Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #106929

Bernie Segal, PhD, National Resource Center for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Elders, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Dr, Diplomacy Bldg, Suite 405, Anchorage, AK 99508, 907-786-6582, Bernie@uaa.alaska.edu

The original concept of "best practice" was to identify interventions that work best in the substance abuse prevention field (CSAP, 1993a, 1993b). Funding for prevention programs is often based on a body of research literature that documented the effectiveness of the prevention strategies. Over time, the concept of best practice evolved to be restated as "science-based" prevention and treatment approaches. Best practice, or “a “science-based approach,” has become the standard utilized by federal agencies as a basis to ascertain the efficacy of programs providing social, mental health, and substance abuse services to the general population. We thus seek to reconceptualize the best practices framework into a “healing practices” framework to more accurately respond to the needs of the Native elderly. The purpose of traditional customs and healing practices is to help people access their own answers and strengths to restore a sense of self-worth and healthy relationships, and to undertake their own "Healing Journeys." This journey involves recognizing the cause and nature of the problems in one's community, taking responsibility for or assuming ownership of the problems, and exerting self-determination to achieve individual and community healing. The “best” or “healing practices" for Alaska Natives should be grounded in traditional values, beliefs, and healing practices of the Alaska Native people. It is based on what has worked with Alaska Natives over many generations and can be applied to contemporary health and social problems.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain knowledge of the application of the concept of “best practice” in Native communities
• Understand why “science-based” interventions have not been successful
• Examine why “best” or “healing practices” must be grounded in traditional values and beliefs to provide healthy relationships.

Keywords: Access and Services, Indigenous Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.