Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
Address: 2956 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-3720 Project Director Name: Devin Smith, RN, MSN Contact Phone Numbers: 906-632-6896, ext. 136; 906-632-1810 (fax) Email/website Address: devin.smith@itcmi.org/www.itcmi.org Funding Requested: $ 1,100,000 per year, years 1-5 The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan (ITC) Healthy Start project has operated since 1997, and has achieved significant progress in reducing infant mortality and improving perinatal health within the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population of Michigan. The AI/AN infant mortality rate (IMR) in much of the previous project area has dropped significantly (down from 14.6 per 1,000 for ’94-’96), but progress has been uneven in the state. The adjusted project area features AI/AN communities across the state with the highest incidence of infant mortality, including areas previously unserved, with an average ’19-’21 IMR of 12.6 deaths/1,000 births - more than 1.5 times the national average, and more than double the rate for White infants (5.0 per 1,000) in Michigan. The proposed project expands on the infrastructure and foundation of improved outcomes already achieved. High quality evidence-based home visiting services will be provided to families, (prenatal through age 18 months), and feature assessment, case management and coordination, education and referral. In addition, group-based health and parenting education will be established, as well as targeted clinical services. The project will continue its leadership in perinatal systems improvement and birth equity work through consortium activities engaging a broad range of agency, governmental and community partners. The 38 county project area is primarily rural, and is contained within the official service areas and reservations of eight federally recognized Indian tribes, along with service areas of American Indian Health and Family Services of SE Michigan. Through a partnership with Michigan State U niversity, group education services and outreach to AI/AN populations in additional high need counties will be established. The target population is AI/AN women, infants and fathers. Although geographically dispersed, the AI/AN population in Michigan is closely connected through family relationships, historical ties, cultural practices and traditions. The availability of Healthy Start services at multiple sites across a wide geographic area creates continuity and accessibility for the population, which is mobile and underserved. Several risk factors are especially prevalent within the target population, including high rates of smoking, substance abuse, domestic violence and chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity and depression. The inter-generational effects of historical trauma compound reduced access to quality health services, isolation and lack of educational and economic opportunities, all contributing to significant disparities in health outcomes. The project’s operational structure features sub-contracts to Tribal Partners, with many operating the program out of their Health Centers, who deliver services locally. ITC serves as the grantee providing administrative and programmatic support to ensure quality and cohesiveness, and to lead collective impact efforts through consortium activities, as well as contribute to the knowledge base around effective strategies for reducing AI/AN infant mortality through rigorous evaluation.
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).
