PUBLIC HEALTH CAMPAIGNS

Be A Good Relative

National Council of Urban Indian Health and Native American Lifelines Announce DMV Vaccines for Natives

After months of barriers, urban Indians in the DMV will finally be able to get vaccinated.

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) and Native American Lifelines (NAL) are pleased to announce the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for urban Indians in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area. In partnership with the Indian Health Service and University of Maryland – Baltimore, registration is now available for appointments in Baltimore beginning on Wednesday, April 14.

Since last fall, NCUIH and NAL have pushed for inclusion of the 65,000 Natives in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia Metropolitan Area. As Natives are dying from COVID-19 at the highest rates worldwide, NCUIH has advocated to the federal government to prioritize this population for vaccines.

If you are unable to schedule your appointment online or are in need of transportation assistance, please call Jessica or Bri at Native (410) 837 – 2258 (x102 for Jessica and x106 for Bri). If you have already received one dose of Pfizer and need a second dose, please call the number above to schedule a second dose if you do not see the time available online.

No Ifs, Ands, or But(t)s… Get Screened Today!

What is colon cancer?

Colorectal cancer is found in the colon or rectum. This cancer can develop from the formation of polyps, or abnormal growths, that develop in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can detect cancer in the beginning stages as well as polyps that should be removed before they advance to cancer.

In one study, rates of colorectal cancer between 2012-2016 were 1.38 times higher in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) males compared with non-Hispanic white (NHW) males and 1.36 times higher in AI/AN females than NHW females.[1]

IHS Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) data indicate lower screening among AI/AN people nationwide.[2]

In 2017, some Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) were meeting colorectal screening targets, while others struggled to meet their goals. On average, UIO screening was 6-18% lower than its target goal of 40.2% of patients eligible for screening.[3]

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among American Indian and Alaska Native people and the second leading cause of cancer death.[4][5]

WISDOM KEEPERS

The National Council of Urban Indian Health has developed a social media campaign to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia; and to encourage urban American Indians and Alaska Natives to visit their local Urban Indian Organization for health screening and wellness check-ups. This campaign was developed in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Disclaimer: This publication was supported by grant number NU38OT000298-02-01 funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The mark “CDC” is owned by HHS and is used with permission. Use of this logo is not an endorsement by HHS or CDC of any particular product, service, or enterprise.

Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative (MSPI)

The Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative is a federally-funded program established to prevent suicide and methamphetamine use in Indian Country. MSPI funds 118 IHS, Tribal, and Urban community-based programs across the United States. On behalf of the Indian Health Service Division of Behavioral Health, NCUIH’s Technical Assistance and Research Center provides technical assistance and support to the 10 Urban MSPI grantees.

Urban MSPI programs use practice-based evidence, evidence-based practices, and culturally-based activities to decrease risk factors and strengthen protective factors associated with suicide and substance abuse prevention.