Oral

American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian populations suffer from a number of health disparities when compared to the larger U.S. population. With our growing Indigenous population, it is crucial to address these gaps with a keen ‘cultural eye’ to reduce disparities within our health care system. Our Indigenous communities have made great strides in the development of health promotion/disease prevention programs and interventions that are culturally competent and appropriately utilized within the larger health care delivery system. This session includes presentations that showcase culturally competent public health education strategies when addressing chronic disease, providing information on how to address treatment barriers when they arise, and identifying international Indigenous partners to integrate culture and Indigenous health beliefs into health interventions. Through these Indigenous approaches to prevention and wellness across our generations, we are utilizing our strengths to improve our future.

Session Objectives: 1. Identify culturally competent health education strategies when addressing health promotion and disease prevention within American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian populations. 2. Discuss the use of culturally competent strategies and the impact on the health promotion and disease prevention activities/programs within Indigenous communities. 3. Explain the importance of cultural competence within the larger health care system. 4. Discuss the proposed set of international public health core competencies and impact they will have on Indigenous communities’ public health education, practice, and training.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)