American Indian Health Roundtable

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American Indian Health Roundtable
Maryland
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Office of
Minority Health and Health Disparities
December 8, 2004
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., Governor Michael S.
Steele, Lt. Governor S. Anthony McCann, Secretary
Produced by Diane D. Walker
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Roundtable Purpose To discuss challenges and
consider ideas and solutions related to health
disparities in the American Indian/Native
American community of Maryland
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American Indian Health Roundtable
Secretary McCann greeted participants and
encouraged them to continue to dialogue and to
hold MHHD accountable to the mission of
eliminating health disparities.
Secretary S. Anthony McCann
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
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American Indian Health Roundtable
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.
Dr. Carlessia Hussein, Director
Minority Health and Health Disparities
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American Indian Health Roundtable

• Mr. Nightwolf discussed
• Government funding allocation by population
  percentages
• Piscataway population meeting the criteria for
  federal recognition

J. Nightwolf
New Life Wellness Center
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American Indian Health Roundtable

• 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

Ron Lessard
Baltimore American Indian Center
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American Indian Health Roundtable
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.)
Dr. Sonia Fierro-Luperini
Morgan State University
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American Indian Health Roundtable
Mr. Nolan presented the mission, goals and
foundation of the Indian Health Service to
promote physical, mental, social and spiritual
health of American Indians.
Leo Nolan, III, M.Ed.
Indian Health Service
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American Indian Health Roundtable
.
Roundtable audience taking note of information
presented by the speakers
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American Indian Health Roundtable
Dave Wolfe
Minority Health and Health Disparities
Marsha Bienia and Naomi Halverson
Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening
Treatment
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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 Georges County
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American Indian Health Roundtable
Dr. Craig Vanderwagen, Indian Health Service,
discussing the mission and goals.
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American Indian Health Roundtable
Mr. Proctor said provider networking is key to
effectively addressing health disparities.
Rene Proctor
Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs
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American Indian Health Roundtable
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.
Dr. Allison Henderson
New Life Wellness Center
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American Indian Health Roundtable
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.
Susan Roth
LifeLines Foundation, Inc.
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American Indian Health Roundtable
Ms. Oberdalhoff presented Chase Brextons
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.
Kerry Oberdalhoff
Chase Brexton Clinic
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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
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American Indian Health Roundtable
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.
Angela Hoban
R.E.S.P.E.C.T Foundation, Inc.
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American Indian Health Roundtable
Dr. Anne Ekiti, MHHD, visiting the American
Indian Exhibit, provided by Minority Outreach and
Technical Assistance (MOTA)
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American Indian Health Roundtable

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