American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Native American Child Health Seeking Nominees for Four Psychologists for Pediatric Consultation Visits

The American Psychological Association (APA) recently issued an invitation for four (4) psychologist self-nominations to participate in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Native American Child Health (CONACH) pediatric consultation visits. The AAP CONACH develops policies and programs that improve the health of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and advocates for AI/AN child health. The CONACH also conducts pediatric consultations visits to Indian Health Services and Tribal health facilities. Psychologists selected will also participate in the APA Advisory Group, which consists of APA staff from multiple APA offices (Practice; Public Interest; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI); and Advocacy; as well as representation from the Society of Indian Psychologists).

Nominees must submit the completed application materials to the APA Advisory Group (ohcf@apa.org) by Monday April 4, 2022. NCUIH encourages eligible UIO psychologists to apply because of the unique psychological needs of urban AI/AN children and the culturally focused care that UIOs provide the AI/AN community generally.  Questions should be e-mailed to ohcf@apa.org.

Background and Call to Action

In an effort to further the APA’s commitment to dismantle systemic racism, the CONACH offers expertise to individuals and groups concerned about the issues facing AI/AN children.  CONACH Committee members maintain contact with tribal, urban, and Indian Health Service (IHS) programs, and keep up with important changes, legislation, and regulations that affect AI/AN health in general and AI/AN child health. By participating in CONACH and pediatric consultation visits, psychologists will facilitate the development and expansion of integrating psychological practice in AI/AN communities to address social determinates of health and health inequities.

In order to strengthen representation, and come to solutions that are culturally appropriate, the APA is seeking four psychologist nominees who can meet the following needs and expectations:

• Indigenous licensed pediatric/child psychologist and/or experience practicing in hospital or ambulatory practice settings serving AI/AN children and their communities
• Familiarity and/or expertise with relevant government or clinical initiatives in tribal health, urban Indian health or IHS programs
• Ability to meet deadlines and respond to issues and requests promptly
• Excellent written and public speaking skills
• Geographic representation from any state with significant AI/AN communities, and/or AI/AN heritage
• Time to devote to the pediatric consultation visits that CONACH requires. The pediatric consultation visits typically require 3-4 days with travel over a weekend, depending on the location of the consultation visit. Typically, psychologists would participate in one pediatric consultation visit per year, but there may be two required for 2022. The first visit would occur in May of 2022. Travel to the consultation will be covered by APA. Due to evolving nature of the public health emergency, site visits may be held virtually.
• Time to devote to participation in the APA Advisory Group which will meet for 1 hour quarterly.