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Strengthen the Evidence for Maternal and Child Health Programs

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Items in this list may be obtained from the sources cited. Contact information reflects the most current data about the source that has been provided to the MCH Digital Library.

Displaying records 1 through 20 (90 total).

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse. 2024. A healthy mouth for your baby. Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse, 12 pp.

Annotation: This document is intended to help parents keep their infant’s mouth healthy. It lists five steps that parents can take: Protect the infant’s teeth with fluoride, check and clean the infant’s teeth, feed the infant healthy food, don’t put the infant to bed with a bottle, and take the infant to the dentist before age 1. The text is accompanied with colorful illustrations. A conversation between two mothers in which one learns from the other about how to keep a baby’s teeth healthy is included. The document is available in English and in Spanish and a version in English geared toward Native American parents is also available.

Keywords: Alaska Natives, American Indians, Consumer education materials, Oral health: Infant health, Prevention, Spanish language materials

Capriola S. 2024. Wisconsin healthy smiles survey: Kindergarten and third grade children. Madison, WI: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Oral Health Program, 28 pp.

Annotation: This survey focuses on the oral health status of children in kindergarten and third grade in Wisconsin during the 2022–2023 school year. The survey provides an introduction explaining why good oral health is important; describes the survey methodology; and presents results in the following areas: participation, tooth decay experience; oral health care needs, statewide trends among children in third grade, and oral health by region. A convenience sample focused on American Indian and Alaska Native students is also discussed, and key findings are presented.

Keywords: Alaska Natives, American Indians, Oral health, School age children, State information, Tooth decay, Trends, Wisconsin

Allen C; Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health. 2024. You can't get there from here: Actionable strategies for rural perinatal health from IHS. Washington, DC: Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health , (AIM for Safer Birth Podcast Series)

Annotation: In this episode of the AIM for Safer Birth podcast series, host Christie Allen continues her conversation with Dr. Tina Pattara-Lau, Maternal and Child Health Consultant at the Indian Health Service (IHS) as they explore the ongoing transformation of maternal health care within rural communities. Dr. Pattara-Lau delves deeper into the impact of culturally responsive care, the integration of traditional practices, and the expansion of telehealth services. They further discuss the strides being made in overcoming access barriers, fostering community trust, and implementing innovative care models tailored to the unique needs of American Indian/Alaska Native populations. The AIM for Safer Birth series dives deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

Keywords: Alaska natives, American Indians, Barriers, Community participation, Cultural sensitivity, Health care access, Initiatives, Model programs, Rural health

Allen C; Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health. 2024. You can't get there from here: Rural perinatal health through the the IHS lens. Washington, DC: Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health , (AIM for Safer Birth Podcast Series)

Annotation: Podcast host Christie Allen delves into the unique challenges and innovative solutions in rural and Indigenous maternal health care with Dr. Tina Pattara-Lau, Maternal and Child Health Consultant at the Indian Health Service (IHS). Dr. Pattara-Lau shares her experiences and insights on improving patient access to quality care through culturally safe practices, partnerships, and innovative models such as telehealth and community-based care. They discuss the systemic barriers, the importance of culturally safe practices, and the role of community partnerships in enhancing care for American Indian/Alaska Native populations, emphasizing the need for continuous quality improvement and sensitivity to cultural and traditional practices. This episode is part of the AIM series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

Keywords: Alaska natives, American Indians, Barriers, Community participation, Cultural sensitivity, Health care access, Initiatives, Model programs, Rural health

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. 2023. American Indian and Alaska Native communities face a disproportionate burden of oral disease: Reversing inequities involves challenges and opportunities. Boston, MA: CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, 34 pp., exec. summ. (6 pp.). (White paper)

Annotation: This paper provides information on oral health disparities that American Indians and Alaska Natives experience. It discusses the causes of these disparities and presents possible solutions. Topics include historical and current sources of health inequities, information from the State of Oral Health Equity in America Survey, creating and expanding a representative oral health workforce, collaborating to conduct inclusive research, and making funding available that promotes oral health equity. A call to action is included.

Keywords: Alaska Natives, American Indians, Collaboration, Diversity, Healthy equity, Oral health, Underserved communities

Latoya Hill L, Artiga S, and Ranji U. 2023. Racial disparities in maternal and infant health: Current status and efforts to address them. Menlo Park, CA ,

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. 2023. Quitting tobacco during pregnancy. anchorage, AK: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium,

Annotation: This website for Alaskan Native pregnant women and Tribal Partner organizations has information on the harm that can be done to a fetus when the mother smokes, hotlines for help to stop smoking for mothers, and printable rack cards for healthcare providers. It also has links to reports on research that was conducted with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), Southcentral Foundation (SCF), and Mayo Clinic researchers and Alaska Native women who received care at the Anchorage Primary Care Center on levels of tobacco exposure between a mother and her baby. (The study was funded by the National Cancer Institute: U54 CA153605.)

Keywords: Alaska natives, Information resources, Smoking cessation, Smoking during pregnancy

Child Trends . 2023. A resource to help researchers and funders understand indigenous children, youth, and families . Bethesda, MD: Child Trends ,

Annotation: This research brief provides information on Indigenous Peoples in the United States and U.S. territories, including geographic distribution, overall demographics, and trends in education, health, and well-being. It discusses the impact that colonization and Federal Indian Law has had on Indigenous children, youth, and families and recommends strategies that can be implemented at the local, state, and federal levels to improve health outcomes. The brief is intended for those who engage with and/or conduct or fund research, evaluation, or technical assistance focusing on Indigenous populations..

Keywords: Alaska natives, American Indians, Cultural barriers, Cultural factors, Health equity, History, Initiatives, Legislation, Litigation, Pacific islanders, Policy, Statutes, Trends

University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences and North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. 2022 (ca.). Evaluation data from North Dakota's school-base sealant program demonstrate oral health concerns for children who are American Indian and Alaska Native. Bismarck, ND: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences and North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, 1 p.

Annotation: This fact sheet provides information from the North Dakota Oral Health Program school-based dental sealant program indicating that American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) students had more untreated tooth decay and rampant tooth decay than their non-AIAN counterparts. The fact sheet also includes information on North Dakota’s school-based sealant program (SEALIND) and offers strategies to improve the oral health of AIAN students in the state.

Keywords: Alaska Natives, American Indians, Dental caries, Health status disparities, North Dakota, Oral health, Oral health equity, Prevention, School health, State programs

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 2022. Safe to Sleep® public education campaign. Rockville, MD: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, multiple items. (Safe to Sleep® )

Annotation: This national campaign website presents information and resources about ways to reduce the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death such as suffocation. Topics include answers to common questions about SIDS, the importance of sharing safe sleep messages with everyone who cares for infants under age 1, and crib-safety guidelines. Contents include a video; a general outreach brochure (in English and Spanish); brochures for outreach to African Americans, American Indians, and Alaska Natives; and a handout that illustrates a safe infant sleep environment. The website covers safe infant sleep basics,printable and shareable resources, research, and activities and initiatives.

Keywords: Alaska Natives, American Indians, Blacks, Campaigns, Infant death, National initiatives, Primary prevention, SIDS, Safety, Sleep position, Spanish language materials, Unintentional injuries

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. 2022. Indigenous teen dental habits to promote social, physical, and mental health: Promoting a healthy smile. Bismarck, ND: North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, 1 p.

Annotation: This fact sheet provide tips for indigenous adolescents about how to maintain or improve their oral health. Tips include avoiding tobacco, wearing a mouthguard when playing sports, brushing and flossing daily, visiting the dentist at least once a year, having wisdom teeth checked by an oral health professional, consuming healthy foods and drinks, drinking fluoridated water, and not getting tongue or lip piercings.

Keywords: Adolescent health, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Mouth guards, Fluoride, North Dakota, Nutrition, Oral health, Oral hygiene, Prevention, Smoking cessation, State information

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. 2022. Strengthening risk-appropriate care in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Arlington, VA: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), 2 pp. (ASTHOBrief)

Annotation: This report discusses how the Departments of Health of three states (Alaska, New Mexico, and Montana) are strengthening access to risk-appropriate care for American Indian / Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Initiatives and recommendations include increased data collection, promoting people-centered and culturally appropriate care, and collaborating with community organizations.

Keywords: Alaska natives, High risk pregnancy, Native Americans, Perinatal care, Racism, Reproductive health, Risk appropriate care, Social bias

Oregon Health Authority, Oral Health Program. 2022. Oral health among Oregon's children. Portland, OR: Oregon Health Authority, Oral Health Program, 2 pp. (Oregon smile survey data brief)

Annotation: This data brief provides information from the Oregon Smiles Survey. Topic include trends in the percentage of children in the state with treated, untreated, or rampant tooth decay between 2012 and 2017; the percentage of children needing oral health care; cavity rates among children, by region; and percentages of American Indian and Alaska native and black children with tooth decay.

Keywords: African Americans, Alaska natives, American Indians, Data, Dental caries, Oral health, Oregon, School age children, State information, Surveys, Trends

Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality, Health Resources and Services Administration, . 2022. Making Amends: recommended strategies and actions to improve the health and safety of American Indian and Alaska Native mothers and infants. Rockville, MD: Health Resources and Services Administration, Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality , 66 pp.

Annotation: This report outlines a strategic set of recommendations aimed at improving health outcomes and safety for American Indian and Alaska Native mothers and infants while addressing the historical legacy of genocide and trauma. It examines major topics such as data sovereignty, the clinical quality of the Indian Health Service, and urgent challenges including incarceration, violence, and missing and murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The document provides recommendations across 59 interrelated strategies developed through a 24-month review of literature and testimony from tribal leaders, elders, and individuals with lived experience. Appendices feature first-hand stories from community members and a comprehensive summary table of the proposed strategic actions

Keywords: Alaskan natives, American Indians, Child health, Literature review, Maternal health, Planning, Quality improvement, Safety, Strategic plans

Adamsen C, Bendixen B, Woodrich-Fernando M, Goins T, Joe JR. [2021]. Evidence-based health promotion programs among American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities: A call to action to improve cultural relevance and accessibility. Arlington, VA: National Council on Aging; Albuquerque, NM: National Indian Council on Aging, 48 pp.

Annotation: This report highlights disparities in health care access faced by elders in the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. The report supplies results from a survey of Older Americans Act Title VI directors and staff; in addition, it provides evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention programs in the AI/AN/NH communities. This report is intended to educate and raise awareness among stake-holders interested in public health and aging in the public and private sectors.

Keywords: Accessibility, Aging, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Elder care, Hawaiians, Health care disparities

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 2020. Honor the past, learn for the future: Reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bethesda, MD: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 1 p. (NIH Pub. No. 20-HD-7462)

Annotation: This pamphlet, which is geared toward American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) parents, provides information about how to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), especially among AI/AN infants, among whom the incidence of death from SIDS is particularly high. The brochure offers tips on sleep position, sleep surfaces, and other factors that can affect the risk for SIDS, and explains the reasoning behind each recommendation.

Keywords: Consumer education materials, Alaska Natives, American Indians, High risk infants, Infant health, Prevention, Risk factors, SIDS, Safety, Sleep position

Phipps KR, Ricks TL, Mork NP, Lozon TL. 2020. The oral health of 13-15 year old American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) dental clinic patients: A follow-up report to the 2013 survey. Rockville, MD: U.S. Indian Health Service, 7 pp. (Indian Health Service data brief)

Annotation: This report provides information about the oral health of 13–15-year-old American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) dental clinic patients, comparing results from the 2019–2020 survey with results from the 2013 survey. It presents a summary of what’s new in the report since the 2013 survey and key findings in three areas: (1) oral health of AI/AN adolescents over the past two decades, (2) oral health disparities in AI/AN adolescents compared with U.S. adolescents overall, and (3) percentage of AI/AN adolescents who had a dental visit in the past year compared with U.S. adolescents overall.

Keywords: Access to health care, Adolescent health, Alaska Natives, Medicaid, Oral health, Pacific Islanders, Surveys, Surveys, Trends

Ellmann N. 2020. Community-based doulas and midwives . Washington , DC: Center for American Progress , 37 pp.

Annotation: This report presents key perspectives, lessons learned, and policy recommendations for state- and federal-level initiatives that center around the work of doulas and midwives in addressing the nation’s maternal health crisis.The report discusses racial disparities in maternal and infant morbidity and mortality and describes how birth workers can help reduce health risks, particularly among black and indigenous individuals giving birth. Information and perspectives shared by doulas and midwives interviewed for the report fall into three major categories: 1) the role and importance of community-based birth workers and the re-centering of the community in pregnancy-related care; 2) guidelines for health care system integration and the role of government; and 3) the creation of a progressive vision for pregnancy-related care in the United States.

Keywords: Alaska natives , American Indians, Barriers, Blacks, Childbirth, Community health services, Doulas, Maternal health, Maternal morbidity, Maternal mortality, Midwives, Pregnancy, Prevention services, Racial factors, Racism, Risk factors, Social support

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Indian Health Service . 2020. Protect our future. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2 pp.

Annotation: This fact sheet from the CDC is geared to parents and caregivers in tribal communities. It alerts them to the problem of non-use or improper use of car seats, booster seats, and seatbelts. It provides illustrations on the proper placement of booster seats and statistics on the numbers of native children who are injured. It includes references and the 800 number and web link for further information from the CDC.

Keywords: Alaska natives, Booster seats, Car seats, Child safety, Native Americans, Seat belts, Young children

National Indian Health Board, Tribal Oral Health Initiative. [2019]. Dental therapy start up guide for tribal leaders. Washington, DC: National Indian Health Board, 88 pp.

Annotation: This guide discusses oral health issues in tribal communities and offers potential solutions to these communities’ oral health challenges. Topics include how Alaska has used dental therapists (instead of dentists) to provide needed oral health services, how tribes can evaluate the potential of using dental therapists to meet their oral health needs, complying with state statutes and regulations, implementing tribal licensing, developing the workforce, building financial stability, and integrating dental therapists into a tribe’s oral health team. Stories from individuals and a tribe are included.

Keywords: Access to health care, Alaska, Alaska natives, American Indians, Federal legislation, Oral health, State programs
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The MCH Library is one of six special collections at Georgetown University, the nation's oldest Jesuit institution of higher education. The library is supported through foundation, private, university, state, and federal funding. This information or content and conclusions are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by Georgetown University or the U.S. Government. Note: web pages whose development was supported by federal government grants are being reviewed to comply with applicable Executive Orders.