Rural Tribal Health – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
May 14, 2024 - The Ways and Means Committee of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Arizona heard testimony about concerns of Native American communities, and reaffirmed a commitment to help tribal and rural communities prosper. Topics included lack of access to healthcare, and the need for adopted children to maintain connections to their cultural heritage
Source: House Ways and Means Committee
May 13, 2024 - Describes a collaborative program between University of Colorado Boulder researchers and the Cuba, New Mexico Independent School District. Students, teachers, and stakeholders from neighboring rural communities and Navajo Nation chapters participate in an annual six-week summer program. Past sessions have focused on topics such as mental health needs and healthy food access.
Source: University of Colorado Boulder School of Education
May 12, 2024 - Reports on the 2,000-member Mi'kmaq Nation's efforts to use sweat lodges as a cultural element to complement addiction counseling and medications already provided by the tribe's health department. The project was partially funded by pharmaceutical companies that were accused of exacerbating the overdose crisis among Native Americans.
Source: National Public Radio
May 10, 2024 - Describes a Northern Arizona University project to study persistent disparities in autism services for children from underserved communities. The study is funded by a $2.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Source: Cronkite News
May 6, 2024 - Highlights a Native-managed healthcare system part of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, discussing their expanded facility and services coming later this year. Discusses the impact of healthcare on local infrastructure, recruiting healthcare workforce, and rural community resilience.
Source: Cronkite News
May 5, 2024 - Covers the ongoing syphilis epidemic in South Dakota and the state's efforts to intervene through increased education, screening, and prenatal care. Highlights disproportionate impacts on Indigenous populations and the launch of a mobile outreach program designed to increase testing and treatment availability in rural communities.
Source: South Dakota Searchlight
May 2, 2024 - Highlights disproportionate rates of American Indian/Alaska Native women and girls who are victims of homicide and sex trafficking. Offers recommendations for healthcare providers, including increased training, safety screenings, and culturally-responsive care.
Source: Indian Health Service
IHS: Removal of Outdated Regulations
Federal Register
Apr 30, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Indian Health Service (IHS) removing regulations that do not align with the current statutory text of the Hyde Amendment. Removing these regulations is intended to eliminate any potential confusion and align IHS guidelines with the applicable Congressional guidelines governing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This rule is effective May 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 30, 2024 - Highlights a USDA-funded initiative offering free, locally-sourced foods to residents of Unalaska Island, Alaska. Discusses barriers to food access on the island and efforts to support local producers.
Source: Unalaska Community Broadcasting
Apr 24, 2024 - Profiles the only psychiatrist in Navajo Nation who blends Western behavioral healthcare and cultural practices in his delivery of care. Discusses mental healthcare access, diabetes, recruiting healthcare workforce, and the impact of COVID-19.
Source: Cronkite News
Last Updated: 5/15/2024