Urban Indian Health Institute

This factsheet illustrates the disproportionately high burden of fetal-infant deaths experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in Washington State.  The findings presented in this factsheet were developed by a collaborative workgroup with representatives from the Urban Indian Health Institute, local and state departments of health in WA (Public Health Seattle & King County) and OR, and individuals and members of American Indian/Alaska Native organizations in WA, ID and OR, such as the Native American Women’s Dialogue on Infant Mortality and Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board.  By sharing this information widely we hope to mobilize communities, organizations, and governments to take action in addressing the needs of pregnant, parenting and care-giving AI/AN.

The Perintal Periods of Risk (PPOR) approach was used to examine fetal-infant deaths in a way that is simple and easy to communicate to a wide range of audiences. The PPOR approach includes steps for community engagement in the results and lends itself to community driven solutions as it highlights areas of need and suggests interventions that can reduce fetal-infant deaths.  While this factsheet focuses on fetal-infant deaths among American Indians and Alaska Natives in Washington State, the method can be applied to other areas.  If you are interested in collaborating with UIHI to examine fetal-infant death and potential interventions in your area please contact info@uihi.org.

Looking for an urban Indian health organization in your area?  Check out our interactive map for locations, local public health authorities, and emergency preparedness information.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Colorectal cancer is one disease that can be prevented or successfully treated if detected early.  But American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are less likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the localized stage and more likely to be diagnosed at the distant stage compared to whites.  Additionally, AI/AN have a lower probability of survival and higher risk of death once diagnosed compared to whites.¹  Determining how best to expand colorectal cancer screening services to urban AI/AN is urgently needed, as 67% of AI/AN are living in urban areas.² 

To this end, the Urban Indian C.A.R.E.S. (Colon and Rectal Education and Screening) project was created. The goal of Urban Indian C.A.R.E.S. is to promote education, testing, and treatment of colorectal cancer for urban American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) through the Urban Indian Health Organizations (UIHO) nationwide.   Funding for the project was provided by Prevent Cancer Foundation and Spirit of Eagles. 

The Urban Indian C.A.R.E.S. project has developed several materials that were distributed to UIHOs for use during March National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month: 

1.       Postcards

The community postcards feature a male and female colorectal cancer survivor, and can be distributed by providers for use with their patients, with outreach education staff, and at community events.

2.       Policy Postcard

The postcard may be given to policymakers and funders, and points out six main facts about colorectal cancer among urban AI/AN.  On the reverse side is a list of four major reasons why funding for colorectal cancer prevention should be a priority. 

3.       Policy Fact Sheet

The fact sheet can be used to educate policymakers and other funders on the need for increased colorectal cancer screening among AI/ANs and what they can do to support efforts. 

4.       Media and partnerships

The sheet provides information on creating partnerships and building a media campaign for colorectal cancer awareness by highlighting the work done at the Urban Indian Health Organization in Wichita, KS.  A sample press release is also provided.

5.       Urban Indian C.A.R.E.S. buttons

The buttons may be worn by staff during the month of March to raise awareness about colorectal cancer among urban AI/AN.

6.       Urban Indian C.A.R.E.S. magnets

The magnets may be distributed to patients and community members to raise awareness about colorectal cancer among urban AI/AN.

We hope these tools will be useful in building or adding to a local campaign.  We would love to know how the tools have been used, and have created a survey to gather feedback.  You may go to the Urban Indian C.A.R.E.S. project website (http://www.uihi.net/ColorectalCancer) to complete the survey online.   Additionally, on the website, you can find templates for all materials for future printing, customization, etc. 

For more information about Urban Indian C.A.R.E.S. or to request materials, contact the Urban Indian Health Institute, Seattle Indian Health Board at info@uihi.org or (206) 812-3030.

¹ACS 2005 Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures

²2005 American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau