Tribal Public Health Broadcast
September 14, 2017
 
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Public Health News
Bills 
Last week, Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) introduced two bills to address health disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. With this legislation, the Congressmen are responding to the needs of the many Tribal communities that don't have the resources required to support a robust and comprehensive public health infrastructure.
The Native Health Access Improvement Act: This bill would establish a grant program that mirrors the structure of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians to increase access to substance abuse prevention and behavioral health services in Tribal and Urban Indian communities.
 
The Native Health and Wellness Act: This bill authorizes a grant program that would work to recruit and mentor Native youth - a remedy to Indian Country provider shortages by empowering Native youth to become the next generation of Tribal health care and public health practitioners. Additionally, a Tribal Health Block Grant through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would be authorized in this bill.
 
Upon releasing the legislation, Dr. Ruiz stated, "I am honored to work with Ranking Member Pallone to introduce a package of bills that will, for the first time, directly invest in a Tribal public health framework and create a special program to address the behavioral health crisis."
 
National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Executive Director, Ms. Stacy Bohlen, stated, "the National Indian Health Board is very pleased to see the introduction of this legislation. Improving public health infrastructure and behavioral health resources along with growing health professionals in Indian Country are all top priorities of the Tribes, and we look forward to working with the bill's sponsors to move this legislation forward."
 
NIHB has worked with the bill sponsors on this legislation. The "Special Behavioral Health Program for Indians" that is proposed in the Native Health Access Improvement Act has been a priority of NIHB's inaugural cohort of Tribal Youth Health Policy Fellows since earlier this year when they convened and outlined the need for this program in Indian Country. The Fellows then worked with NIHB Board of Directors to pass a resolution in support of such a program. Upon hearing of the release of the legislation, Tribal Youth Health Policy Fellow Chairwoman, Ms. Shasta Dazen, said "It's necessary for Native youth to reshape our perception of Indian health regardless of our circumstances. With the power that comes from education, we continue to grow in ways that allow us to learn what is best for our people and continue to make our mark on this world for all our Native people. This bill would increase the resources that are needed in our Tribal communities." 

Read the original press release  HERE 

USPSTF
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Seeks Comments on Draft Recommendation Statement and Draft Evidence Review on Screening for Cervical Cancer 
Due October 9, 2017


Prep
Preparedness: Tribes Create Resilience Plans
September is Preparedness Month. This recent article published in Nation of Change highlights several of the Tribes working on plans to protect their communities from hurricanes, climate change, and severe weather. 

One Tribe highlighted in this article, Swinomish, is part of NIHB's Climate Project. Their work will be featured in an upcoming news blast from NIHB. 

To read the article, click  HERE
Funding
FoodMentorship


For more information, click  HERE

USDOT
Pilot Studies to Test the Initiation of a Mental Health Family Navigator to Promote Early Access, Engagement and Coordination of Needed Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents (R34), National Institutes of Health
Due January 8, 2018

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to encourage research applications to develop and pilot test the effectiveness and implementation of family navigator models designed to promote early access, engagement and coordination of mental health treatment and services for children and adolescents who are experiencing early symptoms of mental health problems. 

Eligible applicants include Tribal governments of federally-recognized Tribes, Tribal serving organizations, 501(c)3 organizations, Tribally controlled colleges and universities, and others.  

For more information, click HERE  


zerosuicide
Indian Health Service Zero Suicide Initiative Grants
Due October 12, 2017

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announcement for Zero Suicide Initiative (ZSI) is now available. The purpose of the ZSI funding announcement is to improve the system of care for those at risk for suicide by implementing a comprehensive, culturally-informed, multi-setting approach to suicide prevention in Indian health systems.
This funding opportunity is open to Tribes, Tribal organizations, Urban Indian organizations (UIOs), and IHS Federal facilities.

For more information, click  HERE
Resources
sociological
Sociological Approach to Addressing Tobacco-Related Health Disparities 

Among adults, American Indian and Alaska Native individuals have the nation's highest rates of tobacco usage. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published a detailed report including statistics and information about tobacco use and health disparities. It also addresses information about the impacts of communication, marketing, and tobacco-related policies. 

To read the full report or a summary, click  HERE
Events