A Sampling of Web Resources on Native American Health

Posted in: #Health Interest List, All Members, Articles, Blog
Tags: #American Indian, #harm reduction, #Native American

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NNLM Region 4 staffers found some helpful resources and tips for engaging American Indian and Alaska Native community members at the 10^th Annual National Native Harm Reduction Summit last month.

The meeting organized by the National Indian Health Board brought together tribal and allied health care and behavioral health providers as well as social service providers, public health professionals, people who use drugs or are in recovery, and others. Participants focused on harm reduction, an approach that lessens the negative consequences of behaviors related to such conditions as hepatitis C, HIV and drug use.

Region 4 coordinators Dana Abbey and George Strawley shared a few of many resources potentially useful to librarians and community-based organizations:

• The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board offers a page of COVID-19 materials for AI/AN community members.
• The Paths (Re)Membered Project provides materials for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ community members in support of health equity.
• The Star Collection books for young AI/AN readers feature and celebrate feeling connected to culture and community. The books depict positive, safe and nurturing relationships and are intended for K-3 readers. They are accompanied by an educator guide, activities and translations of selected words into Native American languages.
• The Association of American Indian Physicians maintains a toolkit on Adverse Childhood Experiences, otherwise known as ACEs.
• The Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network produced a documentary titled Promising Practices in Eskasoni, one of three videos showing how Indigenous communities are using culturally relevant harm reduction to enhance health outcomes.
• The University of New Mexico’s Native Health Database contains bibliographic information and abstracts of health-related articles, reports, surveys, and other resource documents pertaining to the health and health care of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Canadian First Nations. 

 

The NIHB is also planning the virtual National Tribal Health Conference on Oct. 4-8, focusing on “The Future of Native Health in Our Changing World.” In Utah, the 15^th Annual Governor’s Native American Summit – which covers a range of issues beyond just health – takes place Friday.