Wednesday, September 11, 2024
9/11/2024
There is a critical need to strengthen and sustain tribal communities’ abilities to prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies, which can happen at any time for any reason. In recent years, the 27 Tribes which comprise the Indian Health Service (IHS) Albuquerque Area, and are served by the Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center (AASTEC), have been impacted by natural and human-made disasters at devastating levels, including infectious disease outbreaks, mining/hazardous waste spills, floods, wildfire, and drought. Tribal nations represent a unique and important sector of the US public health and emergency management system, where Tribal governments are often the only governmental presence in rural locations. Consequently, tribes have broad emergency and first-responder responsibilities, and need resources and culturally appropriate technical support to bolster tribal public health infrastructure in all four domains of public health preparedness – mitigation, preparation, response and recovery. This 5-year project will mobilize a robust, regional partnership that includes the Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center (AASTEC), its parent organization the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board, Inc. (AAIHB), the 27 IHS Albuquerque Area Tribes, and key allies, including Indian Health Service, State Departments of Health, and an Urban Indian Serving Organization to strengthen foundational public health capabilities and public health workforce among Area Tribes. Established in 2006, AASTEC is well situated to lead this endeavor, as it has already established interdependent partnerships with the 27 IHS Albuquerque Area Tribes, and possesses a successful history of providing high quality, culturally-congruent technical support and capacity development across core public health functions. The project will impart a multi-faceted, evidence-based approach to achie ve this aim, weaving together activities to strengthen foundational public health capabilities within AASTEC and the 27 Tribes it serves with an emphasis on assessment/surveillance, public health emergencies, policy development/support, communications, community partnerships, and workforce development. The ultimate aim is to strengthen tribal public health system capacity, maximize resources, and leverage partnerships to enhance tribal public health infrastructure, address prioritized public health activities, and increase health equity within AI/AN 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).
