Launch of the IHS National Health Coach Pilot Project

Posted in: #CC/Academic List, #Health Interest List, #Health Sciences List, #Public/K-12 List, All Members

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IHS is announcing the launch of the National Health Coach Pilot Project, a much-anticipated effort led by the Division of Clinical and Community Services that will deliver health coach training to community and health professionals in Indian Country. The program aims to further advance the agency’s commitment to improving health care service delivery and enhancing critical public health services to strengthen the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Two cohorts of 50 participants each will participate in six-month training sessions. The first cohort will complete their six-month training from April to October 2022. Eligible participants include community and health care professionals working across tribal communities and clinical settings who provide health information and patient education to Native patients and communities. After completing this training, participants will be able to use current evidence-based health coaching techniques to facilitate improved patient care. Applications for the first cohort must be submitted by March 16, and all applicants are required to meet the criteria outlined on the project website.

Upon completion of the pilot project in 2024, the IHS will use the results and feedback from participants to assess the feasibility of establishing a health and wellness coach and behavior change approach at the clinical and community levels.

The health and wellness coaching field is an emerging discipline that champions healthy behavior changes as a means of avoiding, reducing the incidence, or lessening the effects of chronic lifestyle-related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Health and wellness coaches are experts on human behavior, motivation, and health, helping their clients set and achieve health goals and build new habits.

We encourage you to share information on this exciting opportunity across the Indian health system. For more information, please visit the National Health Coach Pilot Project website or contact Project Manager Michelle Archuleta.