Caring for Our Own Program (CO-OP) - Project Abstract Montana Caring for Our Own Program (CO-OP) Montana State University, College of Nursing Sherrick Hall, Room 115, PO Box 173560 Bozeman, MT 59717-3560 Sarah E. Shannon, PhD, RN, FAAN, Dean College of Nursing Email: sarah.shannon1@montana.edu Phone: 406-994-3784 Website: http://www.montana.edu/nursing/index.html Grant Funds Requested: $1,688,495 The long-term vision of the Caring for Our Own Program (CO-OP) is to achieve health equity for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. The CO-OP has successfully been in operation since 1999 at Montana State University College of Nursing. The need for the program relates to the overall shortage of baccalaureate and graduate prepared RNs and critically low numbers of AI/AN health professionals in the Indian Health Services (IHS) workforce who can provide culturally competent care to a large and growing number of AI/AN people living on or near reservations. Health disparities are most evident in AI/AN populations. The socio-economic indicators of poverty, unemployment and lower educational attainment are important contributors to poor health, premature death and disability. Overall American Indian individuals have a lower health status and a life expectancy that is 5.5 years shorter than the average American. The purpose of the proposed project is to increase the number and quality of AI/AN nurses prepared to deliver culturally sensitive healthcare services in IHS facilities to AI/AN people. As a result, health disparities will be addressed and progress towards health equity will occur in Tribal communities. The need for this program is justified by considering the variety of social determinants and health disparities that impact AI/AN communities that need to be addressed in order to achieve outcome goals. This includes addressing a variety of determinants such as educational barriers, socialization and financial capitol. Addressing the combination of these areas greatly increases the odds of student success. Building on the previous twenty years of success the CO-OP proposes six strategically designed objectives to accomplish the project’s purpose. CO-OP objectives are designed to provide support to students as they progress through the nursing curriculum. By providing pre-entry preparation, structured academic support, preparation for the licensing exam, financial support (stipends) and access to an employment network, this program will increase retention, graduation and employment rates of AI/AN’s. The CO-OP maintains a highly specialized staff to administer the daily activities of the project. CO-OP’s values are in line with the IHS mission which is to raise the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of AI/ANs. CO-OP will serve the IHS and Tribal Health care systems by recruiting Tribal community members to apply to the nursing program. CO-OP will support those individuals as they complete their academic program. CO-OP will also help them find employment opportunities to serve in an AI/AN community so they may help address health disparities.
