Thursday, May 2, 2024
5/2/2024
Santo Domingo Pueblo Tribal Injury Prevention Program (TIP) is a new program that will work to prevent injuries to tribal elders, beginning with the prevention of falls. By the end of the project (year 5), there will be a 20 percent decrease in the number of elderly falls in the Pueblo of Santo Domingo (also known as Kewa Pueblo). The main partners in the project are the Kewa Family Wellness Center, Kewa Elderly Program, the Kewa Health Corporation, Kewa Social Services, Tribal Courts, Tribal leadership, and the Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center (AASTEC). Santo Domingo Pueblo has a population of approximately 3,100 people and there are unique risk factors that make falls more likely and harmful on the impact of tribal elders. Native Americans have higher rates of chronic disease and being in a rural setting, with limited accessible health services, many elders do not receive adequate services. Fall hazards are common in the pueblo, such as dirt roads, dirt floors in homes, uneven walkways, and overcrowded multigenerational homes. A key activity will be determining the baseline prevalence rates of elderly falls in the community. In addition, there will be public health awareness activities to increase awareness about the need value the health of elders and specifically to prevent injuries to elders. The TIP program will also include intergenerational activities that engage the elders in meaningful activities that promote tribal customs and education. The program will be operated by the TIP Program Coordinator and Community Health Representatives (CHRs) who will use the CDC’s STEADI and Bingocize evidence-based models for prevention of falls. A systematic process will be conducted with tribal members to evaluate and modify the screening tools EPB component to ensure they are culturally appropriate. TIP staff will be trained in the use of screening tools and program activities will include home wellness visits to check for safet y issues, exercise and balance programs, and coordination with medical and community partners to ensure that information regarding falls and related interventions are implemented. It is expected that 70-80 tribal elders will participate in evidence-based interventions for falls prevention. We anticipate a decrease in falls-related injuries, hospitalizations, and deaths, improvement in elderly strength and balance, and increased community-wide awareness and commitment to supporting the health of elders.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
