Catawba Nation's Heath & Resiliency Project - Health disparities persist among tribal communities, and the Catawba Nation is no exception. These disparities are exacerbated by historical inequities and limited access to programs. While we have made progress to improve health and wellness within our tribal community, there is still much work to be done, particularly to mitigate and prevent chronic diseases for all tribal members. The Catawba Nation seeks funding so that we may implement Component 1 of the Cultural Approach to Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country (GHWIC) program to address the challenges that still exist within our community. Our objectives are to address our community’s health challenges using a comprehensive health and wellness initiative tailored for tribal programs related to the Catawba People. The primary goals of this initiative are to: Increase tribal interconnectedness through traditional activities centered around family and the community. Leverage partnerships to mitigate the incidence and impact of chronic diseases. Promote implementation of multi-disciplinary, team-based care to prevent, manage, and control chronic diseases and to connect patients to community and clinical service providers for health-related social and economic needs. The outcomes we hope to achieve through the project initiatives are: A calendar of seasonal cultural events and classes. Engage all ages in Wellness programs and activities focused on chronic disease prevention. Initiate an All-Staff meeting between the Catawba Service Unit staff and the Catawba Nation Department of Health and Human Services for each to present services and programs and explore collaboration potential. Addressing health disparities within tribal communities is not merely a matter of program access; it is a moral imperative rooted in historical injustices and systemic neglect of Indigenous People. By focusing on culturally appropriate programs, community empowerment, increased access, and sustainable wellness practices, we aim to make meaningful strides towards improving health outcomes in our tribal community. This interdisciplinary initiative will engage tribal leaders, healthcare professionals, community members, and researchers in collaborative efforts to design and implement sustainable health programs focused on Catawba traditions and influence the future of the Catawba Nation Health and Wellness program. By fostering partnerships with tribal governments and community organizations, these initiatives aim to empower the tribal community to lead healthier lives and reduce healthcare disparities. Together, we can pave the way for healthier generations, honoring the unique cultural identities and inherent strengths of tribal nations, like the Catawba, in our collective pursuit of Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country.
