Lessons Learned from the Makah Tribe Community Transformation Grant Capacity Building

Background/Purpose: Using a Capacity Building Community Transformation Grant, The Makah Tribe is building a solid foundation to prevent illness and premature death due to preventable chronic diseases. In Washington State, 186 in 100,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) die annually from heart disease, compared with 125 in 100,000 among all populations. The purpose of our work is to address the health inequity among (AI/AN) and to decrease disease and early death due to chronic disease among Makah Tribe community members. Methods: Increase capacity and build infrastructure through the following: Establish and strengthen multi-sectoral Leadership Team and Coalition(s), assess existing community health data, conduct health needs assessments, and develop implementation plans with specific health-impact measures. Partnerships with other state, federal, and non-profit organizations has augmented our work. Results/Outcomes: Makah CTG has developed an active Leadership Team and Coalition. To supplement secondary data, Coalition members are engaged in assessing their own community, using tools like ENACT (Environmental Nutrition and Activity Community Tool)and Walkability Assessments to identify & prioritize chronic disease prevention strategies that are meaningful and culturally relevant to the Makah community. Conclusions: Building capacity is an essential first step for effective community prevention efforts. Makah CTG now has a broad base of support and increased ability to effect culturally relevant policy, systems, and environmental changes that support tobacco-free living, healthy eating and active living.