Grant awarded to ITC

Observer Staff

10/2/2003 12:00:00 AM

Michigan's Inter-Tribal Council is the recipient of a Women's Health grant from the Indian Health Service.

The grant is part of the Indian Women's Health Demonstration Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives, and will fund a five-year project focused on improving the health of American Indian women in Michigan. The Inter-Tribal Council project is entitled "Healthy Anishnabe Women" and makes $100,000 available on an annual basis for up to five years. Only seven such grants were awarded across the country.

The project seeks to increase the understanding and visibility of the specific health issues and disparities experienced by women in Michigan's Native American communities, and to support the development of community-driven health promotion programs.

During the first year of the project, efforts will focus on the review and compilation of various health data, including gathering input from community women about their needs, concerns and experiences using the health care system. Results and recommendations will be compiled into a comprehensive report on the health status of American Indian women in Michigan which will be widely distributed.

Additionally, in the first year, in consultation with community leaders, a series of weekend health retreats for Native American women will be held around the state. The retreats will feature fitness activities, health information, opportunities for health screenings, traditional crafts and food. It is hoped that these retreats will afford attendees an opportunity for physical, emotional and spiritual renewal. Ideas will be gathered from women at the retreats about new health promotion activities they would like to see offered in their communities.

During years two through five, grant funds will be subcontracted to Tribal health programs to support implementation of local health promotion activities for women. Such programs might include annual screening events, fitness programs, or indoor exercise opportunities, among many possibilities.

"Many women play important caretaking roles in their families," stated Elizabeth Knurek, project director and author of the grant. "Added to their other roles and responsibilities, women often find it hard to make their own health a priority. We're hoping that this grant will help to create health promotion programs for women, which are accessible and correspond to women's real needs. We'll be holding a series of Talking Circles with Native American women from across the state in order to gather input directly from the community."