Healthy Tribes: Preventing Chronic Disease in American Indians and Alaska Natives

American Indian and Alaska Native populations have long faced unique health and nutrition challenges driven by centuries of disruptions to their historical agricultural systems and food supply, lack of access to health care, and economic barriers. These challenges have led to high rates of diabetes and other chronic diseases among many tribal groups. RDNs/NDTRs play a key role in helping these populations prevent and manage diabetes through the Indian Health Service, Tribal Health Providers, and Urban Indian Health Providers.

Attendees will learn about the burden of disease in this population as well as about the Indian Health Service, Special Diabetes Program for Indians, and other federal programs that support nutrition and health care services for these populations. The session will also explore opportunities to work with American Indian and Alaska Native populations through the various health systems that serve them and the unique benefits for RDNs/NDTRs working in these settings.

CPE Level: Level 1 (basic knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.5

Performance Indicators

• 1.7.1 Recognizes and respects cultural and racial diverse backgrounds to effectively interact and build meaningful relationships with others (e.g., clients, employees, inter- and intra-professional team members and community and professional groups).
• 12.1.1 Advocates for and promotes food and nutrition programs and resources to address issues of food insecurity, nutritional health and overall health and wellness.
• 12.3.3 Takes into consideration any population and environmental disparities (e.g., sickness and disease, food and water access finances, air and water quality, ) when developing programs.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the chronic disease burden in American Indian and Alaska Native populations
• Articulate the role of the Indian Health Service and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians in improving health in these populations
• Outline opportunities for RDNs to work with American Indian and Alaska Native populations

Moderator

• Patty Keane, MS, RDN

Speakers

• Francine Barnett, MBA, MS, OTR/L
• Kibbe Brown, MS, RDN
• Becky Johnson, MS, MA, RDN, LD