1. Native American Health Information Services
Patricia Bradley, MLS, Native Services Librarian

2. Why Native American Health Information Services?
Unique demographic characteristics
Distinctive health care needs for the population and the health care providers who serve them
The highest prevalence of diabetes in the world
High incidence of unintentional injuries as a cause of death
Indigenous people of North America
Sovereign nations recognized by the USA
556 + “federally-recognized tribes”
Some state-recognized tribes
Each with its own language, culture and history of involvement/conflict with the US of A and each of which was promised in exchange for lands ceded to the US of A—health care and education.

3. New Mexico’s Need for Native American Health Information Services
Home to the 19 Pueblos, the Jicarilla Apache, the Mescalero Apache and the eastern portion of the Navajo Nation
Fourth largest American Indian population in the US (190,000)
The largest percentage (10.3%) of population in the lower 48 states
Only Alaska has a higher percentage of native people per its population—15% of their population is Native
Arizona is also home to 22 NA communities
The tribes in New Mexico are culturally unique and sovereign governments

4. HSLIC’s Unique Position
Only academic health sciences library
The NN/LM Resource library
25 years of outreach services
Integrated library and IT services
Development of Native Health Databases in 1994
Native Services Librarian
History of partnership development

5. Cornerstones
The Native Health Research Database and Native Health History Database
The Tribal Connections Four Corners Go Local on MedlinePlus
The Native Health Research Database and Native Health History Database provide information for the benefit, use and education of organizations and individuals with an interest in American Indian, Alaska Native and Canadian First Nations health-related issues, programs and initiatives.
The Tribal Connections Four Corners Go Local on MedlinePlus provides Native Americans living in the Four Corners with an active online directory of health services. It was launched in October

6. Strategic Plan Goal
To consolidate and expand Native American Health Information Services by creating a strong integrated effective program which will contribute to the reduction of health disparities in the Native populations of New Mexico.
For the Native American Health Information Services program

7. Accomplishments
Identified Native American Health Information Services as a major strategic goal
Created a four year plan
Identified current services, resources, partnerships and funding.
Designed a brochure and web site
Completed a logic model for evaluation
Planning committee began its work in the summer of 2005

8. First Year’s Activities
Audience is the Native American faculty, staff and students at the University of New Mexico.
Training in finding, evaluating and using health information
Promote services
Health Sciences Center
UNM main campus

9. Future Years
Other audiences—health care providers, schools, tribal/community libraries, tribal college and university libraries, councils and Chapter Houses in New Mexico have been selected for services in subsequent years.
Onsite (community) visits, consultations and training will take place.

10. Partnerships and Collaborations
Center for Native American Health, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico
Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board
Southern Colorado/New Mexico Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH)
Tribal Connections Four Corners
AAIHB is a nonprofit organization, 100 percent Indian-owned and operated, serving tribal communities in New Mexico and southern Colorado.We provide specialized health services including clinical Audiology and HIV/AIDS prevention education, as well as advocacy, training, and technical assistance. Some of our innovative capacity building programs are in the areas of tobacco awareness and breast and cervical cancer. Mission StatementThe Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board, Inc. advocates on behalf of American Indians through the delivery of quality health care services, which honor spiritual and cultural values. 

11. Native American Health Information Services Planning Group UNM HSLIC
Patricia Bradley, Native Services Librarian
Janis Teal, Deputy Director
Erinn Aspinall, Distance Services Librarian
Lisa Romero, Library Information Specialist
Outreach librarian

12. Summary Choose a need that can be met by your organization.
Start small and build.
Be willing to shift resources to fund critical positions.
Develop partnerships with organizations that have similar missions.
Take advantage of this conference and learn from others’ success.

13. Welcome to New Mexico!