Rural Tribal Health – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Oct 29, 2024 - Discusses racial disparities in overdose death trends between 2021 and 2023. While overdose deaths dropped for White Americans, deaths increased for Black and Indigenous Americans. Highlights harm reduction efforts across the country and funding issues. Notes that rural areas have unique access challenges.
Source: Stateline
Oct 27, 2024 - Describes lack of access to running water and electricity in some parts of the Navajo Nation, and the impacts on health and other aspects of life. Details federally-funded efforts to extend power lines and improve connectivity, which have faced challenges related to the rugged landscape and the large size of the Navajo Nation.
Source: Associated Press
FNS: Agency Information Collection Activities: Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Participant Characteristics and Program Operations Study
Federal Register
Oct 25, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) seeking comments on a new information collection request related to the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Information collection will be used to provide current, nationally representative information on FDPIR participants and local program operations across the nation. The information collection will also provide FNS with a better understanding of the reasons for the decline in FDPIR participation and how to streamline and target food and nutrition education efforts, funding, and policy changes. Comments are due by December 24, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 24, 2024 - Notice from the Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) seeking comments on an information collection titled "Request for Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood." The information collected is used to certify that an individual's degree of Indian or Alaska Native blood under the laws authorizing BIA to administer program services to American Indians. Comments are due by November 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 18, 2024 - Examines high rates of substance abuse and overdose in Native American communities and the impacts of traditional healing practices that address cultural and spiritual needs. Notes that traditional healing practices will soon be covered by Medicaid and available through Indian Health Service facilities in California, Oregon, Arizona, and New Mexico. Provides overview of research on the efficacy of traditional healing practices for treating substance use disorder.
Source: KQED
Oct 16, 2024 - Announces an amendment to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to allow coverage of traditional healthcare practices at Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, tribal facilities, and urban Indian organizations in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Oregon. The action is expected to improve access to culturally appropriate healthcare. Notes the health disparities for American Indian and Alaska Native populations compared to the general population.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Oct 14, 2024 - Discusses higher breast cancer mortality rates among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women. Explores treatment barriers including transportation and long distances to care. Notes lower screening rates among AI/AN women and efforts to develop more culturally responsive outreach tools.
Source: ABC News
Sep 19, 2024 - Announces funding for tribal and urban Indian health systems offering dementia care and services. Notes that American Indian and Alaska Native people have higher rates of dementia and cognitive impairment compared to other populations.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Sep 11, 2024 - Discusses efforts by the Ho-Chunk Nation's Department of
Agriculture to support a strong local food system by
drawing on traditional knowledge and cultural practices.
Highlights programs that support Indigenous farmers and
increase access to fresh produce in tribal communities.
Source: WUWM
Sep 10, 2024 - Highlights efforts by the Center for Alaska Native Health Research (CANHR) to address high suicide rates in the remote Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. Details the development of culturally-relevant programming which builds upon community strengths and traditions. Discusses funding barriers and efforts to implement the program model in other communities, including military settings.
Source: NPR
Last Updated: 10/29/2024