FR 2021-02947

The document from the Federal Register announces a request for information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health. This request seeks input from Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities and organizations to aid in the development of a new Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity. The purpose of this Center is to advance indigenous public health strategies aimed at improving health outcomes within Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, and Alaska Native populations.

Overview of the Document

The document outlines a planning phase in which feedback is sought rather than submissions for funding proposals. Stakeholders are invited to provide their input by March 14, 2021, either through an online portal or via email. The aim is to ensure that the Center aligns closely with the needs and priorities of these communities, drawing upon indigenous values and practices.

Key Issues and Concerns

Lack of Funding Details: One of the notable absences in the document is information about specific budget allocations or potential funding for the Center. Without this, there might be concerns about the feasibility of the Center's objectives or the likelihood of its establishment.

Governance Structure Ambiguity: The document does not specify how the Center’s governance structure will be composed. This lack of detail could result in confusion concerning decision-making processes and oversight responsibilities.

Participant Engagement: The document notes that responses will not be formally acknowledged, which might discourage some stakeholders from participating. Organizations typically invest time and resources into providing feedback and may be dissuaded from doing so if there is no indication of their impact.

Accessibility of Language: The document’s language could be seen as bureaucratic or complex, potentially making it challenging for some community organizations to fully grasp the proposal's nuances or participate effectively.

Implementation of Dual-Track Approach: While a dual-track approach for the AI/AN and NHPI populations is mentioned, the document lacks specific details on how these approaches will be implemented and measured for success.

Impact on the Public

Broad Public Impact: The creation of the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity has the potential to significantly impact public health by addressing health disparities among some of the most underserved communities in the United States. The initiative reflects a commitment to integrating indigenous knowledge into health policies and practices, potentially transforming public health strategies.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders: For Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, and Alaska Native communities, the initiative represents a chance to address long-standing health issues with culturally appropriate solutions. The successful establishment and operation of the Center could lead to improved health outcomes and greater health equity.

Challenges for Stakeholders: However, for these stakeholders, the concerns outlined above, particularly the lack of detailed financial and structural information, could pose challenges. Ensuring that community input is acknowledged and integrated into the Center’s development will be crucial for gaining trust and achieving meaningful outcomes.

By addressing these issues, the Federal Government has the opportunity to empower Indigenous communities to play a central role in shaping health policies that directly affect them. The initiative underscores the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in resolving health disparities and highlights the need for ongoing dialogue with the communities it sets out to serve.