Evolution of the Navajo Uranium Assessment and Kidney Health Project: DiNEH Phase II

The Navajo Uranium Assessment and Kidney Health Project is the comprehensive evaluation of kidney health in 20 chapters of the Navajo Nation. The project will utilize the data sources described in the previous presentations to develop a weighted model of risk to kidney health as a function of exposure to heavy metals and other known risk factors to kidney health. The project will then take the next step of assessing early indicators of kdiney disease through comprehensive evaluation of standard clinical indicators of kidney health and evaluation of experimental biomarkers of early dysfunction of the proximal tubules. The project is being conducted with substantial in-kind support from the Navajo Area I H S and will also be used to inform care and prevention within I H S facilities. The ultimate goal is to increase our understanding of this disease on Navajo and to develop a surveillance system that will facilitate early identification and treatment and at the same time provide education to communtiy members to reduce know risks under their control. The project provides an excellent example of a long-term collaboration, initiated by concerned citizens, and growing to involve community organizers; non-profit technical support organizations; tribal, state, and federal government agencies; clinical care providers; researchers from a number of scientific disciplines; and policy makers. The project represents 8 years as a coalition and demonstrates how common goals can serve to unite individuals across cultural and disciplinary lines to support protection of health.