GREAT PLAINS TRIBAL CHAIRMEN’S HEALTH BOARD WEBSITE

By Tori Whipple, Program Manager
Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board

The Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board Prevention Programs Host 2016 Cancer Symposium

The Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board Prevention Programs held a Cancer Symposium on May 17 – 19, 2016 in Rapid City, SD.  This event provided an opportunity for individuals in the Northern Plains region to learn more about cancer prevention,
screening, and survivorship.  This symposium brought together a diverse group of stakeholders across the Cancer Continuum and provided opportunities for networking and discussion, and exchanging ideas and best practices that will lead to future progress.

The 2016 Cancer Symposium provided an opportunity to organizations and individuals such as American Indian Cancer Foundation, Black Hills Special Services, Walking Forward, American Cancer Society, Native American Cancer Research Center, Defenders of the Black Hills, and Cancer Survivors to discuss cancer disparities as we move to improve the health of our American Indian population.  Uncí (Grandma) Marie Randall was also in attendance and led a water ceremony as well a prayer along with the Knife Chief Drum Group who assisted in the Opening Ceremony.  This event would not have been possible without the collaborations of amazing organizations, like those listed above, who work hard for the health and well-being of our people.

About the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board

The Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board (GPTCHB) is dedicated to serving the health and wellness needs of the tribal members it represents. Assisting with the needs of 18 tribes and tribal communities in the four-state region of South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa, GPTCHB addresses the health necessities of its members by assisting in accessing health-related programs and resources.

In addition to advocacy on behalf of the represented tribal members, the organization also provides critical health promotion and education outreach services through its various programs and departments. Furthermore, the health board advocates nationally for improved Indian health policies on behalf of the tribes and tribal communities it represents, which comprise nearly 170,000 individuals.

For more information, please call the toll-free Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board at 800-745-3466 or visit the website at www.gptchb.org.