NCUIH and AAIP Announce Strategic Partnership to Address the Health of American Indian/ Alaska Native Communities

On Thursday, January 26, 2017, the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) and the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) signed a memorandum of understanding, which begins a new strategic partnership to address the health needs of the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population, along with their educational opportunities and workforce development.

This new partnership is a natural progression, as both organizations are focused on the AI/AN issues at the national level. NCUIH is the only national nonprofit organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban settings. Similarly, AAIP is the only national nonprofit organization that pursues excellence in Native American health care by promoting education in the medical disciplines, honoring traditional healing principles and restoring the balance of mind, body, and spirit. This partnership will work collaboratively to provide AI/ANs in the health and medical fields with resources, knowledge tools, educational opportunities, expanded culturally-relevant medical pathways, and increase their voice and visibility as leaders.

“We look forward to this partnership to work on initiatives that support and improve the urban Indian educational pathway, in order to meet the health needs of our communities”, said Alejandro Bermudez-del-Villar, NCUIH Interim Executive Director

AAIP Executive Director Polly Olsen adds, “We are excited to strengthen our relationship between NCUIH and AAIP. We are committed to support efforts to increasing workforce development and advocacy for Native American communities.”

Read NCUIH Press Release>>>