Native Health Advocacy

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The Native Health Advocacy event invites teams of 2-4 students to engage in a two-part competition that addresses healthcare disparities within Native American communities. Participants are challenged to deepen their understanding of Native health issues and to apply culturally aware, innovative thinking to real-world scenarios.

In Round One, teams take a written test focused on Native American healthcare legislation, cultural factors, historical influences, and disparities affecting Native communities. This knowledge lays the foundation for Round Two, where qualifying teams analyze and solve a complex healthcare scenario involving a fictional reservation.

Round Two gives participants 30 minutes to review materials and develop a solution to a specific healthcare problem on the fictional reservation. Teams then present their proposed solution in a six-minute presentation to a panel of judges, followed by a Q&A session. This round emphasizes teamwork, critical thinking, and cultural understanding, as participants apply what they’ve learned to create meaningful solutions for Native health challenges.

Event Sponsorship

Tribal Health, LLC proudly sponsors this event, offering cash prizes to the top teams at the State Leadership Conference (SLC). 1st place will receive $800 and 2nd place will receive $400. The sponsorship reflects a shared commitment to fostering culturally competent healthcare leaders who will advocate for equity and respect within their future professions.

Link to full case study

In the Native Health Advocacy event, the fictional Pine River Reservation serves as the foundation for Round Two. This case study presents participants with a realistic, detailed setting to analyze healthcare challenges within a Native American community. The Pine River Reservation is located in northern Minnesota and is home to the Ahwa’siwi people, who face unique health disparities, cultural needs, and systemic barriers to care.

Each year, MN HOSA releases a new document containing critical information about the Pine River Reservation. This document includes historical and cultural background, healthcare needs, local partnerships, staffing levels, and community demographics. Participants are expected to study these materials beforehand and refer to them during the competition to develop an informed, culturally respectful solution to a specific healthcare problem on the reservation.

The challenge in Round Two involves analyzing the scenario within a 30-minute time frame, applying relevant legislation, cultural insights, and healthcare knowledge to propose a sustainable solution. The Pine River Reservation case study offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with real-world issues, honing their advocacy skills and understanding of Native American health needs in preparation for future healthcare careers.

In Round One of the Native Health Advocacy event, participants take a 50-question, 60-minute multiple choice test covering key topics in Native American healthcare. The test provides foundational knowledge essential for analyzing healthcare challenges within Native communities and prepares participants for the scenario analysis in Round Two.

Topics include:

• Healthcare Disparities and Access Issues (20%)
• Indian Health Service (IHS) and Federal Health Policies (20%)
• Historical and Cultural Factors Affecting Health (20%)
• Traditional Healing Practices and Cultural Competence (15%)
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues (10%)
• Stereotypes and Their Impact (10%)
• Contemporary Health Legislation and Policy (5%)

Official References for the Test

To ensure a thorough understanding of these topics, participants should study from the following resources:

• Clinical Practice Issues in American Indians and Alaska Natives – A comprehensive guide to unique clinical challenges faced by Native American populations.
• American Indian Health Disparities – Offers insights into the disparities affecting Native elders and communities.
• American Indian Health Policy: Historical Trends and Contemporary Issues – An in-depth look at the evolution of healthcare policies for Native populations.
• Understanding and Honoring the Needs of Native American Elders – Focuses on elder care, respect, and traditions within Native health contexts.
• Stereotyping Native Americans – Examines the impact of stereotypes on Native American communities.
• Native Mascots and Other Misguided Beliefs – Discusses the cultural implications of mascots and misrepresentation.
• Mystery and Medicine of Native Americans – Explores traditional medicine practices and their role in Native American healthcare.

These sources equip participants with essential cultural, historical, and legislative knowledge, ensuring they approach the competition’s challenges with a well-informed, culturally respectful perspective.