Rural racial/ethnic minorities face significant health disparities including higher rates of fair/poor health, obesity, and limited physician access due to cost. Despite aggregated data suggesting similar challenges, stratified analysis reveals distinct population-specific disparities requiring targeted interventions aligned with health equity goals.
Discover essential resources for Native health advocacy in this November 2017 National Native Network Newsletter. Learn survival and thriving strategies with Linda Burhansstipanov, explore upcoming webinars, discover innovative cures for traditional health challenges, and access curated articles, research, events, and infographics. Download now for actionable insights supporting Native communities.
Tribal community and clinical linkages connect patients, families, caregivers, health providers, and community resources to deliver holistic healthcare. When tribal clinics integrate departments, coordinate services, and partner with community organizations, they enhance access to preventive wellness programs. Examples like Greenville Rancheria Tribal Health Program demonstrate how strategic partnerships and traditional practices improve health outcomes for entire communities.
Smoking rates among Minnesota's American Indians reach 59 percent, compared to 14 percent statewide. An award-winning documentary explores this disparity while celebrating tobacco's sacred roots in Native communities and supporting culturally-driven cessation efforts led by Indigenous people themselves.
The Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Health Board announces funding through its Good Health and Wellness program. Up to four awards support tribes implementing assessment-driven strategies improving nutrition, physical activity, tobacco control, health literacy, and community-clinical linkages. Applications due December 1, 2017.
Fairbanks artists are painting storm drains to protect the Chena River. The Storm Drain Art Contest transforms street infrastructure into colorful educational messages about pollution, wildlife, and water quality. Since 2014, commissioned artists have earned recognition while helping keep Alaska's waters clean and communities beautiful.
Discover the Sacred Willow Book, created by the Great Plains Tobacco Prevention Project to honor traditional tobacco's cultural significance. Learn how Lakota/Dakota tribes use sacred plants in ceremony and prayer, explore regional tribal traditions, and understand the distinction between ceremonial tobacco and commercial products that threaten Native communities.
A Japanese marketing firm is rewarding non-smoking employees with six extra paid holiday days annually, compensating for time lost while colleagues take cigarette breaks. Since implementing the policy in September, thirty workers have utilized the benefit, and four employees have quit smoking entirely, demonstrating how creative workplace incentives can promote healthier habits while fostering fairness.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services invites community members to three listening sessions this November. Share your insights on tobacco use in your neighborhood and help shape prevention efforts. Sessions held in Sault Ste. Marie, Gaylord, and Kalamazoo. All welcome.
Smoking in cars exposes children to dangerous secondhand and thirdhand smoke, despite no Washington or Idaho laws prohibiting it. Research shows these toxins harm lung development and worsen respiratory conditions. Even with windows down, harmful chemicals seep into car upholstery, continuing to expose kids to cancer-causing substances long after smoking stops.
Attending any of these upcoming events? Have other events to share? Let us know! Email us at NNN@ITCMI.ORG to share your event information or to get on our list serve for event updates.
37th Annual Art & Science of Health Promotion Conference | Saddlebrook Resort, Tampa, Florida | LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
National Conference on Tobacco or Health (NCTOH) | San Diego, California | Registration will open July 7, 2026 | Abstract Submissions will open on August 4 | LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
National Conference on Tobacco or Health | The National Network of Public Health Institutes is excited to announce the start of registration for the next National Conference on Tobacco or Health (NCTOH), June 29 - July 1, 2027 in San Diego, CA. | Questions: nctoh@nnphi.org | LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
