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NCUIH Newsletter | May 20, 2019 

NCUIH Attends NIHB Tribal Public Health Summit, Behavioral Health Conference, and Visits First Nations Community Healthsource

Last week, NCUIH leadership attended the National Indian Health Board Tribal Public Health Summit and participated as an exhibitor. NCUIH also joined Executive Director Linda Son-Stone of First Nations Community Healthsource for a site visit to learn about the programs and services they provide to urban Indians in Albuquerque. At the IHS-VA listening session, Executive Director Francys Crevier raised awareness on the needs of urban Indian Veterans. NCUIH continues to fight for VA reimbursements for UIHPs to provide the cultrually competent care our Veterans deserve. Dr. Kimberly Fowler and Sebouh Kouyoumjian also presented at the American Indian and Alaska Native National Behavioral Health Conference.
 
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Policy Center Highlights 

NCUIH Request of $81 Million, a $30 Million Increase, for Urban Indian Health in Interior Appropriations Advances to Full Committee


 

Last week, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies approved by voice vote its fiscal year 2020 bill with the National Council of Urban Indian Health’s request of an increase for the urban Indian health line item to $81 million. The fiscal year 2020 bill draft from Chair Betty McCollum includes this increase of approximately $30 million for the urban Indian health line item from current funding levels and a $537 million increase to $6.3 billion for the Indian Health Service overall budget from fiscal year 2019.

Chair McCollum’s bill incorporates a solution of addressing the unmet needs of urban Indians by increasing the overall IHS budget without taking away any money from Tribes. This needed increase would allow the 42 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) to hire more staff, expand vital services from behavioral health to substance misuse programs, and improve health outcomes for the growing demand of health care for urban Indians. 

“NCUIH applauds the leadership of Chair Betty McCollum and her longstanding commitment to fulfilling the trust and treaty responsibilities of the US government with American Indians and Alaska Natives by investing in the Indian Health Service and urban Indian health programs. After years of stagnation and chronic underfunding to urban Indian health and the Indian Health Service (IHS) budget, NCUIH is hopeful that Chair McCollum’s bill requesting $6.3 billion for IHS, which is higher than the proposed budget by the President of $5.9 billion, and $81 million for urban Indian health will continue to move forward for consideration by the full House,” said NCUIH Executive Director Francys Crevier.

Read the Press Release

Bipartisan Stand-Alone Bill Introduced in House for Special Diabetes Reauthorization

On May 10, Representative Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ) introduced H.R. 2680, a bill to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI).  The bipartisan bill had five original cosponsors with Republican Representatives Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Tom Reed (R-NY), and Tom Cole (R-OK) joining Democrat Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Debra Haaland (D-NM).  As of the beginning of the month, a Dear Colleague Letter in support of SDPI and the research-based Special Diabetes Program had 379 Representative-signatories. H.R. 2680 solely focuses on reauthorizing SDPI, whereas a Senate bill (S. 192) introduced earlier this Session seeks to reauthorize SDPI and several other health-related programs.

Generic Drug Price Fixing Allegations 

For most Americans who struggle to afford prescription drug medication, generic drugs are often an affordable option. However, a lawsuit has been filed by 44 states alleging 20 major drug manufacturers conspired to manipulate and artificially increase the cost of hundreds of generic drugs. The drugs mentioned in the lawsuit serve to treat some of the country’s biggest health concerns, including diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, depression and more. These conditions are very serious, especially with the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, that see far higher rates of the mentioned ailments. The lawsuit points to one report claims over 1200 generic drugs increased on average 448% between 2013 and 2014. Some major drug manufacturers reportedly raised prices upwards of 1000%. Emails, text messages, phone records, and more, were used by investigators to point out the joint efforts by executives to diminish the competition within the generic drug market and raise costs on drugs that are a struggle to pay for by most Americans.
 

Savanna's Act Reintroduced for Combatting Violence Against Native Women 

U.S House Members lead by Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM), re-introduced legislation this week known as “Savanna’s Act”, aimed at reviewing how the U.S Justice Department conducts its reviews regarding cases of missing and slain Native Americans as the nationwide push to bring more attention to the issue gains momentum. The legislation, named after missing native woman Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, seeks to address violence against Native American women, who have been victimized at dangerously high rates for decades. 22-year-old Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind’s body was found in a river, with her unborn child having been cut from her womb, yet managed to survive. Violence towards native women have been a persistent and serious matter, with more than half have encountering sexual and domestic violence at some point during their lives, according to federal figures. It is believed the figures are much higher due to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) often possessing a mistrust of law enforcement to report incidents, as well as misidentification of AI/AN racial classification.

Committee Created to Address Indigenous Women Violence 

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed a bill this week, which requires law enforcement agencies across the state to record and share and data. The data in particular is focused on missing and murdered indigenous women and young girls. Over the next year, the bill’s goal is to create a committee which will examine data from cases across local, state, and federal agencies. Arizona has the third-highest number of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in the country according to the Urban Indian Health Institute. The silent epidemic that plagues the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) community will gain more attention with the commission of this committee. The Urban Indian Health Institute looks at the matter in a city by city basis, with cities such as Tucson, Flagstaff, and Phoenix to name a few. The bill requires a comprehensive report to be submitted to Governor Ducey before November 2020.
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Upcoming Events Highlights 

Today, May 20: National Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Webcast

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL), and the National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging hosted the Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day 2019 on Monday, May 20, 2019 from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm in the Great Hall of the Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW in Washington, DC.  Participation by webcast was also available for the event.

This event is designed to raise public awareness about the mental health of older Americans. It will promote evidence-based approaches to mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. The collaboration between agencies links efforts to address mental health and aging across both SAMHSA and ACL networks. It will also highlight information to improve access for people seeking treatment and services.

Register Here

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

Learn More

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.

Learn More
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Technical Assistance & Research Highlights 

NCUIH Technical Assistance and Research Center Presents at American Indian and Alaska Native National Behavioral Health Conference 

On May 16, 2019, Dr. Kimberly Fowler, Director, and Sebouh Kouyoumjian, Public Health Associate, from NCUIH's Technical Assistance and Research Center presented at the 2019 American Indian and Alaska Native National Behavioral Health Conference. The presentation titled, "National Council of Urban Indian Health - National Urban Indian Youth & Young Adult Advisory Council: Suicide & Substance Abuse & Misuse Prevention" was part of the Behavioral Health Poster Session. The 2019 American Indian and Alaska Native National Behavioral Health Conference at the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico was hosted by National Indian Health Board (NIHB).
 

The poster presentation addressed best practices and highlighted achievements of NCUIH’s inaugural Youth Council. It discussed their journey from their initial orientation to developing a national suicide prevention awareness campaign. The campaign will be released via social media this year. The Youth Council consists of 5 young adults chosen from 18 -24 year old applicants recruited from across the nation. Members were trained on topics including trauma-informed care, positive mental health and emotional wellness best practices, and effective communication with peers designed to assist youth impacted by stressful events and environments. 

Learn More and View Poster

Program Spotlight: Acting Director of the Indian Health Service RADM Weahkee Visits First Nations Community HealthSource

Acting Director of the Indian Health Service Acting Director of the Indian Health Service RADM Michael Weahkee and Deputy Director for Intergovernmental Affairs Ben Smith visited various sites in the New Mexico area. They visited NCUIH Member, First Nations Community Healthsource, an urban Indian organization led by Linda Son-Stone, that provides comprehensive primary medical and dental care and a range of health services in Albuquerque. 

Program Spotlight: Sacramento Native American Health Center Receives Opioid Grant from CVS Health Foundation 

The Sacramento Native American Health Center, Inc. (SNAHC), one of California’s Urban Indian Health Programs and a member of NCUIH, recently received more than $76,000 in grant funding from the CVS Health Foundation to support their patients dealing with substance abuse issues. Assembly Member James Ramos of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the first California Indian to serve in the assembly, presented the check to Britta Guerrero, SNAHC Chief Executive Officer. The grant will support the center’s efforts to fight the opioid crisis by introducing or expanding treatment options such as medication assisted treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, and holistic therapy. SNAHC is committed to enhancing quality of life by providing a culturally competent, holistic, and patient-centered continuum of care.

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Program Spotlight: Oklahoma City Indian Clinic’s Running Club Participated in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon

The Running Club at Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, a NCUIH member, participated in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Seven children ran the 5k and twelve ran the Kids Marathon, with 11 clinic employees helping to make it all happen. There are a variety of programs available at the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, each designed to educate, encourage healthy habits, and promote fitness and fellowship. Additionally, 11 employees helped to make it all happen.

ASPE (Office of The Assistant Secretary For Planning And Evaluation) Releases Research Issue brief: The Special Diabetes Program For Indians: Estimates of Medicare Savings, dated May 10, 2019 

Between 1996 and 2013, there was a 54% decrease in the incidence of diabetes-related end-stage renal disease (ESRD-DM) in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/ AN) populations. This decline has occurred since the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) was established in 1997. We estimate that the decrease in ESRD-DM incidence resulted in 2,200 to 2,600 fewer cases and $436 to $520 million of savings to Medicare over a ten-year period, depending on assumptions of what the incidence rate would have been in the absence of diabetic care improvements. Additional savings from the program may accrue to the Indian Health Service and other payers by preventing diabetes and other complications of diabetes such as retinopathy or hospitalizations.

Learn More

Behavioral Health Mentors Wanted: American Indian & Alaska Native Leadership Academy Deadline Extended 


The National American & Alaskan Native TTCs will host its third Leadership Academy beginning in the fall of 2019. The twelve-month, culturally informed leadership program is intended to strengthen the behavioral health workforce in Native communities. Each participant will be matched with an experienced mentor in the behavioral health field.  The Leadership Academy is currently seeking mentors for the 2019-2020 Leadership Academy. 

Deadline: May 31, 2019

Learn More and Apply

Funding: HRSA Announces new Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) initiative called RCORP MAT Expansion


The Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for a new Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) initiative called RCORP-Medication-Assisted Treatment Expansion (HRSA-19-102). HRSA plans to invest approximately $8 million in rural communities as part of this funding opportunity. Successful RCORP-Medication-Assisted Treatment Expansion (MAT Expansion) award recipients will receive up to $725,000 for a three-year period of performance to establish or expand medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in eligible hospitals, health clinics, or tribal organizations located in high-risk rural communities.

Deadline: June 10, 2019
Learn More and Apply

Funding: Preventing HIV Infection in Women through Expanded Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Prevention, Screening, and Response Services


This Office on Women's Health/ HHS funding opportunity announcement (FOA)  on 'Preventing HIV Infection in Women through Expanded Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Prevention, Screening, and Response Services' seeks applicants capable of providing a community-level focus to the prevention, screening, and response to intimate partner violence (IPV) and its intersection with the risk of HIV infection. Successful approaches will work across different systems and/or sectors of service provision to incorporate relevant stakeholders and health and human service providers in their comprehensive approaches.  It is anticipated that 2-5 awards will be awards from over $3,000,000 over two years.

Deadline: June 12, 2019
Learn More and Apply
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National Council of Urban Indian Health
924 Pennsylvania Ave., SE | Washington, DC 20003 | Phone: 202 544 0344 | www.ncuih.org

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