Navajo NARCH - Career-Enhancement-Project 2 (Summer Research Enhancement Program)

Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section The Career Enhancement Project (CEP) 2 seeks to build the capacity of Diné College (DC) to train and mentor students to apply public health knowledge and approaches in the socio-cultural contexts of the Navajo Nation. CEP 2 will provide opportunities for students to work with communities and Navajo Nation Department of Health programs. Students will then contribute to the capacity of the Navajo Nation by being prepared to develop, implement and evaluate culturally-relevant health programs to increase the overall wellbeing of the Navajo people. CEP 2 will: Build the research capacity of undergraduate students in Public Health at DC through experiential learning and integration of local community partnerships. Course content in community health needs assessment and survey development will be established to prepare DC Public Health students for practicum placements utilizing these skills. Memoranda of understanding will be established with Chapters to expand practicum experiences for DC Public Health students to engage in service learning, internships, and research opportunities related to Healthy Diné Nation Act (HDNA) local wellness initiatives with the support of Indigenous Health MPH students at Northern Arizona University. These internships will be continually revised and refined to support local Chapter needs in relation to the HDNA. CEP 2 will also: Build epidemiological skills in DC Public Health students in Public Health by partnering with Navajo Epidemiology Center to support data collection and analysis for the Navajo Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. Through the development of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Navajo Epidemiology Center, DC Public Health students will apply epidemiological knowledge surrounding disease surveillance and investigation gained through course content to data collection and analysis to the Navajo Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. This will provide practical experience in conducting interviews for research to support informed public health decisions by Navajo Nation leaders.