In My Community

The inaugural awards were presented during a special ceremony at the Indian Health Services (IHS) Summit in Denver, CO on July 9, 2009.

ADVOCACY

Pine Ridge IHS SDPI Diabetes Prevention Program
“Oyate Wicozani Ocanku”, Pine Ridge, South Dakota
The Pine Ridge Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) have worked diligently to educate Tribal leadership at both local and national levels that diabetes prevention is possible, by sharing their stories of successful weight loss, increased physical activity, healthier food choices and overcoming obstacles in adopting healthy behaviors.

Honorable Mention

• Toiyabe Indian Health Project, Inc. (Bishop, CA) 

OUTCOMES

Being Responsible American Indian Diabetics (BRAID)
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, Oklahoma City, OK
Through diabetes self-management education that is culturally appropriate, BRAID patients have learned to set goals and change behaviors which have resulted in lower A1Cs, thus dramatically reducing the risk of chronic complications associated with diabetes.

Honorable Mentions

• Pit River Health Service, Inc. (Burney, CA)
• Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians (Sault Ste. Marie, MI)

INNOVATION

Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley
San Jose, CA
Grounded in American Indian healing traditions, the Indian Health Center incorporates traditional aspects of mind, body, heart, and spirit such as native crafts, storytelling, drumming, dancing, and ceremony, as well as proven lifestyle change concepts to empower patients to actively participate in their own self-care.

Honorable Mentions

• Nimiipuu Health Center (Lapwai, ID)
• Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (Anchorage, AK)
• White Earth Land Recovery Project Native Harvest (Callaway, MN)