TEC 04: Building Tribally Driven Public Health, At Inter Tribal Council of Arizona Tribal Epidemiology Center

Summary

Welcome to the Tribal Epidemiology Centers Podcast. Tribal Epidemiology Centers (commonly referred to as TECs) are housed in organizations that serve American Indian/Alaska Native tribal and urban communities.

Currently, there are 12 Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs) across the US that are focused on improving the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout the United States. 

Featured TEC: Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. Tribal Epidemiology Center

The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona was established in 1952 to provide a united voice for tribal governments located in the State of Arizona to address common issues of concerns. On July 9, 1975, the council established a private, non-profit corporation, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.(ITCA), under the laws of the State of Arizona to promote Indian self-reliance through public policy development. ITCA provides an independent capacity to obtain, analyze and disseminate information vital to Indian community self-development.

The members of ITCA are the highest elected tribal officials: tribal chairpersons, presidents and governors. These representatives are in the best position to have a comprehensive view of the conditions and needs of the Indian communities they represent. As a group, the tribal leaders represent governments that have a shared historical experience. Consequently, the tribes have a common governmental status as well as similar relationships with federal and state governments. ITCA is governed by a Board of Directors composed of: Presidents, First Vice President, Second Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer. The work of ITCA staff and consultants is carried out under the direction and supervision of Maria Dadgar, Executive Director.

Mission:

The ITCA TEC’s mission is to build tribally-driven public health and epidemiologic capacity among tribes in the Phoenix and Tucson Indian Health Service Areas by assisting tribes with health surveillance, research, prevention, and program evaluation for planning and policy decision making in order to improve community health and wellness.

Links

Remember that you can always visit  TribalEpiCenters.org to learn more about all of the TECs, including career, internships, and other employment opportunities.

You can also visit the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. Tribal Epidemiology Center website.