The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #51119

Zeenat Mahal, MBBS, MS, Aubrey Joy Corcoran, MPH, and Norman Petersen, MS. Epidemiology Center, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, 2214 N. Central Ave., #100, Phoenix, AZ 85004, (602)307-1540, Zeenat.Mahal@itcaonline.com

Background: As Tribes increasingly assume responsibility for their own health care, the task of maintaining local public health activities becomes more challenging. Therefore, to support Tribal public health programs, in 1996, U.S. Congress, through the Indian Health Service (IHS) created four Epidemiology Centers nationwide; including the Phoenix based Inter Tribal Council of Arizona Epidemiology Center (ITCA Epi Center) that serves Tribes in Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Methods: Empowering Tribes in the Southwest region requires multifaceted methodologies. Approaches taken by the ITCA Epi Center are: i) assisting in the development of Tribal surveillance systems, ii) providing multilevel, culturally appropriate epidemiology and public health training, and iii) redefining existing relationships with state agencies to improve access to data sources that include health information about Tribal members. Results: As a first step in public health improvement, state, federal, and Tribal data sources were assessed, reports were completed and disseminated, and four culturally appropriate epidemiology courses were developed. The courses, offered on a continuing basis, are: i) Basic Epidemiology, ii) Data Management and Computer Applications, iii) Program Evaluation, and iv) Disease Outbreak Investigation on Tribal Land. Conclusions: Tribal self-determination in public health services has increased their capabilities to conduct public health surveillance. It is necessary to make all possible data sources available so that Tribes can more accurately define their current and future health status. Consequently, the ITCA Epi Center’s ability to facilitate data sharing among agencies will become more important as IHS participation is reduced.

Learning Objectives:

1b) Describe public health and epidemiologic issues impacting Native People in the Southwest United States and how the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona Epidemiology Center is addressing some of them.
• To identify common themes about how epidemiologic capacity can be built in Indian County in the US
• Describe relevant epidemiologic methods or important health and health risk findings from activities conducted by the "Epi Centers" that could be used to improve the health and well being of Native peoples in the US.

Keywords: American Indians, Epidemiology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.