Health Service Story

The purpose of each CIN Health service is to encourage Native Americans on isolated reservations to adopt healthier lifestyles and to participate in important health screenings.

The purpose of each CIN Health service is to encourage Native Americans on isolated reservations to adopt healthier lifestyles and to participate in important health screenings. Here’s an insight into how well these services work.

"Two health fairs were recently held on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation as part of an ongoing health promotion program between the Tohono O'odham Tribe and Indian Health Service, Public Health Nursing Program. The Council of Indian Nations program contributed incentive items such as shoes, lotion, hair products, jewelry, soap, spa products, sugarless gum, laundry detergent, panty hose, dryer sheets, men’s travel kits, and diapers, which we gave to those visiting the booth for blood pressure checks and blood glucose screening. During the two health fairs, nearly 700 people visited the booth! The incentive items were well received, especially the shoes. We gave away 285 pairs of shoes in just one day!"

"The most positive outcome of this activity was that we identified several people with high blood pressure and high glucose results. Referrals for follow-up were given to the PHN serving the area where the client resides."

-- Sybil Cochran, RN
Tohono O’odham Public Health Nursing Department
Tohono O’odham Reservation

"Just Move It" is a program run by the Navajo Nation which sponsors walks that are designed to get people more active and cognizant of health problems through checking vital signs, and presenting health information on diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.  CIN contributes incentives that help attract participants to these events.

During a recent Mother’s Day "Just Move It" event, volunteers performed diabetes, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight/height checks, and gave away popular incentive items including canvas bags and sun lotion.

"Many mothers expressed their appreciation to family member(s) to for bringing them to participate in this event.
Thank you, CIN, for thinking of helping the community with health activities and donations. Please give our regards and thanks to people that donate items.

Thanks a million for your concern and willingness to help our people. We all focus on accomplishing our goals and continue to coordinate and promise for a better tomorrow."

-- Frances Begay, Senior Community Health Worker
CHR/Outreach Program
Navajo Nation Division of Health
Hogback, Arizona

Read about CIN's Health Service...

How can I help?