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.