Brain Injury Prevention Project, Fond du Lac Reservation Holly Kostrzewski Injury Prevention Coordinator

Fond du Lac Reservation Northeastern MN 20 miles west of Duluth, MN. One of six Reservations inhabited by members of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. 1,800 tribal members within reservation boundaries 2,100 tribal members living in Duluth

Background Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a major cause of disability among Native Americans. The leading causes of hospitalizations for TBI are motor vehicle crashes (24%), assaults (17%), and falls (16%). Rates of TBI among males are 2.5 times greater than females.

Goal Produce a brain injury prevention educational campaign for the Fond du Lac Community based on input from health care providers and community residents.

Methods 13 key informant interviews 5 focus groups Collaborations

What is a Brain Injury?

Perception of Community Prevalence

Perception of Causes

Preference in Obtaining Information

Perception of Risk

Results 8 individual brochures –Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: reoccurring subject for community (misconception) –Lack of interest in reading 2 PowerPoint presentations –Community –Professional Pilot test - changes made

Recommendations Enhance Injury Prevention Program Individual Presentations on 8 topics Data collection on brain injuries Min No Aya Win Magazine THINK FIRST chapter