Fostering healthy Tribal communities: Developing a model for Tribal advocacy for HIV/AIDS prevention, education, and testing

Issues: HIV/AIDS dramatically impacts the lives of American Indians/Alaska Natives, ranking third in rates of new infections among all U.S. races/ethnicities. Federal initiatives have been implemented; however, community engagement is the gold standard for public health practice. The most effective advocacy and leadership come from Tribes and Tribal partnerships. Description: The Tribal Initiative on HIV/AIDS is an OMHRC training and technical assistance project that aims to address the Tribal advocacy of HIV/AIDS/STI awareness and community education, through new or renewed implementation of policy or tribal resolution. Our research with the Choctaw Nation, Mississippi Band of Choctaw, Standing Rock Sioux, Pawnee Nation and the Fort Peck Tribe shows that this advocacy is critical to the prevention of disease and preservation of generational health and will demonstrate the innovative approaches and success of Tribal engagement efforts. Lessons Learned: There is a need for enhanced or supported HIV/AIDS/STI education, awareness and testing in the Native communities; more funding for HIV/AIDS/STI activities; passage of official tribal resolutions, policies or codes that support HIV/AIDS/STI Tribal programs, screening or services; and expansion of HIV/AIDS infrastructure and network for all American Indians/Alaska Natives through capacity building and Federal partnerships. Recommendations: Developing and passing Tribal policies to support HIV efforts and keep HIV on the Tribe's health agenda and enlisting support of tribal council is essential to overcome barriers to HIV testing and education. Stigma is the greatest barrier, so public community events have become the most useful tool in increasing in decreasing barriers to testing and care.