American Indian Health Roundtable

1. Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities American Indian Health Roundtable December 8, 2004 Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., Governor Michael S. Steele, Lt. Governor S. Anthony McCann, Secretary Produced by: Diane D. Walker

2. Roundtable Purpose: To discuss challenges and consider ideas and solutions related to health disparities in the American Indian/Native American community of Maryland Produced by: Diane D. Walker

3. American Indian Health Roundtable Secretary McCann greeted participants and encouraged them to continue to dialogue and to hold MHHD accountable to the mission of eliminating health disparities. Secretary S. Anthony McCann Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Produced by: Diane D. Walker

4. American Indian Health Roundtable Dr. Hussein reviewed the MHHD mission and brochure, and invited the roundtable participants to join the Maryland State Plan for Eliminating Minority Health Disparities Committees. Dr. Carlessia Hussein, Director Minority Health and Health Disparities Produced by: Diane D. Walker

5. American Indian Health Roundtable • Mr. Nightwolf discussed: • Government funding allocation by population percentages • Piscataway population meeting the criteria for federal recognition J. Nightwolf New Life Wellness Center Produced by: Diane D. Walker

6. American Indian Health Roundtable • Mr. Lessard expressed: • It is not characteristic for American Indians to seek help outside of their community • Traditional practices are holistic, addressing the body, mind and spirit • More than 70% of native people live in urban areas and there is not a lot of funding allocated for these areas Ron Lessard Baltimore American Indian Center Produced by: Diane D. Walker

7. American Indian Health Roundtable Dr. Fierro-Luperini emphasized that health professionals need to be culturally sensitive and that health care provision needs to be culturally appropriate (e.g., American Indians/Native Americans may not speak or read English.) Dr. Sonia Fierro-Luperini Morgan State University Produced by: Diane D. Walker

8. American Indian Health Roundtable Mr. Nolan presented the mission, goals and foundation of the Indian Health Service – to promote physical, mental, social and spiritual health of American Indians. Leo Nolan, III, M.Ed. Indian Health Service Produced by: Diane D. Walker

9. American Indian Health Roundtable . Roundtable audience taking note of information presented by the speakers Produced by: Diane D. Walker

10. American Indian Health Roundtable Dave Wolfe Minority Health and Health Disparities Marsha Bienia and Naomi Halverson Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening & Treatment Produced by: Diane D. Walker

11. American Indian Health Roundtable Local Health Officers that joined the roundtable discussion included Roger Harrell, Dorchester County, Dr. Barbara Brookmyer and Murray Berkowitz, Frederick County, and Fred. J. Corder, Prince George’s County Produced by: Diane D. Walker

12. American Indian Health Roundtable Dr. Craig Vanderwagen, Indian Health Service, discussing the mission and goals. Produced by: Diane D. Walker

13. American Indian Health Roundtable Mr. Proctor said provider networking is key to effectively addressing health disparities. Rene Proctor Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs Produced by: Diane D. Walker

14. American Indian Health Roundtable Dr. Henderson gave an overview of the mission, goals and grassroots service delivery of the Center. The lack of health insurance and fear of health professionals are key factors that lead to health disparities in the American Indian Community. Dr. Allison Henderson New Life Wellness Center Produced by: Diane D. Walker

15. American Indian Health Roundtable Ms. Roth presented an overview of the mission goals and services of LifeLines. Ms. Roth emphasized the impact of substance abuse and addiction among Native American youth of Baltimore City, and of LifeLines’ efforts to address this problem. Susan Roth LifeLines Foundation, Inc. Produced by: Diane D. Walker

16. American Indian Health Roundtable Ms. Oberdalhoff presented Chase Brexton’s holistic model for meeting the health and preventive education needs of American Indians who may have HIV/AIDS or may be at risk of acquiring the disease. Kerry Oberdalhoff Chase Brexton Clinic Produced by: Diane D. Walker

17. American Indian Health Roundtable Mr. Newman presented concerns about access to health care for Native Americans and emphasized the lack of health resources in Southern Maryland. Rico Newman Piscataway Conoy Community Produced by: Diane D. Walker

18. American Indian Health Roundtable Ms. Hoban, a MOTA Grantee, asked the panelists for information on available services to American Indians in Anne Arundel County. Ms. Hoban indicated it has been very difficult to identify the American Indian population within her county. Angela Hoban R.E.S.P.E.C.T Foundation, Inc. Produced by: Diane D. Walker

19. American Indian Health Roundtable Dr. Anne Ekiti, MHHD, visiting the American Indian Exhibit, provided by Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance (MOTA) Produced by: Diane D. Walker

20. American Indian Health Roundtable • Ideas and Strategies resulting from the Roundtable • Institute tools that promote and support networking among health care and service providers targeting American Indians. • Develop, publish and disseminate a resource guide listing services available to American Indians. • Consider more effective methodologies for capturing and disseminating census data for American Indians, i.e., more events such as Pow Wows targeting the populations. • Consider the development of medical models that incorporate the cultural and behavioral nuances of the American Indian. • Determine collaborative strategies to acquire funding for grassroots initiatives that address health disparities and promote health care within the American Indian community. Produced by: Diane D. Walker