NCUIH

Prevention in Practice: Collaborating on Effective Immunization Strategies
2025-11-12 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
November 12, 2025 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET

Prevention in Practice: Collaborating on Effective Immunization Strategies
Join the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) and health professionals serving Native communities for an engaging virtual session on effective vaccine practices. This discussion will highlight common immunizations, the latest clinical recommendations, and the experiences of Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) leading immunization efforts in their communities.
Participants will:

Review current immunizations and national guidelines
Hear UIO perspectives on successes and challenges in vaccine programming
Engage in an open discussion to share insights, strategies, and best practices

Presenter:

Alyssa Longee, MPH, BSN, RN, CPN (Assiniboine/Sioux – Fort Peck)
Public Health Program Manager, NCUIH

An Introduction to Narrative Therapy: Storytelling as a Path to Healing
2025-11-20 14:00 - 15:00
November 20, 2025 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
This 60 minute webinar explores how Narrative Therapy uses the power of storytelling to support healing. Participants will learn how centering personal and community stories fosters resilience and well-being, with a focus on culturally responsive applications for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. This session is designed for Urban Indian Organizations and anyone interested in integrating storytelling and narrative practices into behavioral health services.
Objectives:

Understand the foundations of Narrative Therapy and how it supports behavioral health by centering personal and community stories in the healing process.
Recognize culturally responsive applications of Narrative Therapy for American Indian and Alaska Native communities, including the role of tradition, identity, and resilience.
Identify practical strategies and resources for integrating storytelling and narrative practices into behavioral health services at Urban Indian Organizations and other care settings.

Using SMART Objectives and Logic Models to Drive Innovation
2025-12-11 14:00 - 14:45
December 11, 2025 | 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. ET

Using SMART Objectives and Logic Models to Drive Innovation
Innovative ideas in healthcare need a roadmap. This session introduces SMART objectives and logic models as essential tools for Urban Indian Organizations to design, implement, and measure new approaches for grant program planning. Drawing from a public health framework, participants will learn how to connect vision to action, align innovation with community priorities, and demonstrate meaningful impact to funders, partners, and stakeholders.
Presenter:

Lyz Best, MPH, MA, Manager of Technical Assistance, NCUIH

Objectives:

Turn innovative healthcare ideas into actionable strategies through key public health tools.
Design SMART goals to transform innovative concepts into specific and measurable steps that guide program design.
Understand how to use logic models to develop effective programs for patients and communities.

Audience:

UIO ED/CEOs
UIO Staff

Strengthening Vaccine Confidence in Native Communities: Mass Media and Outreach Strategies
2026-01-21 14:00 - 14:40
January 21, 2026 | 2:00 – 2:40 p.m. ET

Mass Media and Outreach Strategies
This session is the second event in NCUIH’s Strengthening Vaccine Confidence in Native Communities Community of Learning series. Healthcare workers serving American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities will explore how mass media, digital outreach, and trusted messengers can support informed vaccine decision-making and community wellness. The discussion will focus on shared clinical decision-making, effective communication approaches, and practical outreach strategies. Participants will also hear examples from Urban Indian Organizations demonstrating successful digital vaccine promotion efforts.

Smart Health Access: The Rise of Wellness Vending Machines
2026-01-29 14:00 - 14:45
January 29, 2026 | 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. ET

Smart Health Access: The Rise of Wellness Vending Machines
What if getting Narcan or a hygiene kit was as simple as using an ATM?
With American Indian and Alaska Native people experiencing one of the highest drug overdose death rates in the U.S., Urban Indian communities are installing Wellness Vending Machines that provide free, anonymous access to Narcan, fentanyl test strips, condoms, hygiene kits, smudge kits, Plan B, and needle exchange supplies. These machines expand access, reduce stigma, and empower individuals to manage their health on their own terms bridging service gaps and promoting safer, healthier outcomes for all.
Presenters:

Johnny Delgado, BAIHP
Dr. Ashleigh Herrera, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, California State University, Bakersfield

Objectives:

Learn how medical vending machines work and how they’re being used to expand access to care, reduce stigma, and serve as tools for prevention.
Identify the steps and partnerships to implement this model in urban Indigenous communities
Discuss how low-barrier innovations like vending machines can support prevention, wellness, and outreach efforts.

Audience:

UIO ED/CEOs
UIO Staff
Tribal Partners and Tribes

Innovating Through Storytelling: Health Campaigns in the Digital Age
2026-02-26 14:00 - 14:45
February 26, 2026 | 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. ET

Innovating Through Storytelling: Health Campaigns in the Digital Age
This session is the final learning opportunity in our Community of Learning (COL) Series: Navigating the Future of Health Care. Grounded in innovation and community-centered practice, this session explores how storytelling can be used to co-create health campaigns with community rather than delivering messages to them. Participants will gain practical strategies for meaningfully engaging community voices throughout campaign design and implementation, and learn how to select digital platforms and impact measures that prioritize trust, engagement, and real-world impact over one-way information sharing.
Presenters:

Lyz Best, Manager of Technical Assistance, NCUIH
River Carroll, Policy and Events Communications Associate, NCUIH

Learning Objectives:

Use story mapping to co-create health campaigns with community members, centering lived experience and cultural values.
Identify practical strategies for meaningfully involving community voices throughout the design and implementation of health campaigns.
Select appropriate digital platforms and impact measures that reflect community engagement, trust, and real-world outcomes.

Audience:

UIO ED/CEOs
UIO Staff
Tribal Partners and Tribes

NCUIH Testifies Before Congress This Week on Native Health Priorities
2026-03-17 13:00 - 17:00
March 17, 2026 | 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) will testify before the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies during the American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness hearings. These hearings inform federal funding decisions that affect Native health programs nationwide.
What
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies – American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness
Day 1, Afternoon Session
When
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET
NCUIH Board President‑Elect Robyn Sunday‑Allen is currently scheduled to testify at approximately 2:10 PM ET.
Please note: Testimony times may change based on the flow of the hearing and external factors.
Where
Livestream (public)
The livestream page also includes links to written testimony and the list of witnesses.
https://appropriations.house.gov/schedule/hearings/interior-environment-and-related-agencies-american-indian-and-alaska-native

Rethinking Nutrition: Why Traditional Foods Matter in Wellness and Beyond
2026-03-26 14:00 - 15:00
March 26, 2026 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Despite the critical role nutrition plays in preventing and managing chronic disease, it is often inconsistently addressed in clinical care. This webinar explores how traditional foods and culturally grounded wellness practices can support whole-person health for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Designed for healthcare teams and community-based providers, the session highlights the connection between food as medicine, cultural knowledge, and improved health outcomes, while offering practical, respectful ways to integrate nutrition and holistic health conversations into clinical visits and community programs to promote healing, connection, and long-term wellness.
Presenters:

Nahla Holland, Senior Research Associate, NCUIH, Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation
Lyz Best, Manager of Technical Assistance, NCUIH

Objectives:

Explain the connection between traditional foods, food as medicine, and improved health outcomes.
Learn practical ways to integrate nutrition conversations and traditional food practices into clinical visits and community programs. Holistic approaches to health conversations.
Identify approaches for using nutrition to strengthen community connection, promote healing, and support long-term wellness.

Audience:

UIO ED/CEOs
UIO Staff
Tribal Partners and Tribes

Continuing Nursing Education (CNE)
Cardea Services is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.​​​
Upon successful completion of this activity 1.0 contact hours will be awarded.

Continuing Medical Education (CME)
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the California Medical Association (CMA) through the joint providership of Cardea and National Council of Urban Indian Health. Cardea is accredited by the CMA to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Cardea designates this live event for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Successful completion of this continuing education activity includes the following:

Attending the entire CE activity
Completing the online evaluation
Submitting an online CE Request

Strengthening Vaccine Confidence in Native Communities: Peer-to-Peer Support Session
2026-04-15 14:00 - 14:30
April 15, 2026 | 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET

Peer-to-Peer Support Session
NCUIH will host a Community of Learning session titled Strengthening Vaccine Confidence in Native Communities: Peer-to-Peer Support Session on April 15, 2026, from 2:00–2:30 PM ET.
This 30-minute interactive session will provide an open forum for Urban Indian Organization staff and immunization professionals to connect, share updates, and engage in peer-to-peer discussion about immunization practices. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss recent vaccine guidance, exchange strategies for strengthening vaccine programs, and share challenges and best practices with colleagues serving Native communities. Anonymous discussion submissions will also be available to encourage open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.
The session will feature Alyssa Smith-Longee, MPH, BSN, RN, CPN (Assiniboine/Sioux – Fort Peck), who will help guide the discussion and facilitate peer exchange.
Participants will:

Discuss updates related to vaccines and immunization guidance
Engage in peer dialogue around program challenges, best practices, and communication approaches
Share resources that support vaccine programs serving Native communities

Urban Indian Organization staff are encouraged to attend and participate in this collaborative discussion.

NCUIH 2026 Annual Conference
2026-04-27 - 2026-04-30 | The Westin Downtown, 999 9th St NW, Washington, DC, DC, 20001, United States
April 27-April 30, 2026 | Washington, D.C.

2026 NCUIH Annual Conference: Celebrating 50 Years of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act

Join us for the NCUIH Annual Conference on April 27 – April 30, 2026 in Washington, D.C.
This year’s conference will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) and highlight five decades of progress, collaboration, and continued commitment to Native health.
The conference provides a vital platform for Urban Indian Organizations, health care professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates to come together and discuss critical issues related to urban Indian health.

Monday, April 27: Training for Urban Indian Organization Boards of Directors
Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28 – 29: Conference Programming
Thursday, April 30: Hill Day
Note: Hill Visits are for IHS UIOs only and will require pre-registration.

Register now to secure your spot, and stay tuned for more information, including the full conference agenda, which will be shared soon.
Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact our conference organizers at conference@ncuih.org.

Listening Session: National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program (IN PERSON)
2026-04-28 11:00 - 11:45 | The Westin Downtown, 999 9th St NW, Washington, DC, DC, 20001, United States
April 28, 2026 | 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. ET
Listening Session: National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program (IN PERSON)
Accelerating Discovery Through Partnered Research Studies Using All of Us Participant Data and Biosamples
The National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program is hosting two listening sessions to discuss an upcoming program initiative requiring Tribal community input.
The All of Us (AoU) Research Program was established to accelerate health research and medical discoveries so that everyone can get personalized healthcare to prevent and treat disease through an approach called precision medicine. The program remains committed to respectful and ongoing engagement with Tribal Nations regarding the use of data and samples (like blood, urine or saliva) from self-identified American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) participants.
In 2026, AoU will accept researcher proposals for new studies using de-identified participant samples. Researchers outside of NIH will have the opportunity for the first time to propose Partnered Research Studies (PRS) and apply for access to AoU participant samples. Researchers from universities and colleges, non-profit organizations, private companies, government agencies, and other research institutions in the United States and around the world can apply to use AoU participant donated samples.
Understanding Tribal sovereignty and consultation, All of Us plans to exclude samples from self-identified AI/AN participants for selection until meaningful engagement and guidance is received from Tribal leaders, Urban Indian organizations, and Indigenous communities.
During these listening sessions, we will discuss and gather feedback on how AI/AN samples may be respectfully and safely included in future research initiatives and review current protections and policies regarding use of AI/AN data in All of Us.
Presenters:

Dr. Minnkyong Lee, Ph.D., Acting Chief Engagement Officer
Dr. Lee is the Acting Chief Engagement Officer for the NIH All of Us Research Program. Since 2017, Dr. Lee has been working with All of Us awardees to identify and disseminate best practices in the engagement and retention of participants and researchers. Prior to All of Us, she worked with animal models and big data at the National Human Genome Research Institute. In her spare time, she has taught and volunteered at local institutions, including Northern Virginia Community College, the University of the District of Columbia, the University of Maryland, and the Marian Koshland Science Museum.
Dr. Josh Denny, M.D., M.S., Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Denny is a medical doctor, proud father of four children, and Chief Executive Officer of the All of Us Research Program at the National Institutes of Health. Before leading All of Us, he was a practicing physician and a leader in personalized medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he focused on using electronic health records and genetic information to better understand and treat disease. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Society for Clinical Investigation, and he has authored over 400 peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. Sheri Schully, Ph.D., Deputy Chief Medical and Scientific Officer
Dr. Schully is the deputy chief medical and scientific officer and the lead for ancillary studies in the All of Us Research Program at the National Institutes of Health. Through her leadership, she is establishing ancillary studies as a core and scalable capability of the program that will expand the cohort and deliver new phenotypic, lifestyle, environmental, and biological data to the All of Us Researcher Workbench. Dr. Schully has been involved with shaping the program and setting the scientific vision and strategy since its inception. Prior to this role, she was a team lead and senior advisor for disease prevention in the Office of Disease Prevention (ODP). There, she led the effort to systematically monitor NIH investments in prevention research and assess the progress of that research. She also served as the team lead for the Knowledge Integration Team as well as a program officer in the Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). She came to the NIH as an NCI-designated Presidential Management Fellow in 2005. Dr. Schully’s research interests include genomics, personalized medicine, and the integration of genetic and genomic information into clinical and public health practices. Her work has been published in numerous high-impact scientific journals. She earned both a Ph.D. in biological sciences with a concentration in population genetics and a B.S. in zoology with a minor in chemistry from Louisiana State University.

The listening session will focus on:

Providing an overview of the All of Us.
Introducing the Partnered Research Studies (PRS) initiative.
Soliciting input on the inclusion/exclusion of self-identified AI/AN biospecimens in PRS.
Gathering recommendations/concerns to inform the later Tribal Consultation.

Audience:

UIO ED/CEOs
UIO Staff
