations.
- Leading DC-area Arctic researchers; or
- If appropriate, meetings with local science educators and their students.
Learn more about the opportunity
HERE
Native Public Health Innovation Award: Call for Nominations
Due Tuesday, February 20, 2018 by 11:59 pm ET
In an effort to honor individuals, Tribes, organizations, and programs that have enriched and improved American Indian and Alaska Native public health, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) invites nominations for the Native Public Health Innovation Award. NIHB created this award to recognize excellence, achievement, and innovations that are above and beyond the call of service. NIHB recognizes that public health is a traditional Native value, and that Tribes have led the way in creating and implementing public health programming and services that align not only with contemporary needs, but with cultural beliefs as well. This award will highlight the work and vision of a Tribe, individual, organization or program that has worked to improve health status, implement new programming, address long standing health disparities, and/or increase the visibility of public health concerns.
NIHB will present the award at the 9th Annual Tribal Public Health Summit in Prior Lake, Minnesota during a plenary session. All nominations should be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 20, 2018. The winner will be notified within three weeks upon close of the nominations.
To learn more or submit your nomination, click
HERE
Learn more about the Tribal Public Health Summit
HERE
Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health (ICSH)
Due Wednesday, February 28, 2018
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health (ICSH). The ICSH consists of 5 experts in fields that represent private entities involved in informing the public about the health effects of smoking. Nominations are being sought for individuals who have expertise and qualifications necessary to contribute to the accomplishments of the committee's objectives. Nominees will be selected based on expertise in the fields of the health effects of smoking. Additionally, desirable qualifications include: (1) Knowledge of the intersection of behavioral health conditions (mental and/or substance use disorders) and tobacco use/tobacco control; and/or (2) familiarity and expertise in developing or contributing to the development of policies and/or programs for reducing health disparities in tobacco use in the United States; and/or (3) knowledge of emerging tobacco control policies and experience in analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting Federal, State and/or local health or regulatory policy. Federal employees will not be considered for membership. Members may be invited to serve for four-year terms. Selection of members is based on candidates' qualifications to contribute to the accomplishment of ICSH objectives. Click
here
to learn more about ICSH.
Nominations for membership on the ICSH must be received no later than February 28, 2018. Packages received after this time will not be considered for the current membership cycle.
All nominations should be mailed to Monica Swann, Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), CDC, 395 E. Street SW, Room 9167, Washington, DC 20024, emailed (recommended) to
mswann@cdc.gov
, or faxed to (202) 245-0554.
For further information, contact Simon McNabb, Designated Federal Official (DFO), ICSH, Office on Smoking and Health, NCCDPHP, CDC, 395 E. Street SW, Room 9167, Washington, DC 20024, telephone (202) 245-0550;
GMcNabb@cdc.gov
.
Native Youth Initiative for Leadership, Empowerment, and Development (I-LEAD)
Due March 7, 2018
Award amounts from $100,000 to $300,000 available from the Administration of Children and Families provides support for community-based initiatives that empower Native youth to address priorities identified by such youth and include youth-focused leadership. As well projects are funded to develop models, approaches and strategies to foster resiliency and build upon Native youth's inherent capacities to thrive.
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Climate Change and Health in the Arctic Webinar: Impacts on Alaska Native Communities and a Spotlight on Efforts to Improve Climate Health
Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 3:00-4:30 pm ET
Climate warming in the Arctic is occurring twice as fast as the global average. Although Alaska Native peoples are resilient, live in one of the most severe climates on earth, and have adapted to varying conditions throughout history, current changes to climate are rapid and extreme. These changes are severely impacting the lives and communities of Alaska Natives, since many people in Arctic villages live close to the land and rely on subsistence lifestyles. During this webinar, learn more about climate change in the Arctic, how it is affecting the health of indigenous people, and various types of work occurring in this space - including state and local efforts and a spotlight on an NIHB-funded grant for the Village of Wainwright. The presentation will also include resources for climate change and climate health in the Arctic.
Please register in advance and log on early to help the webinar start on time. You may email NIHB
if you have questions about the event.
Learn more about the webinar or register
HERE
Read a recent article about The Village of Wainwright's climate health work taking place in the Arctic
HERE
Also, learn about the National Indian Health Board's work with Climate Change
HERE
Note: Photo is courtesy of the Village of Wainwright, NIHB awardee. During this webinar, project coordinator Alana Shaw will present about her community's climate health work.
American Indian and Alaska Native Behavioral health Webinar series: Tackling the Opioid Epidemic in Chickasaw Nation
Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 3:00-4:00 pm ET
Define Your Direction is a comprehensive prescription opioid abuse prevention movement created by the Chickasaw Nation with funding from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Southern Plains Tribal Health Board. Define Your Direction utilizes multiple strategies aimed at increasing awareness, reducing access to drugs and alcohol, and preventing overdose deaths. The webinar is presented by the Office of Minority Health National Partnership for Action and will highlight the movement's various components, challenges experienced during its development and implementation phases, and successes.
Moderator
: Tom Anderson (Cherokee), Director, Office for Advancement of American Indians in Medicine and Science, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, and Member, American Indian and Alaska Native NPA Caucus
Speaker
: Miranda Willis,Strategic Prevention Data Analyst/Tribal Liaison, Chickasaw Nation
Advancing Innovative Health Research Webinar
Thursday, February 8, 2018 from 12:00-1:30 pm ET
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is hosting an upcoming webinar about the
All of Us
project - "a landmark project to enroll and retain 1 million or more volunteers in efforts to advance innovative health research that may lead to more precise treatments and prevention strategies.
All of Us
aims to build one of the largest biomedical data resources in the world, reflecting participants from diverse communities across the United States." The chief engagement officer at
All of Us
will participate in an "interactive discussion about how public health professionals can help expand
All of Us'
demographic and geographic coverage. Unlike a single research study focused on a specific disease or population,
All of Us
will serve as a national resource for thousands of studies and a wide variety of health conditions."
Learn more or register for the webinar
HERE
Tribal Exchange Network Conference
Tuesday, February 27 - Wednesday, February 28, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona
The 2018 Tribal Exchange Network Conference will be held in Tucson, Arizona from Tuesday, February 27 - Wednesday, February 28, 2018. The current working agenda includes topics such as Tribal examples/case studies, data management, water and air quality, and more.
Learn more about the conference
HERE
The 5th Annual Meeting on Indigenous Women's Health
March 21-23, 2018
The International Indigenous Women's Health Meeting is jointly sponsored by ACOG and SOGC. The meeting focuses on innovative clinical care models and community-based public health approaches for women and their families in First Nations, Inuit, Métis, American Indian and Alaska Native communities. During the meeting, participants will strengthen their knowledge about prevalent health problems facing Indigenous Women and acquire practical skills. Opportunities to share knowledge and to develop partnerships are built into the program.
Topics include:
- Rural Maternity Safety
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Maternal Substance Use
- Cultural Safety
Several optional sessions focus on the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) Initiative for patient safety in maternity care.
Registration is available
here
*Please note that you will need to create an ACOG account to register.
For questions please contact Justine Joo at ACOG (
jjoo@acog.org
) or 202-863-1637
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