History

National Indian Women’s Health Resource Center “NIWHRC”, is a national non-profit organization. In 1993, the Director of Indian Health Service assembled a group of Indian women, recognized as leaders in the health field, to serve on a Steering Committee and to advise IHS on the health needs of Indian women. We envision American Indian and Alaskan Native people living in balance within the sacred circle of life. 

Mission

Our mission is to engage, educate, and empower the people of Native territory to live healthy lives.

The Goal

Our goal is to be an alliance of community leaders dedicated to a national network that promotes: ADVOCACY, EDUCATION, MENTORING, TRAINING, PREVENTION, HEALTHY LIFESTYLES, RESEARCH AND DISSEMINATION.

Here at National Indian Women’s Health Resource Center (NIWHRC) we are committed to developing prevention programs:

Safe Journey is a project focusing on preventing/reducing underage drinking and substance use by youth aged 9-20 years old. This project offers support to community led coalitions focused on developing an evidence based substance use prevention strategy for their unique community needs. This project is funded by SAMHSA.

Many Paths is a Native Connections project aiming to define the need for services and the gaps between needed and available mental health and substance abuse services.  This project identifies barriers to trauma-informed suicide and substance abuse prevention. Focusing on early intervention activities for American Indian youth and emerging adults at risk, or currently experiencing issues that may lead to suicide. This project delivers QPR Training (Question, Persuade, and Refer) for area businesses and community groups to educate staff on suicide prevention and response. Also, delivered through this project, is the Alcohol Literacy Challenge Class, Testimonials, Mental Health Activities, and Outreach Events. This project is funded by SAMHSA.

Youth Making a Difference project focuses on personal health for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. The project goal is to empower youth with the knowledge, skills and confidence to abstain from sexual behaviors to decrease pregnancy. Utilizing the evidence-based program Draw the Line/Respect the Line, students engage in education about setting limits as a way to prevent HIV, STDs and pregnancy. During the summer months when school is out booster sessions will be held. One for each school/community for five hours. New information for the booster sessions will include: Communication Skills; My ideal Mate; and Responding to Peer Pressure. This project is funded by Administration for Native Americans.  

HIV Capacity Building Initiative is a project providing HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C education, testing, and referral services. Our agency has the ability to collaborate with your organization to offer free and confidential testing in most locations. In addition we provide support, resources, and referrals for anyone impacted by HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis C or for those seeking information regarding ways to protect themselves. This project is funded by SAMHSA.