Develop an Integrated Traditional Healing Program across the Ketchikan Indian Community Tribal Health Clinic - Project Title: Develop an Integrated Traditional Healing Program across the Ketchikan Indian Community Tribal Health Clinic. Project Abstract: The Ketchikan Indian Community Tribal Health Clinic will transform our standard of care by integrating traditional medicine and ecologically centered practices into all aspects of service delivery. This initiative aligns with the Clinic and Tribal Council’s strategic three-year plan to prioritize culturally responsive and holistic healthcare for our people. Project Highlights: Integrated Traditional Healing: The project will fund a Traditional Healing Program Specialist. This specialist will work with management to plan ways to integrate traditional healing practices with our existing services. They will collaborate with community leaders, staff, and various programs to plan and implement meaningful changes across the health system. Cultural and Ecological Knowledge: By incorporating native plants and traditional medicine practices into healthcare delivery, this initiative will be closely connected to the culture and ecology of our community and the surrounding region. It will recognize how unique beliefs, life experiences, and local resources can contribute to prevention, disease management, behavioral health, and substance use treatment. The program aims to generate valuable data and practices supporting further research and encouraging adoption by other tribes and health systems. Community and Leadership Collaboration: This transformation will be achieved through a collaborative effort involving the community, our culture bearers and keepers of traditional knowledge, our health system, and Tribal leadership. The outcome will be a comprehensive plan that includes a series of initiatives, workforce development, and dedicated efforts to ensure the sustainability of these approaches during and after the grant period. The anticipated period of performance for this project is March 1, 2025 - February 29, 2028.
