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

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

Produced by: Diane D. Walker American Indian Health Roundtable Dr. Carlessia Hussein, Director 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. Minority Health and Health Disparities

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

Produced by: Diane D. Walker Ron Lessard 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 American Indian Health Roundtable Baltimore American Indian Center

Produced by: Diane D. Walker Dr. Sonia Fierro-Luperini 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.) American Indian Health Roundtable Morgan State University

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

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

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

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

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

Produced by: Diane D. Walker American Indian Health Roundtable Dr. Allison Henderson 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. New Life Wellness Center

Produced by: Diane D. Walker American Indian Health Roundtable Susan Roth 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. LifeLines Foundation, Inc.

Produced by: Diane D. Walker American Indian Health Roundtable Kerry Oberdalhoff 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. Chase Brexton Clinic

Produced by: Diane D. Walker 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 American Indian Health Roundtable Angela Hoban 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. R.E.S.P.E.C.T Foundation, Inc.

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