Monday, April 28, 2025
4/28/2025
NIHC Special Diabetes Program Initiative - The Narragansett Indian Health Center is dedicated to proving excellent primary care to the Native American and Alaskan Native population. The Narragansett’s are a federally recognized tribe and the reservation and health center are located in Charlestown, Rhode Island. The health center currently operates a medical clinic that supports the health care and preventive measures to the native population living in the area as well as a Purchase and Referred Care (PRC) department responsible for referrals to off-site specialty care. The clinical staff and PRC work together to meet the community’s health needs including medical exams, preventative care, and health education programs. The clinic also supports staff education to promote evidence-based care by providing off-site and on-site trainings, as well as allowing participation in web-based trainings during the work day. There is a specific focus to provide trainings that increase awareness of the health care concerns of Native Americans and which increase awareness of cultural preferences. The Narragansett Indian Health Center has successfully operated the clinic since 1997, and is seeking funds from the Special Diabetes Program for Indians Community Directed Grant Program. Receiving these funds will allow for the support of a variety of collaborative activities designed to support the health, wellness, and health education needs of the Native Americans and in the area. Additional activities call for regional and local support of community educational projects on obesity and diabetes prevention, health promotion and prevention of disease related complications. This approach supports partnering with other organizations such as the RI Department of Health and the University of Rhode Island to access population based health programs. This approach enhances what the Health Center can offer to our Tribal community to support their efforts to promote a healthy native population. Providing opportunities for community based partnerships will serve to generate a higher level of project ownership and participation. Regional and national collaborative activities call for the sponsorship of Tribal clinical staff to travel to national diabetes health conferences or attend virtual conferences. The annual meeting of the diabetes coordinators provides training opportunities for diabetes professionals and will allow for improved awareness and dissemination of best-practices used in Native American communities.
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).