Behavioral Health Alerts

Posted on August 25, 2022

Understanding Native American Adolescents: Developing Indigenous leaders through cultural frameworks

This presentation will be an overview of how to help Native youth find integrative ways to develop the strength to capitalize on their rich culture and turn that into a connection with senators and other policymakers.

Speaker: Dr. Billie Jo Kipp

Click here to watch the webinar.

Please note: There are no slides for this webinar.

Posted on August 25, 2022

Dynamics of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

This presentation will provide an overview of dynamics of Interpersonal Violence Basics for behavioral health and medical providers. The presentation will include aspects of client presentation, evidence based screenings, treatment and follow up will be reviewed.

Speaker: Lisa Morad-McCoy

Click here to watch the webinar.

Click here for the presentation slides.

Posted on August 25, 2022

Indigenous Harm Reduction: Decolonizing Substance Use and Addiction

As Indigenous people, discussing substance use can be challenging as we all have different experiences with substance use, whether it’s personal, familial or within our community. Substance use impacts our lives in different ways and we all have a different way of describing and defining those experiences. Having the shared language and tools can help us in supporting the people in our lives that are using substances, and bring us to a place of shared solutions. This workshop provides the opportunity to hold strengths-based, respectful conversations rather than conversations based out of fear, stigma and judgement. Indigenous communities have been taking care of our communities since time immemorial, and we have the knowledge, tools and experiences to sustain us through this crisis of increased substance use.

Speaker: Andrea Medley

Click here to watch the webinar.

Click here for the presentation slides.

Posted on August 04, 2022

Four Paths to Addressing Dementia in Tribal Communities Webinar Recording and Slides Available

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and co-host, the Alzheimer's Association want to thank those who were able to attend the July 26, 2022 webinar Four Paths to Addressing Dementia in Tribal Communities. The webinar featured the work of four Tribal sub awardees in addressing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in their communities: Cheyenne and Arapahoe Tribes Department of Health, Mt. Sanford Tribal Consortium, Sokaogon Chippewa Community, and the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island. NIHB Government Relations Director, Dr. Aaron Payment opened the webinar by stressing the importance of memories in passing down cultural information through storytelling.

View the recording here. Download the slide deck here.

Posted on August 04, 2022

National Tribal Health Conference and 50th Anniversary Celebration THE POWER OF IDENTITY: A PATH TO TRIBAL HEALTH EQUITY

Join the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) as we take a look back at the history of NIHB and build our plans for the next 50 years. Together we will explore the topics of health equity, health policy, Tribal advances in health, and many more. The National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) The event will be held in Washington, DC at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill from September 25-29, 2022. Learn more and Register here. NIHB invites Tribal leaders, health directors, policy specialists, advocates, and allies to submit Presenter Abstract Proposals for NTHC focusing on the following five content areas:

• Transformational Policy Change to Achieve Health Equity

• Beyond Health Care: A Holistic Approach to Health Equity

• Leveraging Tribal Resources for Health Equity

• Respecting Tribal Sovereignty: A Path to Accelerating Tribal Health Equity

• Honoring our Past, Preparing for our Future

Learn more and submit Presenter Abstract Proposals here. NIHB is accepting nominations for the 2022 Outstanding Service Awards until August 23. All awards will be presented at the Annual Heroes in Health Awards Gala, taking place as part of NTHC. The Gala will be held at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. Learn more and submit Award Nomination here.

Posted on August 04, 2022

HHS Announces Availability of Revised Draft of American Indian/Alaska Native Worker Safety and Health Strategic Plan

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an Operating Division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently announced the availability of a draft strategic plan for public comment entitled Revised Draft of American Indian/Alaska Native Worker Safety and Health Strategic Plan (Revised Draft Strategic Plan). NIOSH considered all comments from previous consultation sessions, and based on those comments, released the Revised Draft Strategic Plan on which public comment is now being requested.

Read the Revised Draft Strategic Plan here.

Posted on August 04, 2022

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources

Review the updated CDC resources below for more information!

• COVID-19 Data Tracker. Find maps and charts tracking cases, deaths, and trends of COVID-19 in the U.S., updated Monday through Friday by 8:00 PM ET.

• COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters. Read more.

• Cruise Ship Travel During COVID-19. Read more.

• Interim Clinical Considerations for the use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Approved or Authorized in the U.S. Read more.

• Allergic Reactions after COVID-19 Vaccination. Read more.

• Your COVID-19 Vaccination. Read more.

• Post-COVID Conditions: CDC Science. Read more.

• COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding. Read more.

• COVID-19 Vaccines for People who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised. Read more.

• COVID-19 Vaccines for People Who Would Like to Have a Baby. Read more.

• Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination. Read more.

• Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines. Read more.

• Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccines. Read more.

• Selected Adverse Events Reported after COVID-19 Vaccination. Read more.

• Social Media Toolkit: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children/Teens. Read more.

• COVID-19 Vaccines for People who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised. Read more.

• Considerations for Monkeypox Vaccination. Read more.

Posted on August 04, 2022

NW NARCH Announces End-of-Summer Research Training Institute

The Northwest Native Research Centers for Health (NW NARCH) recently announced a free End-of-Summer Virtual Research Training Institute. The End-of-Summer Research Training Institute consists of two NEW virtual training opportunities for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) health professionals and students interested in learning how to conduct Behavioral Health Research & Infectious Diseases Research in Tribal communities. Intensive courses kick off in September 2022! Click here to learn more about the Behavioral Health Track, and click here to learn more about the Infectious Diseases Track. Details on track topics and applications can also be found on the NW NARCH website.

Posted on August 04, 2022

July EPID Institute Recordings Now Available

The 2022 Emergency Preparedness and Infectious Disease Institute took place in Rapid City, SD on July 19 and 20, 2022. Recordings are now available via the YouTube Institute playlist with each recording corresponding to each presentation session. You may access the PowerPoint presentations and session evaluations by clicking here. To view the recordings, click here.

Posted on August 04, 2022

Understanding the Public Health Workforce’s COVID-19 Mental Health Challenges

On June 13, 2022, the Region V Public Health Training Center and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), introduced a new graphic essay on mental well-being and the challenges faced by the public health workforce.

Download the graphic essay here.

Posted on August 04, 2022

Get Vaccinated! It’s National Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance serves as a reminder about the importance of getting ALL recommended vaccines throughout your life. You have the power to protect yourself and your family against serious diseases [like whooping cough, cancers caused by HPV, and pneumonia] through on-time vaccination.

Between the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants of COVID-19, delays in getting routine vaccinations due to the ongoing pandemic, and the upcoming flu season, it is more important now than at any time in recent history for everyone to get the vaccines available to them to help protect you and those around you who are vulnerable to becoming sick, including the elderly, children, and those with compromised immune systems. 

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) encourages you to talk to your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional to ensure you, and your family members, are all up to date on recommended vaccines. Vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious diseases, including COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is one of the many ways to show your Act of Love to your community. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccination, check out the following websites:

• Your COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC

• COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens | CDC

• COVID-19 Vaccine Conversation Card for Parents

• Stay Up to Date with Your Vaccines

• Adult Immunization Schedule by Vaccine and Age Group | CDC

• Birth – 18 Years Immunization Schedule

• Show your Act of Love

Learn more about the importance of COVID-19 vaccination by watching this video featuring Wes Studi, Hollywood actor and Cherokee Tribal member.

Posted on July 21, 2022

Early Bird Registration for the National Tribal Health Conference is Now Open!

Register now for the premier American Indian and Alaska Native Health Conference - the National Indian Health Board's (NIHB) National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) and 50th Anniversary Celebration!

Join NIHB and take a look back at the history and build plans for the next 50 years. Together we will explore the topics of health equity, health policy, Tribal advances in health, and many more. NTHC 2022 serves as a forum to discuss policy and political work in the arenas of Tribal health care, public, behavioral, and environmental health. Tribal leaders, Tribal health directors, administrators, policy analysts, advocates and Native youth and early career professionals are invited.

The event will be held in Washington, DC at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill from September 25-29, 2022. Conference events will include Tribal Listening and Consultation Sessions with federal agencies, no-cost institutes, plenary sessions, breakout sessions, an exhibit hall and marketplace, fitness activities, and cultural events. Special events will be held for Native youth and early career professionals as well as new Tribal leaders. The Annual Heroes in Health Awards Gala and 50th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.

Early Bird Registration is available through August 19, 2022 

$550

Register here

Posted on July 21, 2022

HHS Announces Availability of Revised Draft of American Indian and Alaska Native Worker Safety and Health Strategic Plan

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an Operating Division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently announced the availability of a draft strategic plan for public comment entitled Revised Draft of American Indian and Alaska Native Worker Safety and Health Strategic Plan (Revised Draft Strategic Plan). NIOSH considered all comments from previous consultation sessions, and based on those comments, released the Revised Draft Strategic Plan on which public comment is now being requested.

To read the Revised Draft Strategic Plan, click here.

Posted on July 21, 2022

NIHB Releases New COVID-19 Resources!

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) recently released new COVID-19 factsheets. These new factsheets include topics such as COVID-19 Vaccines, booster shots, and COVID-19 terminology. Factsheets can be accessed on NIHB’s COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center, or by clicking this link.

For more information, please contact Darby Galligher, Project Coordinator at NIHB, at [email protected].

Posted on July 21, 2022

Understanding the Public Health Workforce’s COVID-19 Mental Health Challenges

On June 13, 2022, the Region V Public Health Training Center and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), introduced a new graphic essay on mental well-being and the challenges faced by the public health workforce.

Download the graphic essay here.

Posted on July 21, 2022

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources

Review the updated CDC resources below for more information!

• COVID-19 Data Tracker. Find maps and charts tracking cases, deaths, and trends of COVID-19 in the U.S., updated daily by 8:00 PM ET

• COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination. Read more.

• Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccines. Read more.

• COVID-19 Vaccines for People who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised. Read more.

• COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens. Read more.

• Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Approved or Authorized in the United States. Read more.

• How Do I Find a COVID-19 Vaccine or Booster? Read more.

• Travel. Read more.

• Communication Resources. Read more.

• COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters. Read more.

Posted on July 21, 2022

FDA and CDC Authorize Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine

On July 13, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted, for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals ages 18 and older. This vaccine is given as a two-dose primary series, three weeks apart. It contains the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and Matrix-M adjuvant. Adjuvants are sometimes added to vaccines to enhance the body’s immune response to an antigen.

On July 19, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine be used as an option for adults ages 18 and older. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky endorsed that recommendation and released a statement.

The Lummi Nation, located in Washington, participated in the Novavax vaccine clinical trials. To learn more about their experience, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) hosted a webinar on 28 featuring members of the Lummi Nation that focused on their experience working with Novavax. To watch that webinar, click here.

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is the first COVID-19 protein subunit vaccine recommended for use in the United States. Having multiple types of vaccines offers more options and flexibility for people receiving COVID-19 vaccines, as well as jurisdictions and vaccine providers. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine’s safety and effectiveness have been confirmed by clinical research and by the thousands of people who have already received it. As occurs for all vaccines—including all COVID-19 vaccines—safety monitoring will continue for the Novavax vaccine.

The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated against COVID-19. Everyone five years and older should also get a COVID-19 booster, if eligible. To learn if and when you can get boosters to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, use CDC’s COVID-19 booster tool.

Posted on July 07, 2022

Understanding the Public Health Workforce’s COVID-19 Mental Health Challenges

On June 13, 2022, the Region V Public Health Training Center and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), introduced a new graphic essay on mental well-being and the challenges faced by the public health workforce.

Download the graphic essay here.

Posted on July 07, 2022

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources

Review the updated CDC resources below for more information!

• COVID-19 Data Tracker. Find maps and charts tracking cases, deaths, and trends of COVID-19 in the U.S., updated daily by 8:00 PM ET

• COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination. Read more.

• Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccines. Read more.

• COVID-19 Vaccines for People who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised. Read more.

• COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens. Read more.

• Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Approved or Authorized in the United States. Read more.

• How Do I Find a COVID-19 Vaccine or Booster? Read more.

• Travel. Read more.

• Communication Resources. Read more.

Posted on July 07, 2022

NIHB Releases New COVID-19 Resources!

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) recently released new COVID-19 factsheets. These new factsheets include topics such as COVID-19 Vaccines, booster shots, and COVID-19 terminology. Factsheets can be accessed on NIHB’s COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center, or by clicking this link.

For more information, please contact Darby Galligher, Project Coordinator at NIHB, at [email protected].

Posted on July 07, 2022

Early Bird Registration for the National Tribal Health Conference is Now Open!

Register now for the premier American Indian and Alaska Native Health Conference - the National Indian Health Board's (NIHB) National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) and 50th Anniversary Celebration!

Join NIHB and take a look back at the history and build plans for the next 50 years. Together we will explore the topics of health equity, health policy, Tribal advances in health, and many more. NTHC 2022 serves as a forum to discuss policy and political work in the areas of Tribal health care, public, behavioral, and environmental health. Tribal leaders, Tribal health directors, administrators, policy analysts, advocates, and Native youth and early career professionals are invited.

The event will be held in Washington, DC at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill from September 25-29, 2022. Conference events will include Tribal Listening and Consultation Sessions with federal agencies, no-cost institutes, plenary sessions, breakout sessions, an exhibit hall and marketplace, fitness activities, and cultural events. Special events will be held for Native youth and early career professionals as well as new Tribal leaders. The Annual Heroes in Health Awards Gala and 50th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.

Early Bird Registration is available through August 19, 2022 

$550

Register here

Posted on July 07, 2022

Register Today for NIHB's 2022 Emergency Preparedness and Infectious Disease Regional Institute!

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) invites you to the 2022 Emergency Preparedness and Infectious Disease Institute focusing on Billings and Great Plains Indian Health Service (IHS) Service Areas from July 19-20, 2022.

This event is free and will be taking place at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel in Rapid City, South Dakota. Scholarships are available to assist with travel. Apply here.

The Emergency Preparedness and Infectious Disease Institute is designed to help Tribal health professionals and first responders minimize the impact of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases on Tribal communities and health systems. The in-person two-day event includes workshops, interactive exercises, and panel discussions to connect with existing resources and tools and build disaster resilience across Indian Country.

For more information and questions, contact Audrianna Marzette, Project Coordinator, at [email protected]

Emergency Preparedness and Infectious Disease Regional Institute

July 19 - 20, 2022

Register here

Posted on May 26, 2022

Understanding and Addressing Opioid and Substance Use Among American Indians in North Carolina Webinar

Despite the national narrative that the overdose crisis is a white male problem, data in North Carolina show that American Indians are just as impacted, if not more so, by this epidemic and should not be a forgotten population. In addition to sharing the data, this panel will also discuss initiatives happening across the state in Tribal communities, including a State and Tribal Data Sharing Workshop to better understand the needs of these communities in our state. The role of Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) in reaching marginalized populations, like American Indians, is also critical. Since legalization in 2016, SSPs have made referrals to mental health and substance use disorder treatment, distributed naloxone kits, and administered HIV tests. SSPs are a way to include culturally appropriate prevention strategies in state-wide efforts to reduce substance use-related morbidity and mortality.

Click here to watch the webinar.

Click here for the presentation slides.

Posted on February 17, 2022

2022 Public Health Innovation Awards Nominations Open!

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 Awards 2022! One National, Regional, and Local winner will be awarded in each category.

The Public Health Innovation Awards were created 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, that is important to Native health and wellness, 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.

Each award highlights the work and vision of a Tribe, individual, organization, or program that has worked to improve health status or outcomes, implement new programming, address long standing health disparities, and/or increase the visibility of Tribal public health concerns. NIHB will virtually present the awards during the National Tribal Public Health Summit (TPHS) May 9-12, 2022..

Award Nomination Deadline: Friday, March 4, 2022, 11:59 PM ET

Submit Award Nomination

Posted on November 15, 2021

Indian Health Service Announces $46.4 Million in Funding for American Indian and Alaska Native Behavioral Health Programs

The Indian Health Service (IHS) has announced $46.4 million in funding opportunities for behavioral health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives. IHS stressed the importance of specific program focus areas for Indian Country, especially in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants may pursue funding for substance abuse prevention, suicide prevention—including the Zero Suicide Initiative, domestic violence prevention and forensic healthcare services, and the Behavioral Health Integration Initiative (BH2I).

The application deadline for all six funding opportunities is February 2, 2022. The earliest anticipated start date is March 21, 2022.

For more information and for links to each funding opportunity, please see the official press release from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Read More

Posted on August 31, 2021

"Teen Dating Violence in Native Youth" Webinar Held

On March 31st, 2021 at 3:00pm EST, we held a webinar titled "Teen Dating Violence in Native Youth". The webinar and slides can be viewed below:

Watch the webinar

View the slide presentation (PDF)

Posted on March 08, 2021

National Indian Health Board Releases 2021 Legislative and Policy Agenda, Roadmap for Biden Administration

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) released its annual Legislative and Policy Agenda listing Tribal health-related administrative and legislative requests for 24 issues areas ranging from COVID-19 response and recovery and increased telehealth capacity to full funding for the Indian Health Service and improving water and sanitation infrastructure as an integral public health measure. The NIHB Board of Directors adopted the Agenda along with a Roadmap for the Biden Administration on February 26, 2021.

NIHB’s 2021 Legislative and Policy Agenda highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a disproportionate impact on American Indian and Alaska Native people and illuminated many of the disparities Tribes experience, which have led to worse COVID-19 outcomes.

NIHB’s Roadmap for the Biden Administration to Advance American Indian and Alaska Native Health and Public Health focuses on six areas: Supporting the Government to Government Relationship, Supporting Tribal Sovereignty, Supporting Workforce Development, Studying and Addressing Long-Term Issues and Pressing Problems, and Advancing Legislative Priorities.

Read the full press release.

Posted on March 01, 2021

CDC's Dating Matters Toolkit | Veto Violence

The CDC’s Dating Matters is an evidence-based teen dating violence (TDV) prevention model that was developed to stop TDV before it starts. This model focuses on teaching 11- to 14-year-olds healthy relationship skills. The Dating Matters Toolkit provides individuals with trainings, implementation guidance, access to program materials and other resources to implement Dating Matters. This toolkit also offers programs for parents and youth as well as training for educators. To learn more on the Dating Matter Toolkit, click here.

Posted on February 10, 2021

SAMHSA's New Series of Advisories on Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has published a new series of Advisories on substance use disorder treatment. These Advisories are based on existing Technical Assistance Publications (TAPs) and Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIPs). The 11 new Advisories summarize updated guidance and recommendations in the treatment field regarding substance use disorder (SUD). SAMHSA’s new Advisories published in January 2021 can be found here.