Inter Tribal Council of Arizona

Va**ng may seem like harmless, flavored air… but it isn’t. Most v**es contain ni****ne, a highly addictive chemical that can rewire your brain. This can lead to decreased mental focus and increased cravings. Plus, v**e aerosols contain harmful chemicals that can damage your lungs. Don’t let the smoke cloud the facts—know the risks before you inhale! 🚭

Overdose rates are rising – one pill can be deadly. Many fake pills contain fentanyl—a synthetic opioid that is 50x stronger than he**in. You can’t see it, taste it, or smell it, but it only takes a tiny amount to cause an overdose. The safest choice is to avoid pills that aren’t prescribed to you.

Underage drinking isn’t just “harmless fun.” Alcohol affects decision-making, increasing the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors or situations. It can also harm brain development, increasing the risk of addiction later in life. Think before you drink! 🚫

Your brain is still developing—don’t let drugs and alcohol slow it down! 🚫 Drugs and alcohol can change the way your brain works. Over time, this can lead to addiction. Substances like alcohol, ni****ne, and opioids can also slow brain development, especially in teens. Stay informed – protect your brain! 💪🏽

HIV testing is a routine part of prenatal care.

Knowing your status helps protect your health and your baby’s health while caring for your family and future generations. With early care and treatment, the chance of passing HIV to a baby can be greatly reduced.

Talk with your healthcare provider about testing and support.

Happy Spring! Spring is a time for new beginnings and rebirth. How do you celebrate the Spring Equinox? ☀️

Join the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. - Area Agency on Aging, Region 8 for the 30th Biennial Arizona Indian Council on Aging & Family Caregiver Support Program Conference!

🗓️ Tuesday, March 31, 2026
📍 Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West, Mesa, AZ
🎟️ https://itcaonline.com/programs/aging/arizona-indian-council-on-aging/

This year, we’re coming together under the theme “Enriching the Lives of Elders & Empowering Caregiving Communities” that will focus on 3 tracks: Health Aging, Caregiving, and Advocacy. Whether you’re an elder, adult with a disability, caregiver, service provider, advocate, or volunteer in a Tribal community, the workshops will provide valuable information and practical tools.

Our Maternal Health Innovation Program recently hosted the Empowering Doula Sustainability Training, designed for active birth workers (doulas) and maternal health within Tribal communities that are new to Medicaid billing and looking to strengthen long-term sustainability.

Participants received guidance and support from the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care (AACIHC) on key topics including: billing basics, required documentation, reimbursement rates, staying current with Medicaid policy, continuing education opportunities, and how to search for funding through grant opportunities and NOFOs.

The two-day training also created space for important conversations with partners, peers, and community. Day one included a panel discussion with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, and day two featured a presentation from Arizona Native Vote highlighting the importance of civic engagement in advancing community maternal health.

We are filled with gratitude for everyone who joined us to learn, share knowledge, and strengthen support systems for mothers, babies, and families.

Sacred Community Birth Worker: LIVE Online Doula Certification Training with Cihuapactli Collective

presented by the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. Maternal Health Innovation program

🗓️ Apri 13-17, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM MST/PHX
📍 Virtual
🎤 Cihuapactli Collective
🎟️ 30 spots available* | NO COST | Apply here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019c499b88347aa0ac16a5d87b5c3958

Become a certified doula! Learn how to:
✅ Create birth plans and postpartum care strategies
✅ Provide comfort measures and pain support
✅ Promote nutrition and wellness during pregnancy
✅ Strengthen family and community-centered care

*Applicant will be notified if selected

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This training is sponsored by Inter Tribal Council of Arizona. Support for this training was provided through a cooperative agreement (Grant No. 5 U7AMC50503‐03‐00) from the Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

Native American Recognition Day ⚾️
🗓️ Sunday, June 7, 2026
⏰ 12:10 PM vs Washington Nationals
🎟️ https://www.gofevo.com/event/ITCA2026

Our Tribal Epidemiology Center Public Health Infrastructure (TECPHI) team recently hosted the Substance Use & Overdose Prevention Public Health Working Group in Reno, NV 📍

This collaborative meeting brought together Tribal and public health professionals from Arizona, Nevada, and Utah to connect, share successes, and discuss needs and available partner support in addressing substance use and overdose prevention.

Highlights included an overview of TECPHI projects, presentations on the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Opioid Project, Nevada Overdose Data to Action initiatives, and the Nevada State Opioid Response. Participants also engaged in working sessions focused on the effects of new administration directives on substance use services and building resilient data infrastructure.

These conversations are essential to strengthening public health systems and supporting Tribal communities in tackling substance use and overdose challenges.