Health Reporter

An NIHB Publication

The Health Reporter is a quarterly newsletter published by the National Indian Health Board. Each issue of the E-newsletter contains up-to-date information on NIHB programs and issues surrounding Indian health in this country.

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Public Health Resource Center

Welcome to the NIHB's Public Health Resource Center!

At the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) we are committed to:

  • Promoting healthy practices;
  • Preventing diseases and injuries;
  • Providing basic resources and infrastructure; and
  • Researching and developing local, state and national health policy.

Please use the Public Health Resource Center, to promote public health in your community. The PHRC features a What is Public Health pamphlet, resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and grant opportunities for your community.

What is Public Health?

While health care systems (like the Indian Health Service hospitals and clinics) serve the individual patient, PUBLIC HEALTH serves OUR Community.

Many professionals are part of our tribal Public Health system—everyone from health education teachers and nutritionists to emergency personnel and tribal police officers.

In Public Health, everyone plays a role when they are helping to keep our Native communities safe, clean and free of disease.

What is Public Health? (PDF)

Why Public Health is Important to Indian Country?

A healthy Native community gets sick less frequently and spends less money on health care; this means better economic productivity and an improved quality of life for all of Indian Country. Statistics show that Indian Country continues to lag far behind other communities in basic resources and services. This means our communities are more vulnerable to increased health risks and sickness. We can overcome these barriers by supporting and advancing our Public Health programs in our communities.

Examples of Public Health Activities:

  • Immunization programs—to prevent disease outbreaks (like measles and hepatitis A).
  • Sanitation facilities—to ensure clean drinking water.
  • Tribal seat belt and car seat enforcement laws—to prevent injuries in motor vehicle accidents.
  • Youth education campaigns, such as Red Ribbon Week or the DARE campaign—to encourage healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

CDC Widgets

NIHB Public Health Summer Fellowship

Grant Opportunities

Links

 

Public Health Inquiries:

NIHB Director of Public Health
Rick Haverkate, MPH

926 Pennsylvania Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202-507-4074
Email: rhaverkate@nihb.org