PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH Urges Congress to Take Immediate Action to Provide COVID-19 Resources for Indian Country at Hearing Today

The last COVID-19 package was six months ago.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Meredith Raimondi
mraimondi@NCUIH.org
202-932-6615

Washington, DC (September 30, 2020) – On September 30, Francys Crevier (Algonquin), Chief Executive Officer of the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), testified before the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee to provide updates on urban Indian health impacts of COVID-19. In addition to Ms. Crevier, the Subcommittee heard from Kevin J. Allis, CEO of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and Carolyn Angus-Hornbuckle, COO and Director of Public Health Policy and Programs at the National Indian Health Board (NIHB). The hearing highlighted the non-partisan commitment of this subcommittee to upholding and honoring trust responsibilities to Indian Country.

“[I]t is my duty today to convey to you the severity of this crisis and how it is impacting the Indian Health System including our 41 [urban Indian organizations]. The last time a law was enacted was six months ago, the CARES Act of March 27, 2020, where Indian Country received a mere 0.5% of the total funding. The pandemic continues to wreak havoc on Indian Country as our people are disproportionately contracting and dying every single day from COVID-19. Since mid-July alone, when I last testified, IHS has seen a 51% increase in infections. Positive rates among Natives are 3.5 times higher than rates for non-Hispanic Whites and hospitalization rates are 4.7 times higher. Last week, CDC reported Native children were among the 78% of pediatric deaths. Black and brown children are dying and no one is paying attention,” stated Francys Crevier, CEO of NCUIH.

“The need to examine and address the ongoing situation in Indian Country is apparent. Congress needs to understand the full impact of the pandemic on Native Americans, and how to better meet the needs of the communities you are testifying on behalf of in future relief packages. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I’ve advocated for personal protective equipment, or PPE, complete test kits, and other supplies to be made available to Indian health facilities and to Tribal governments. Without these items, Native Americans are unable to ensure their safety while receiving essential government services, such as health care, welfare checks, law enforcement services, and domestic violence assistance,” stated House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Chair Betty McCollum.

“I recognize that COVID-19 has hit Indian Country disproportionately harder than the rest of the nation, that the situation is dire, and that additional funding is needed not only to keep tribal governments and communities functioning but to save lives. If there was ever a time for the Subcommittee to hold firm in its non-partisan commitment to tribes, this is it,” stated House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Ranking Member David Joyce.

Ms. Crevier’s testimony focused on the current status of UIOs, including:

  • The need for additional resources for testing and contact tracing with $2 billion for IHS and $64 million for UIOs;
  • Equitable distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine once approved, with a minimum 5% set-aside for the I/T/U system;
  • $80 million in facilities funding for UIOs;
  • $1 million for a UIO infrastructure study;
  • $7.3 million annually for 3 years in behavioral health funds for UIOs; and
  • $20 million in telehealth and health information technology funds for UIOs; and a spend-faster anomaly to insulate UIOs and the entire I/T/U system from the dire consequences of a potential government shutdown.

Next Steps

The House released a new COVID-19 package this week. Discussions between the White House and Congressional leadership are ongoing, however, time is running out before Congress departs until after the election.

NCUIH CEO to Testify Before Interior Appropriations Subcommittee on September 30, 2020

On September 30, 2020 at 1PM EST, NCUIH Chief Executive Officer Francys Crevier will testify before the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. Ms. Crevier will testify on urban Indian organization’s (UIOs) response to COVID-19. Other witnesses include COO of the National Indian Health Board Carolyn Angus-Hornbuckle and CEO of the National Congress of American Indians Kevin Allis. 

The hearing will be streamed here.

Witnesses

Mr. Kevin J. Allis
CEO, National Congress of American Indians

Ms. Carolyn Angus-Hornbuckle
COO, Director of Public Health Policy and Programs, National Indian Health Board

Ms. Francys Crevier
CEO, National Council of Urban Indian Health

PRESS RELEASE: 2020 National Urban Indian Youth Advisory Council Members Announced; 2019 Class Youth Council Announces Winners from Indigi-Wellness Healer Campaign

This year NCUIH received a record number of applicants for the Youth Council.

Contact:
Meredith Raimondi
mraimondi@NCUIH.org
202-932-6615

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. (September 18, 2020) – The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) proudly announces the 2020 cohort of National Urban Indian Youth and Young Adult Advisory Council Members (Youth Council).  The 2020 – 2021 class of NCUIH Youth Council members include Elizabeth Alexander (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma), Taejonon Denetclaw, (Navajo Nation), Lauren Etcitty (Navajo Nation), Samuel Stollenwerck (Cherokee Nation), and Tia Yazzie (Navajo).

“In a time of political and national unrest, promoting the voices of our Native youth is of tantamount importance. In a year of record applicants to our Youth Council, it is clear that our youth are yearning to connect with each other. We are proud of the Indigi-Wellness Healer campaign ran by our most recent cohort to promote healthy relationships and Native healing. We can’t wait to see what these five new leaders do in the next year when we all can benefit from resources during these challenge times,” said Francys Crevier, Chief Executive Officer of NCUIH.

Meet the 2020 Youth Council

Elizabeth Alexander
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
Shawnee, OK
Taejonon Denetclaw
Navajo Nation
Albuquerque, NM
Lauren Etcitty
Navajo Nation
Flagstaff, AZ
Samuel Stollenwerck Cherokee Nation
Golden, CO
Tia Yazzie
Navajo Nation
West Valley City, UT

About the Youth Council

The NCUIH Youth Council (Youth Council) was created to uplift our Native youth and young adults and make sure they have a seat at the table to advocate for better access to prevention and recovery services to address the challenges facing American Indian and Alaska Natives living in urban areas. The Youth Council consists of 5 young adults, between the ages of 18 to 24, who will be working over a 12 month period to advance prevention and awareness of youth suicide, substance misuse, and mental health challenges faced by urban American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth and young adults. Since 2018, the NCUIH partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has created opportunities for Native young adults to share, learn, and advocate for initiatives to address suicide and substance misuse in AI/AN communities, while providing a leadership experience to assist and support their professional development.

Selection Process

NCUIH’s National Urban Indian Youth Council applicants were selected from a pool of highly competitive youth applicants, between the ages of 18 and 24, which provided for consideration a comprehensive application judged by an independent review committee of partnering organizations including the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY), United National Indian Tribal National Youth Inc. (UNITY), National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) , the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) and THRIVE. NCUIH sincerely thanks the staff who supported the review of Youth Council applications.

2019 Class Youth Council Announces Winners from Indigi-Wellness Healer Campaign

In addition to the selection of NCUIH’s 2020 class of youth council members, NCUIH acknowledges the work of the 2019 Youth Council class in successfully completing their Indigi-Wellness Healer Campaign using the hashtags #IndigiLove and #NativeLove. Winners

  • 1st Place – Marina McDermott (Blackfeet Cree from Seattle, WA)
  • 2nd Place – Stevi Johnson (Absentee Shawnee from Oklahoma City, OK)
  • 3rd Place Mikail Melcher (Mi’kmaq) West Roxbury, MA

As Native youth continue to struggle with wellness challenges because of COVID-19, NCUIH’s youth council created a platform that amplifies youth voices and stories to the national level through its Indigi-Wellness Healer Campaign (www.ncuih.org/indigiwellnesshealer). The Indigi-Wellness Healer Campaign was a social media campaign by Native Youth for Native Youth consisting of two hashtag themes – #NativeHealing and #IndigiLove – to express the importance of mental & physical wellness and healthy Native relationships, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. The Indigi-Wellness Healer Campaign aimed to inspire Native youth to heal, to promote self- love, and love between family, friends, and partners. It is the 2019 Youth Council’s hope that this will improve the overall health of Native youth for future generations.  The campaign was conducted in partnership with UNITY, CNAY, WeRNative, and Healthy Native Youth.

 

NCUIH Youth Council Indigi-Wellness Healer Infographic

Learn more about the Youth Council here or contact Sebouh Kouyoumjian, MPA/HSA at (202) 544-0344 or skouyoumjian@ncuih.org.

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About the National Council of Urban Indian HealthThe National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the national organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban settings. NCUIH envisions a nation where comprehensive, culturally competent personal and public health services are available and accessible to AI/ANs living in urban communities throughout the United States.  NCUIH is the only organization that represents all 41 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) federally funded by the Indian Health Service.

UIOs Included in Community Care Act to Provide COVID-19 Resources to Underserved Communities

On September 9, 2020, Representatives Lee (CA-13), Bass (CA-37), Kelly (IL-2), Chu (CA-27), Castro (TX-20), Haaland (NM-1), and Davids (KS-3) introduced the COVID Community Care Act. The bill, if passed, would establish a contact tracing program through community-based organizations and nonprofits. The bill would also provide $8.4 billion in grants to community based programs and nonprofits to conduct contact tracing with $400 million dollars going to fund COVID-19 programs administered by IHS, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations (UIOs).

The COVID Community Cares Act also requires that the Secretary of Health and Human Services participate in an urban confer with UIOs before implementing the program. The bill will provide this funding to organizations that conduct contact tracing in areas with higher rates of COVID-19, a high percentage of minority residents, or those who have historically lacked access to healthcare. In order to access the funds, those hired must have experience and relationships with the people living in the community being served. The COVID Community Care Act aims to ensure that communities subject to institutionalized racism have the tools to protect themselves from the coronavirus. The bill is supported by both co-chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus.

https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-lee-bass-kelly-chu-castro-haaland-davids-introduce-legislation-to-provide-covid-19-resources-to-community-based-organizations-in-underserved-communities_-

PRESS RELEASE: National Native Organizations Come Together in Support of Hope for Life Day for Indigenous Communities During Suicide Prevention Week

According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death of AI/ANs.


Washington, D.C. (September 11, 2020) – This week, National Native Organizations (the National Council of Urban Indian Health, the National Indian Health Board and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board) came together to honor and celebrate Hope for Life Day (September 10, 2020) to bring awareness to the suicide disparities faced by Indigenous people across the U.S., especially our youth.  With suicide being the second leading cause of death of American Indian and Alaska Natives, it is important to promote hope and resilience resources to counter the effects of current COVID-19 isolation practices which can lead to stress, worry and depression.“The pandemic of suicide has been taking precious Native lives for far too long. With the new pandemic of COVID-19 ravaging Native communities, it is more important than ever that we find ways to bring the community together and highlight the resilience of our people. This week, we joined with the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board to promote hope, life, cultural resiliency and community transformation during this important week. As our population is being decimated by the deadly virus of COVID-19, we need our youth to know that we need them here now more than ever. One more death is too many,” said Francys Crevier, NCUIH Chief Executive Officer.

“The National Indian Health Board recognizes that many American Indians and Alaska Natives are experiencing extraordinary challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is within our purview as Tribal leaders, community members, parents, elders and neighbors to watch out and protect one another, especially our Native youth. Hope for Life Day brings together community for the purpose of healing and brings a sense of hope to those who may be suffering and having thoughts of suicide. NIHB is proud to be a part of the solution for Indian Country by providing technical assistance to the Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention (SASP) grantees. We have seen much progress and success with the program as it fosters community mobilization and a community driven approach to these concerns – providing a beacon of hope for many,” said NIHB CEO Stacy A. Bohlen.

“In the world that is sadly filled too much with hate, ugliness, hurt, we can find hope and the light in those we love. The simple hellos, the simple how are you, the simple it’s good to see you, is a light we can all give without hesitation. Because it’s those little things that may often mean the world to someone without us even realizing it. So please if you can do anything on this day, tomorrow and every day after, please be kind, please love one another, please uplift a loved one, a friend, a relative and even a stranger… be that light today that our future needs,” says NPAIHB Chairman Nickolaus Lewis.

In 2015, the Annual National American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Hope for Life Day (Suicide Prevention Awareness Day) was put forward as a resolution at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Mid-Year Conference in 2015 after a year collaborative effort by the Action Alliance’s AI/AN Task Force. Since then, National Native Organizations have partnered each year on September 10, which is during Suicide Prevention Week to raise awareness.

This week the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board’s (NPAIHB) THRIVE/ WeRNative initiatives partnered to host a Hope for Life Media Campaign for Suicide Prevention, using the hashtag #HopeForLife. Resources and positive messaging were shared via social media sites, respectively, which will continue to be available to the community through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

On Wednesday, September 9, NCUIH co-hosted a Facebook live event with NIHB and NPAIHB THRIVE/WeRNative titled “Suicide Prevention in the Age of COVID-19”, where representatives from both urban and tribal communities, as well as youth shared on their suicide prevention and awareness activities.  The American Indian Health and Family Services (AIHFS), an Urban Indian Organization in Detroit, presented on their Sacred Bundle and “post-vention” programs to support the continuation of mental health screenings for the youth and adults in their community during the pandemic. Adon Vasquez (Cherokee) and Karyna Sitkowski presented from AIHFS.  Also, Mr. Roger Clark (Paiute) from the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah presented on their Mus- Pu-Vu Program, funded by the former Indian Health Service MSPI Program (Methamphetamine, Suicide, Prevention Initiative).  Ms. Lael Tate (Diné),  Suicide Prevention Project Coordinator, shared outcomes from the NPAIHB’s youth conference that transitioned to virtual due to COVID-19.  During the conference youth created art, poetry and videos to promote their #IndigiLoveBeginsWithI recently released campaign. A video was shared that captured the event’s experience through their own words and pictures.

The Facebook event recording is available here.

Facebook Live Event  –  Lael Tate (Diné),  Suicide Prevention Project Coordinator, NPAIHB

On Thursday, September 10, the organizations hosted a Tweetstorm event: #HopeForLife. Sample messaging was provided to use during this time, to raise awareness of common warning signs for suicide, resources for self-care, and mental health resources to share with others.

This year’s NCUIH Youth Council created an Indigi-Wellness Healer Campaign ahead of Hope for Life Day where they created 2 infographics and ran an online social media campaign to promote healthy relationships and prevent suicide in youth. Last year, the NCUIH Youth Council hosted a month-long Indigi-Wellness Champion Campaign that kicked off on Hope for Life Day.

NCUIH Youth Council Indigi-Wellness Healer Infographic

More resources and information are available online for the Hope for Life Campaign.

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Learn More

Facebook Event: Suicide Prevention in the Age of COVID-19

Watch the Facebook Event: Suicide Prevention in the Age of COVID-19
Watch Recording

Social Media Campaign Graphics

 

About the National Council of Urban Indian Health

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the national organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban settings. NCUIH envisions a nation where comprehensive, culturally competent personal and public health services are available and accessible to AI/ANs living in urban communities throughout the United States.  NCUIH is the only organization that represents all 41 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) federally funded by the Indian Health Service.

About the National Indian Health Board

Established by the Tribes to advocate as the united voice of federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, the National Indian Heatlh Board (NIHB) seeks to reinforce Tribal sovereignty, strengthen Tribal health systems, secure resources, and build capacity to achieve the highest level of health and well-being for our People.

About the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board

The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB or the Board) is a non-profit tribal advisory organization serving the forty-three federally recognized tribes of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. NPAIHB houses a tribal epidemiology center, several health promotion disease prevention projects, and is active in Indian health policy. We R Native is housed at the Board and is a comprehensive health resource for Native youth, by Native youth, providing content and stories about the topics that matter most to them. We R Native strives to promote holistic health and positive growth in local communities and the nation at large. The suicide prevention project at the Board is Tribal Health: Reaching out InVolves Everyone (THRIVE).

Tweetstorm

Contact:
Meredith Raimondi
mraimondi@NCUIH.org
202-932-6615

Project Firstline Update

Project Firstline: UIO Funding Opportunity Pre-Application Webinar Today @ 1:00 PM Eastern

NCUIH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are collaborating on an infection prevention and control (IPC) training initiative for UIO healthcare workers designed to protect the nation from infectious disease threats such as COVID-19.

Register for Pre-Application Webinar
Wednesday September 9, 1:00pm ET
 

UIO Infection Prevention & Control “Champion” Funding Opportunity

5 Awards Up to $40,000
Application Deadline 9/30/2020
Click to View Sample Application Packet & Requirements
Click to Apply

Goal of the Champion Initiative

Identify and implement sustainable UIO systemic changes in infection prevention and control critical to a culture of safety and create organizations that are flexible and responsive to ongoing needs during the pandemic and beyond.

Visit our project website to learn more.

Opportunity Overview for UIO IPC Systems Champions (IPCSC)

  • Maximum of 5 UIOs will be selected
  • Competitive awards of up to $40,000
  • Duration of participation is 8 months (November 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021)
  • Application deadline: September 30, 2020 at 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time
  • Participation requires a commitment to complete the core set of required activities
  • Selected Systems Champions will support information gathering, training module and modality development, pilot testing of materials, and participation in frontline staff training within their organization, including potential participation in CDC-supported Project Echo activities
  • NCUIH staff bring expertise, experience and support in multiple performance improvement methodologies, including LEAN, Six Sigma, and Just Culture
  • Participants are provided access to CDC and other subject matter and training experts
  • Option to participate in additional infection prevention and control train-the-trainer opportunities offered by CDC

Project Firstline: UIO Funding Opportunity, Student Fellowships, Hiring Consultants

Project Firstline:
UIO Funding Opportunity, Student Fellowships, Hiring Consultants

NCUIH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are collaborating on an infection prevention and control (IPC) training initiative for UIO healthcare workers.

CDC’s Project Firstline is a collaborative of diverse healthcare and public health partners that aims to provide engaging, innovative, and effective infection control training to more than 6 million healthcare personnel in the United States. Project Firstline will provide every person working in a U.S. healthcare facility the foundational understanding of infection control to protect the nation from infectious disease threats such as COVID-19.

NCUIH is pleased to announce the following opportunities (click to learn more):

Visit our project website to learn more.

IPC Project Champions Funding Opportunity

NCUIH is recruiting Urban Indian Organizations (UIO) to become Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Systems Champions to undertake locally-defined initiatives accompanied by a core set of requirements for targeted training and development as part of Project Firstline. Selected UIOs will have the opportunity to tailor activities and learning opportunities unique to Indian Country and to share their knowledge and expertise in adapting current IPC guidelines to combat the current COVID-19 pandemic on the frontlines of their organizations.

Collaborative activities will be facilitated by NCUIH and co-created by UIO IPC Systems Champions in a model that embraces Champions as teacher-learner and relies on 4 key principles of adult learning (involvement, experience-based, problem-centered, immediate relevance).

Goal of the Champion Initiative

Identify and implement sustainable UIO systemic changes in infection prevention and control critical to a culture of safety and create organizations that are flexible and responsive to ongoing needs during the pandemic and beyond.

Opportunity Overview for UIO IPC Systems Champions (IPCSC)

  • Maximum of 5 UIOs will be selected
  • Competitive awards of up to $40,000
  • Duration of participation is 8 months (November 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021)
  • Application deadline: September 30, 2020 at 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time
  • Participation requires a commitment to complete the core set of required activities
  • Selected Systems Champions will support information gathering, training module and modality development, pilot testing of materials, and participation in frontline staff training within their organization, including potential participation in CDC-supported Project Echo activities
  • NCUIH staff bring expertise, experience and support in multiple performance improvement methodologies, including LEAN, Six Sigma, and Just Culture
  • Participants are provided access to CDC and other subject matter and training experts
  • Option to participate in additional infection prevention and control train-the-trainer opportunities offered by CDCClick for more info

    Application Deadline September 30, 2020 11:59 pm ET

  • Learn More About IPC Champions

Student Fellowships

NCUIH is seeking fellowship applications from students in public health, health, communications, nursing, medicine or other related disciplines to support CDC-funded infection prevention and control training project activities.

Fellowship recipients should have a focus on urban Native health in one of the following areas:

  • infection prevention and control
  • public health
  • public health nursing
  • mental health
  • behavioral health
  • health communication
  • improving health processes
  • improving health quality
  • or a related area

Click for more info

Application Deadline September 30, 2020 11:59 pm ET

Apply for Fellowship

Part Time Virtual Training Consultant – Infection Prevention and Control

UIO Virtual Trainer – Infection Prevention and Control: The Infection Prevention and Control Virtual Trainer Consultant will serve as the primary training facilitator to Urban Indian Organization (UIO) health care and other frontline staff on infection prevention and control content in support of NCUIH’s CDC Project Firstline.

Requirements and Qualifications:

  • Professional experience working with American Indian and Alaska Native populations in health care is required.
  • Deep understanding of cultural aspects of working with American Indian and Alaska Native populations is required.
  • Current health care provider licensing/ credentialing or recent experience as a health care provider such as a nurse, physician, community health outreach worker is required.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of infection prevention and control practices, policies, and procedures is required.
  • Polished verbal communication and facilitation skills required.
  • Experience in online or virtual training technology platforms required.
  • Experience working for an Urban Indian Organization, the Indian Health Service or tribal facility in an urban or metropolitan area is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with the Zoom platform is preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse groups of people is preferred.
  • Preference given to candidates who are American Indian or Alaska Native.

 

Application Deadline September 14, 2020 11:59 pm ET

Apply as Virtual Trainer Consultant

Part Time Infection Prevention and Control Program Subject Matter Expert Consultant

Infection Prevention and Control Program and Process Improvement Subject Matter Expert (SME) Consultant: The Infection Prevention and Control Program and Process Improvement SME will provide consultation to Urban Indian Organization (UIO) health care and other frontline staff in the assessment, implementation, and improvement of successful infection prevention and control programs and practices in outpatient clinic settings including subject matter expertise on SAR-COV-2 management, in support of NCUIH’s CDC Project Firstline.

Requirements and Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated expertise in infection prevention and control practices, policies, and programs is required.
  • Current certification in infection prevention and control is strongly preferred.
  • Experience working or consulting in infection prevention and control in an ambulatory setting is required.
  • Demonstrated expertise in SARS-COV-2 infection prevention and control program and practice management is required.
  • Current health care provider licensing/ credentialing or recent experience as a health care provider such as a nurse, physician, community health outreach worker is required.
  • Polished verbal communication skills required.
  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse groups of people, including American Indians and Alaska Natives is preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience working with Indian Health Services, Tribal Health Systems, or Urban Indian Organizations is preferred.
  • Preference given to candidates who are American Indian or Alaska Native.

Application Deadline September 14, 2020 11:59 pm ET

Apply as IPC SME Consultant

National Council of Urban Indian Health Announces Wisdom Keepers: Campaign to Raise Awareness of Alzheimers and Dementia for Urban Indian Elders

Studies show that 1 out of 3 American Indian and Alaska Natives over the age of 65 are at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

 

Washington, D.C. (September 4, 2020) – Today, the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) announced the launch of a social media campaign during the month of September to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and related dementia within the American Indian and Alaska Native community and to encourage urban Indians to visit their local Urban Indian Organization for health screening and wellness check-ups. The campaign was funded through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“As our country is battling COVID-19, it is important that our communities are doing all they can to stay healthy. The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) was honored to partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on this critical project. In Native culture, our elders are the most revered members of our communities and we want to make sure they can keep their wisdom for years to come. We hope that this campaign will help our urban Indian communities raise necessary awareness about important risk reduction efforts for Alzheimer’s and related dementia,” said Francys Crevier, Chief Executive Officer of NCUIH.