Indigenous and Rural Health Program
Lisa Spellman, program manager for the UNMC Indigenous and Rural Health Program; Siobhan Wescott, MD, director of the UNMC Indigenous and Rural Health Program and the Dr. Susan and Suzette La Flesche Professor of American Indian Health; UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD; and Amy Nordness, PhD, director of clinical services for the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute.
Fourth year dental student Carolina Leme Biran, and third year dental student Cintia Jacobsen Robinson, joined Yun Saksena, BDSc., MMSc., DMD, associate dean for education and campus culture, UNMC College of Dentistry, at the Santee Health Fair.
Celebrating Culture, Community and Health
The Indigenous and Rural Health Program celebrated several milestones this year, including the opening of a new clinic on the Omaha Reservation; the revival of the Santee Sioux community health fair after a four-year hiatus; as well as participation in several community events in the region including collaborations with the Native American Community Partnership of Omaha Metro Area, Bluebird Cultural Initiative and Healing Ribbons.
The opening of the renovated Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte Center in Walthill, Nebraska came with the announcement of expanded services by the Munroe-Meyer Institute. Thanks to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, MMI will expand its Medically Handicapped Children’s Program to the center providing developmental pediatrics evaluation clinics starting on a quarterly schedule.
Representatives from seven UNMC programs took part in the 15th annual Santee Health Fair held in June in Santee, Nebraska with more than 350 community members participating. Free comprehensive eye exams were provided by Brian Armstrong, MD, from the Truhlsen Eye Institute, dental kits and education for children were handed out to all attendees from the College of Dentistry and an informational presentation and booth on ATV safety protocols was provided by Aaron Yoder, Ph.D.
2025 Santee Sioux Health Fair
Representatives from seven UNMC programs took part in the 15th annual Santee Health Fair held in June in Santee, Nebraska with more than 350 community members participating.
Event highlights and UNMC participants include:
- Free comprehensive eye examinations for all attendees, including EyeNuk AI-powered diabetic retinopathy screening offering rapid, reliable results and diabetes and vision health education, including guidance on next-step care by Brian Armstrong, MD, from the Truhlsen Eye Institute.
- ATV safety protocols and education by Aaron Yoder, PhD, College of Public Health.
- Dental kits and education for children with Yun Saksena, DDS, from the College of Dentistry.
- McGoogan Library of Medicine.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
- College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics.
- Indigenous and Rural Health Program.
About Us
Mariah Abney, Lisa Spellman and Siobhan Wescott, MD, MPH.
The Indigenous and Rural Health Program supports both tribal and urban American Indian and Alaska Native communities by promoting ways of knowing, being and doing that align with indigenous knowledge, practices and approaches to health and wellness.
This initiative is committed to supporting the revitalization of American Indian and Alaska Native public health through culturally relevant and innovative practice, research, teaching and service that:
- Honors indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing to develop deeper understandings of indigenous health.
- Builds respectful intercultural, intergenerational and interdisciplinary relationships that support and promote public health, the medical humanities and innovations in health.
- Generates culturally grounded knowledge, curriculum, models, tools and practices that tribal and urban American Indian and Alaska Native communities can employ in health promotion and preventive and societal medicine.
Documentary: Conquering Chronic Disease with Olympian Billy Mills
Olympic legend and Native American hero Billy Mills proved that no matter how many odds are stacked against you, all you need are courage and fortitude to win.
Indigenous and Rural Health Program News
Dr. Davies visits Macy on community outreach trip
UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD, recently attended the Umoⁿhoⁿ Tribe's 220th Annual Hede’wachi, engaging with community members to understand their needs and explore ways UNMC can support them.
September 9, 2024
UNMC project launches novel tribal collaboration
As tribes and tribal communities set health education priorities, the UNMC Indigenous and Rural Health Program will offer expertise and grants up to $4,000.
August 2, 2022
Siobhan Wescott, MD, named LaFlesche Professor
Dr. Wescott is the inaugural holder of the Dr. Susan and Susette (Inshata Theumba) LaFlesche Professorship in Public Health.
July 15, 2021
