This episode of the NCUIH Native Healthcast delves into the crucial topic of civic engagement and social determinants of health (SDOH). The discussion between hosts Meredith Raimondi, Vice President of Policy & Communications, and Jeremy Grabiner, Interim Congressional Relations Director, highlights how non-medical factors can significantly influence health outcomes in urban Indigenous communities. From access to housing, clean water, and nutritious food to the impact of voting on physical and mental health, this episode explores the intricate relationship between social conditions and well-being.

Political decisions can significantly influence SDOHs. Research shows that increased voter engagement correlates with better health outcomes. Addressing these disparities through civic participation can break the cycle of biased health policies perpetuating existing health disparities. Efforts by voting rights organizations are crucial in raising awareness and advocating for equitable voting access. Initiatives like integrating voter registration services into health facilities, led by the Biden administration, aim to make voting more accessible. By designating Urban Indian Organizations as National Voter Registration Act sites, individuals accessing health care services can register to vote easily.

The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Director of Communications and Events, and introduced by River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), Policy and Communications Associate at NCUIH.

In this episode of the NCUIH Native Healthcast, Alexandra Payan, JD, Federal Relations Manager, and Nahla Holland (Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation), Research Associate, explore how traditional healing practices can intertwine with Western health care systems, spotlighting the tangible positive impact of traditional healing on health outcomes at Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). Throughout the discussion, Alexandra and Nahla discuss the different types of traditional healing services utilized at UIOs, underscoring their pivotal role in cultural preservation and community well-being. They conclude by candidly addressing the pressing issue of funding constraints faced by UIOs in sustaining these invaluable services.

The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Director of Communications and Events, and introduced by River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), Policy and Communications Associate at NCUIH.

Tune in to the episode of the NCUIH Native Healthcast, where we delve into topics that impact urban Indigenous communities. In this episode, NCUIH hosts River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), Policy and Communications Associate, Tiffani Stark, MHA, Public Health Manager, and Myca Grant Hunthrop, MPH, Public Health Project Coordinator, discuss the public health campaign, “Be a Good Relative” which focuses on vaccine equity and initiatives within urban American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Join the conversation as they share what made the campaign successful in encouraging vaccination against COVID-19 and how NCUIH later expanded the campaign to include flu and RSV vaccines.

The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Director of Communications and Events, and introduced by River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), Policy and Communications Associate at NCUIH.

Join Meredith Raimondi, Vice President of Policy & Communications, and Chandos Culleen, JD, Senior Director of Federal Relations, Public Policy, in this episode as they delve into the crucial topic of stable funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the need for advance appropriations. Learn why stable funding for IHS, including for Urban Indian Organizations, is vital to delivering essential health care and social services to American Indian and Alaska Native people.

The episode draws attention to the pressing issue of the chronically underfunded IHS, with an estimated requirement of over $50 billion to meet the health care needs of Native communities. Advocacy for full funding for the IHS becomes paramount, with the ultimate goal of achieving mandatory appropriations for a reliable and consistent funding stream. Advance appropriations take center stage, identified as a critical step in the journey to achieve full, stable funding for the Indian Health Service. By securing funding for IHS in advance, this strategic approach aims to eliminate uncertainties and streamline the budgeting process for more efficient health care delivery.

The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Director of Communications and Events, and introduced by River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), Policy and Communications Associate at NCUIH.

Search key timestamps:

[00:02:06] Learn about what Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) are and how they work within the Indian Health System (IHS).

[00:04:39] Understand the landscape of the health care services for American Indian and Alaska Native people, understanding the role of UIOs in providing essential support to urban Native populations.

[00:10:00] Learn the funding challenges that hinder health care accessibility as Meredith and Chandos shed light on the obstacles faced by urban Native communities.

[00:13:33] Decode the concept of advance appropriations for IHS and its impact on delivering vital services.

[00:18:43] Join the conversation on advocacy efforts, exploring the strategies and initiatives aimed at securing increased funding for IHS.

[00:22:56] Delve into the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act, understanding its role in shaping the future landscape of health care for urban Native populations.

Join hosts Rori Collins, JD, Esq. (Nenana Native Village (Tanana Athabascan)), Public Policy Counsel at the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) and Chandos Culleen, JD, Senior Director of Federal Relations at NCUIH in an engaging discussion on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and its intersection with urban Native communities. ICWA is a federal procedural law that establishes minimum federal standards for the removal and placement of Native children in state child welfare proceedings. ICWA applies to all Native children, no matter where they reside, and ensures that Native children are kept in their communities and culture when it is safe and appropriate. This episode will discuss the history of ICWA, why ICWA is still important today, how ICWA applies to urban Native youth, and recent litigation surrounding ICWA. Listen now to gain a deeper understanding of ICWA's crucial role in safeguarding Native children and preserving Native communities.

The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Director of Communications and Events, and introduced by River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), Policy and Communications Associate at NCUIH.

Timestamps:

[00:02:13] Shedding light on the haunting reality of forced removal.

[00:04:33] Unveiling the historical context that led to ICWA.

[00:08:38] Understanding ICWA's role in child placement.

[00:12:37] Analyzing a recent Supreme Court case impacting ICWA.

[00:18:38] Recognizing ICWA's significance in urban Native communities.

[00:21:08] Exploring the symbiotic relationship between urban Native communities and ICWA.

[00:25:19] Acknowledging the crucial role of Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs.

[00:29:31] Examining the intersection of equal protection and an ICWA case.

[00:34:06] Understanding ICWA's role in protecting federal Indian law.

In this episode of the NCUIH Native Healthcast, we will highlight the voices of frontline healthcare workers who are employed by UIOs. This episode intends to create a space for UIO staff members to share their experiences related to implementing IPC practices, share policies which have proven successful in protecting patients and frontline staff, and share what challenges exist in providing high-quality health services in the unique setting which serves urban Indigenous communities. Indigenous Storytelling strategies will be used to convey experiences and takeaways within the conversation.

Welcome to the National Council of Urban Indian Health’s podcast on infection prevention and control education topics for our frontline warriors, our healthcare team members, serving American Indians and Urban Indian Health Organizations. In this episode we will be highlighting young, Native voices in health. Our goal in this podcast is to have a conversation to seek and highlight the voices of our young, Indigenous individuals who are in their early part of their career and attending higher education in health-related fields.

NCUIH Native Healthcast presents “Where We’ve Been & Where We’re Going” hosted by Vickie Oldman, with special guests Dr. Donald Warne and Zoë Harris.

In this exciting episode, Dr. Warne, a citizen of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, describes the historical contexts that affect Indigenous public health programming and shares his vision for a robust and inclusive health system that can meet the unique needs of indigenous communities. In the later portion of this episode, Zoë Harris, a citizen of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, discusses how Urban Indian Organizations can utilize infection prevention and control resources from Project Firstline to serve and protect our Indigenous relatives.