4204.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001: 2:30 PM-4:00 PM

Oral Session

Addressing Health Disparities of Native American Elders: National Program Models

Native American elders experience the poorest health of any subgroup in the U.S. population and are underserved both in urban and rural areas. The projected growth of the older population, especially minority elders, is a critical public health issue that has not received adequate attention. The Indian Health Service (IHS) and the National Indian Council on Aging (NICoA) have developed a number of special programs to address acute and chronic health problems contributing to the health disparities of Native American tribal populations. In addition, a number of nationally sponsored programs have also developed outreach and educational program models to improve the training of service providers, address access and develop culturally proficient service models to address these needs. This seminar will provide an overview of IHS programs and share examples of academic-community education and service program models developed by the IHS, NICoA, NIA’s Alzheimer’s Disease Centers, and HRSA’s Geriatric Education Centers. Presenters will share collaborative models utilized in program planning and provide examples of educational materials developed in response key Native American elder health concerns.
Learning Objectives: 1. To identify key health disparities of Native American elders 2. To understand the most prevalent diseases contributing to Native American elders’ health disparities 3. To address issues of workforce preparation to provide culturally proficient services to Native American elders 4. To describe national program training and service initiatives and activities that address chronic health problems of Native American elders 5. To identify future training needs and gaps in services to Native American elders
Presider(s):Michael E. Bird, MSW MPH
Panelist(s):Dave Baldridge
Janet Frank, DrPH
Bruce Finke, PhD
Sponsor:Gerontological Health
Cosponsors:American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Caucus; Medical Care; Social Work; Socialist Caucus
CE Credits:CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA