The Health Education and Outreach Division seeks to create a culture of wellness by empowering the Tigua community with knowledge and skills that promote healthy lifestyles. The vision is to improve the lifespan of the Tigua and reduce the risks associated with chronic health conditions. The health management and promotions services offered by the division are as follows:

  • Diabetes Management & Prevention Program
  • Harvesting Healthy Traditions
  • A Pea in a Native Pod
  • Tigua C.A.R.E.S.
  • Community Health Representative (CHR) Program

 

Diabetes Management & Prevention Program

 

In response to the growing epidemic, a national Indian Health Service program called the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) was developed. The SDPI program was implemented at Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo in 1997. In 2012, Congress funded the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act.

The Diabetes Program strives to improve health outcomes for the whole of the Tigua community by applying best practices in diabetic treatments that have been proven effective in managing the disease and by promoting prevention strategies throughout the Tigua community.

 

Harvesting Healthy Traditions

 

The program includes a combination of lifestyle changes education focused on nutrition and physical activity as well as supporting local agricultural efforts through community gardens. Participants learn about the connection between unhealthy diets and physical inactivity as risk factors for chronic disease and other health conditions. Participants learn to plant, grow, and harvest fresh fruits and vegetables and other traditional foods, their nutrition, cooking demonstrations, amongst other nutrition topics. Participants are encouraged to engage in various physical activity opportunities available.

 

Pea in a Native Pod

 

Pea in a Native Pod prenatal classes help members of the Tigua community become informed and empowered to have healthy babies. The greatest asset the Tigua tribe has is its children so all moms or future moms are encouraged to take the time and attend the classes.

 

Tigua  C.A.R.E.S.

 

Tigua Community Awareness Raises Empowered Students (CARES) is focused on empowering Tigua youth to engage in healthy decisions and lifestyle practices that will prevent sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS through education and skills.

 

Community Health Representative

 

The Community Health Representative (CHR) program emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention efforts that representatives provide to help our community improve and maintain their health. They also assist community members by transporting them to medical appointments.