NCUIH Newsletter | April 22, 2019
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Washington Summit, Hill Day, and One Week Left for Youth Council Applications
Washington Summit and Hill Day: On April 23 and 24, we expect over 100 attendees for our Washington Summit themed “One Voice: Acting Strategically to Improve our Health through Policy and Partnerships” at the Washington Plaza Hotel. On April 25, NCUIH will host an Urban Indian Health Program Hill Day to raise awareness about the work of urban Indian health programs. We're excited for what promises to be a busy and productive week raising awareness about Urban Indian health.
April 24 - Networking Event with Native American Bar Association of DC: Join NCUIH and the Native American Bar Association of DC for a free Networking Event on April 24 at 6pm at the Washington Plaza Hotel. Register here.
NCUIH Youth Council Applications Due April 30: We're still looking for applicants to our Youth Council. 5 youth ages 18-24 will be chosen for the next Youth Council. Learn more here.
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Udall, Luján, New Mexico Delegation Introduce Legislation to Address Health Disparities for Native Americans Living in Urban Areas Off the Reservations
U.S. Senators Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Representative Ben Ray Luján, Assistant Speaker of the House, along with U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Deb Haaland and Xochitl Torres Small, introduced bicameral legislation to improve Medicaid for Native patients who receive services at Urban Indian Health Programs. The Urban Indian Health Parity Act (H.R. 2316 / S. 1180) is also cosponsored by ten other U.S. Senators and 13 other members of the House of Representatives.
The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeffrey Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representatives Don Young (R-Alaska), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Tony Cardenas (D-Calif.), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kendra Horn (D-Okla.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.).
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NCUIH in the News: "Spending leaders agitate for shielding Native American services from shutdowns"
An excerpt of the article:
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During the shutdown, some American Indian health clinics had to close altogether, several had to reduce hours and lay off staff, while others reported that they would only be able to stay open for an additional 30 days.
Maureen Rosette, president of the National Council of Urban Indian Health, plead last month for House spending leaders to make a change, testifying that some American Indian health clinic operators had to take personal liens on their homes to help their facilities.
"Congress cannot continue to let this happen," said Rosette, calling for "true parity" for Native American programs.
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IHS Testimony Before House Appropriations Committee
On April 9, witnesses Ann Church, Gary Hartz, and Rear Admiral Michael D. Weahkee gave testimony regarding the Indian Health Service (IHS) budget request for FY 2020 to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. The full recording of the hearing as well as PDFs of the witness testimony can all be found here.
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Congress Passes Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019
On April 2nd the Senate passed a package (H.R. 1839) which would extend funding for behavioral health clinics and certain Medicaid programs, some of which just recently expired. The bill is on its way to the President to be signed into law. It also includes a provision allowing state Medicaid programs to establish health homes for children with medically complex conditions, funding to continue a Medicaid demonstration for behavioral health clinics in Oregon and Oklahoma through June, and includes $20 million in additional grant funds, which are aimed at helping state Medicaid programs transition older adults and people with chronic conditions back into their communities.
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CDC says Contaminated Ground Beef is Responsible for an E. Coli Outbreak
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week issued an investigation notice on its website, warning consumers of an E. Coli outbreak in at least 6 states. So far 109 people have been affected, across states such as Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Indiana. E. Coli outbreaks are not uncommon, resulting from various food sources. The current outbreak has been sourced to ground beef consumption in homes and restaurants. Despite the outbreak, the CDC is not suggesting consumers avoid ground beef entirely, as investigations are still underway to pinpoint the origin of distribution. However, the CDC asks that consumers handle and cook ground beef safely to avoid foodborne illnesses. The CDC will maintain updates regarding the outbreak on its website. In the meantime, it has posted a link to common symptoms of E. Coli here for those concerned if they have been affected.
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Democrats Demand Answers on Administration’s ACA Decision
The heads of several House committees are demanding documents from the White House and federal health officials related to the Trump administration’s decision not to defend Obamacare against a legal challenge. In letters to key Trump administration officials sent on Monday, April 8, Democratic chairmen of several House committees questioned the Administration’s decision to support a lawsuit challenging the ACA. They asked for a list of documents from the Departments of Justice (DOJ), Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The letters asked for information related to how the administration decided to back the legal challenge to the ACA. These letters were followed by Attorney General Barr’s testimony on Tuesday, April 10 in which he was pressured to justify his decision to support the legal challenge. In response, Barr stated that it is his job to take the position of the administration even if he disagrees with it. You can read more here.
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Upcoming Events Highlights
NCUIH Events
Other Events
- Virtual Conference: GPRA Coordinators’ Virtual Conference (April 24)
- Webinar: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Shortage Designation Modernization Project (SDMP) (April 30)
- Telephone Town Hall: Brain Health with AARP, National Indian Council on Aging and Global Council on Brain Health (May 7, 2019)
- Free Tribal Grant Writers Workshop (May 15 - 17, Sacramento, CA)
- Public Health Improvement Training (June 12-13, 2019, New Orleans, LA)
- Diabetes in Indian Country Conference (August 6-9, 2019, Oklahoma City, OK)
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April 24: NCUIH and Native American Bar Association DC Networking Event
Join us in wrapping up a successful 2019 NCUIH Washington Summit with a joint networking reception, hosted by the Native American Bar Association of DC and National Council of Urban Indian Health. All are welcome. Attendance at the 2019 NCUIH Washington Summit is not required. Dress code is business casual. Light refreshments provided with a cash bar.
Event Date: April 24, 2019 at 6pm
Washington Plaza Hotel - Pool Deck
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC 20005
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GPRA Coordinators’ Virtual Conference
The Area GPRA Coordinators’ Virtual Conference (held via Adobe Connect) has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 24, 2019 from 9:00am PT – 1:00pm PT. This annual, national conference will feature FY 2018 National GPRA results, an update on the Integrated Data Collection System (IDCS), and GPRA measure updates and strategies for success from GPRA measure leads.
Virtual Conference: April 24, 2019
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Webinar on the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Shortage Designation Modernization Project (SDMP)
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) invites you to participate in a webinar on their Shortage Designation Modernization Project (SDMP) as it relates to Tribes and Urban Indian Organizations on April 30 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (ET).
Webinar Date: April 30, 2019
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Telephone Town Hall: Brain Health with AARP, National Indian Council on Aging and Global Council on Brain Health
Participate in a special Telephone Town Hall on Brain Health with the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) and The Global Council on Brain Health, a collaborative with AARP. Find out how you and your loved ones can maintain your brain health as you age. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions during this live event on Tuesday, May 7 at 11:00 am Central Time (9:00 am PST, 10:00 am MT, 12:00 pm EST). Sign up here to be called when this event starts!
Telephone Town Hall: May 7, 2019 at 12pm EST
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Free Tribal Grant Writers Workshop
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is hosting a 2 ½ day FREE hands-on grant writing workshop for tribal organizations May 15 - May 17, 2019 at the Indian Health Service, California Area Office in Sacramento, CA. The workshop’s goal is to develop, support, and increase the competence of technical writers to submit successful grant applications. For more information, contact Valerie Gallo at 415.437.8095 or vgallo@hrsa.gov.
Registration Deadline: May 7, 2019
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Public Health Improvement Training (June 12-13, 2019)
Join your peers and national experts at the 19th annual Public Health Improvement Training (PHIT) on June 12-13, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. At PHIT, health department leaders and professionals participate in a series of skill-building workshops and networking opportunities designed to elevate practice to the next level. This year's theme for PHIT is: Applying Systems Thinking for Progress.
Registration Deadline: May 19, 2019
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Diabetes in Indian Country Conference (August 6-9, 2019)
The IHS Diabetes in Indian Country Conference will host 1,500 IHS, Tribal and Urban Indian (I/T/U) providers, clinicians, Tribal leaders, community members, and Special Diabetes Program for Indians grantees. There is no cost to attend this conference in-person or via streaming, including CME/CE credits. The event will also be live-streamed. It takes place on August 6-9 in Oklahoma City, OK.
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Technical Assistance & Research Highlights
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NCUIH Youth Council Application Deadline: April 30, 2019
The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) invites applications from young adult ambassadors (ages 18-24) located in our urban communities and surrounding areas to participate in NCUIH’s National Urban Indian Youth and Young Adult Advisory Council (“Youth Council”). This will be NCUIH's 2nd class of young adults to join the Youth Council. Youth and Young Adults must submit a Youth Council Application and a supporting Adult Reference. Applicants also have the option to obtain a Peer Reference or an additional adult reference. Check out our Youth Council FAQs or contact Sebouh Kouyoumjian, NCUIH TARC Public Health Associate at SKouyoumjian@nucih.org or via phone: (202) 544-0344.
Deadline: April 30, 2019
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Program Spotlight: SDUIH hosts an Opioid Awareness Event
South Dakota Urban Indian Health program sponsored an opioid awareness event, “Emily’s Hope: Painting a Path to Recovery.” South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem provided opening remarks followed by a presentation from Angela Kennecke, a veteran broadcast journalist. Over the last decade, many of Angela’s news stories have focused on the growing opioid crisis. There was also a panel which included people in recovery, medical and behavioral health providers, law enforcement, state’s attorneys, and people in recovery. The event was free and open to the community with over 300 in attendance.
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California Urban Confer Session
Ten Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs) and the California Consortium for Urban Indian Health (CCUIH) were visited by RADM Michael D. Weahkee, IHS Principal Deputy Director and Dr. Rose Weahkee, Acting Director of the Office of Urban Indian Health Programs/ IHS during the California Area tribal consultations held the week of April 7th. The Urban Indian Health Program (UIHP) leaders engaged in an urban confer with IHS to raise awareness on issues most impactful to Urban AI/AN populations throughout California. Urban confer activities are enhanced forms of communication-based on the principles of trust, respect, and shared responsibility.
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Congratulations to Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa's Carmelita Skeeter, Recipient of the Sally Carter Award
NCUIH would like to recognize Ms. Carmelita Skeeter, chief executive officer of the Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa who recently received the Sally Carter Award at the 2019 Tribal Public Health Conference, hosted by the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board and the 7th Generation. This award is given for outstanding advocacy and education in building communication, trust and respect between tribal nations, state, federal, and community organizations. Ms. Skeeter was recognized for her great achievement in promoting overall health and wellness within the Native population. Congratulations! |
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Congratulations to South Dakota Urban Indian Health’s Brandy Smith, Recipient of the Estelline Zephier Award
NCUIH wants to congratulate Brandy Smith, a volunteer with South Dakota Urban Indian Health, who was recently recognized by South Dakota Diabetes Coalition as the recipient of the Estelline Zephier Award for her work in helping those affected by or at risk for diabetes in South Dakota. Ms. Smith has been volunteering with SDUIH for the past three years, in addition to her pharmaceutical studies and multiple teaching engagements. The Coalition is a non-profit organization that includes healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, government agencies, tribal health representatives, persons with diabetes, and quality improvement and wellness program coordinators.
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CMS Call to Participate in MIPS Technical Expert Panel by April 26
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is looking for people to participate in its Technical Expert Panel (TEP) related to MIPS Improvement Activities (IAs). This is an opportunity to share your expertise and feedback on how MIPS and the Quality Payment Program (QPP) are affecting the ITU system. Interested participants may self-nominate by April 26, 2019 at 5:00pm PT.
Deadline: April 26, 2019 at 5:00pm PT
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Funding: Addressing Unmet Vision Needs of Native Communities in the U.S
The Seva Foundation is launching a call for ideas for programs that aim to improve the eye health of Native communities. Since 2013, Seva has focused its service with Native communities on strengthening eye health care. For more than 30 years Seva partnered with Native communities on a wide range of locally defined needs. With this announcement, the Foundation is looking for new ideas, innovation, and partnerships that will meet the growing eye health needs of Native communities. Seva is releasing awards up to $125,000 for programs of 1—3 years duration. Interested applicants may submit a 1—2 page letter of intent (LOI) that clearly outlines your organization’s program ideas for the funding opportunity.
Deadline: April 26, 2019
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Funding: Legal Assistance Enhancement Program
Administration for Children and Families (ACL) invites applications that seek to achieve quantifiable and sustainable enhancements that build upon existing programmatic work to increase the effectiveness of legal assistance for older Americans with social or economic need. ACL’s new Legal Assistance Enhancement Program (LAEP) will support legal assistance enhancements and innovations for non-profits and Tribal/ Indian organizations. Available funding for this opportunity ranges from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $250,000 per grant per year, for up to three years depending on the availability of funding.
Deadline: April 29, 2019
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Funding: Opioid Workforce Expansion Program (OWEP) - Professionals and Paraprofessionals
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is accepting applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2019 Opioid Workforce Expansion Program (OWEP) funding opportunities. The Opioid Workforce Expansion Program for Professionals' (OWEP) purpose is to build upon existing HRSA investments to enhance community-based experiential training focused on Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and other Substance Use Disorders (SUD) for students preparing to become behavioral health professionals. The OWEP for Paraprofessionals NOFO funds this same training for peer support specialists and other types of behavioral health-related paraprofessionals. FY 2019 funding for OWEP for professionals is $39.3 million for approximately 29 awards and OWEP for paraprofessionals is $29.8 million to fund about 33 awards.
Deadline: May 5, 2019
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Funding: Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its cooperative agreement: Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country. This funding supports efforts by American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities to implement holistic and culturally-adapted approaches to reduce tobacco use, improve physical activity and nutrition, and increase health literacy.
Deadline: May 15, 2019
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