Wednesday, January 15, 2025
1/15/2025
The Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board (GPTLHB) plans on implementing two Great Plains Cancer Prevention and Screening Programs: Program 1: Great Plains Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (GPBCCEDP) and Program 2: Great Plains Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (GPCCCP). These programs will address cancer disparities for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN), who have the highest and second-highest cancer incidence rates among all AI/AN population groups in the United States. When comparing cancer incidence and death rates across the Indian Health Service (IHS) areas, the GPA ranks highest among all IHS regions. GPTLHB is a 501c(3) tribal entity that advocates for tribal health concerns and works with tribal communities to improve health status and eradicate health disparities among the region’s 265,837 AI/AN tribal members (according to 2020 U.S. Census data). The organization stands as a formal representative board, composed of the highest elected officials (Chairmen/Chairwomen) from 17 tribal communities and one service unit in Iowa, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and serves as a liaison to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services entities, including Indian Health Service (IHS), and state and local partners. GPBCCEDP has successfully built and maintained breast and cervical cancer screening, education, and awareness among AI/AN women within the GPA through its previous funding cycle. The proposed program for the new funding cycle will expand existing efforts through a concerted approach that aligns with the goals and objectives of the work plan. The program will identify gaps that affect community-clinical linkages of AI/AN women in the GPA to screening, diagnostics, genomics, treatment, and resources; and provide technical assistance in developing and implementing policy. Program activities will include coordinating with Great Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center to identify cancer registry data; facilitating the Great Plains Breast and Cervical Cancer Task Force; implementing screening and navigation services; implementing evidence-based interventions; collaborating with regional partners and coalitions; and engaging tribal leadership on the evaluation process to improve equitable health outcomes. GPCCP’s proposed program will use the data to inform and educate coalition members, partners, policymakers, and the public about the most impactful cancers and the importance of ensuring that Great Plains AI/AN benefit from cancer prevention, screening, and survivorship support strategies. The GPA Cancer Coalition will convene monthly and be made up of influential leaders, organizations, and community members representing affected populations. Members will set baselines and targets for the program. GPCCCP will lead the implementation of strategies that result in policies, systems, and improvements for social determinants of health that contribute to increased cancer prevention, screening, and support for cancer survivors, their families, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Our partners and contributors will support these efforts by their commitment and roles through MOA/MOU’s and letters of support. GPCCCP will continue to use these efforts to develop and implement the work plan for the Great Plains region.
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).