Makah ways of wellness

Background/Purpose: Using a 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: Establish and strengthen multi-sectoral partnerships to promote healthy living and prevent chronic disease; conduct community health assessments; use findings to implement pilot projects with specific health-impact measures. Partnerships with tribal, state, federal, and non-profit organizations have augmented our work. Results/Outcomes: Makah CTG has successfully developed and sustained multi-sectoral partnerships, including our Leadership Team and Transformation Coalition. Community members are engaged using participatory assessment techniques such as walking audits and photographic assessment ensuring that chosen wellness strategies are meaningful and culturally relevant to the community. Involving Makah youth as CTG Interns expands our reach and effectiveness. Using assessment and prioritization findings we have allied our efforts with non-traditional partners, such as the Chamber of Commerce and ArtPlace, to leverage our work with programmatic and infrastructure funding from other sources. 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 chronic disease prevention.