Thursday, April 3, 2025
4/3/2025
Caring for Our Own Program (CO-OP) - Project Abstract Montana Caring for Our Own Program (CO-OP) Montana State University, Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing Sherrick Hall, Room 207, PO Box 173560 Bozeman, MT 59717-3560 Laura Larsson, MPH, RN, FAAN, Professor Email: llarsson@montana.edu Phone: 406-994-7504 Website: http://www.montana.edu/nursing/index.html Grant Funds Requested: $2,000,000 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 15-17 years shorter than the average white Montanan. 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 AI serving facilities. 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. CO-OP aims to increase the enrollment of AI/AN students in its nursing programs to reflect the AI/AN proportion of Montana’s population. The plan includes strategies such as direct outreach and recruitment on reservations, urban areas, and through online platforms like Native Reach and social media. The program targets a broad audience, including high school and tribal college students, and utilizes alumni networks and professional relationships to boost student engagement and application numbers. Success metrics focus on outreach effectiveness, web impressions, and increases in application and enrollment figures. The CO-OP also emphasizes student retention and graduation rates by offering academic support and mentoring tailored to the unique needs of AI/AN students. Pre-entry programs, weekly mentoring sessions, and academic support from faculty are core components. The program fosters a sense of belonging and cultural integration through events like the American Indian Council Powwow and culturally responsive advising. The project aims for high retention and graduation rates by creating a supportive learning environment that also prepares students for professional nursing certifications and careers. Finally, the CO-OP extends its support to AI/AN students through scholarships and post-graduation assistance, ensuring they can meet their educational expenses and successfully transition into the workforce. This comprehensive support system helps students meet the Indian Health Service’s scholarship obligations and secures employment placements, which is critical for both personal success and the fulfillment of service payback requirements. The program's sustainability is supported by a mix of public and private funding sources, which contribute to the long-term viability and impact of the CO-OP.
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).