Tribal Health the Podcast Tribal Health

How do tribal health centers navigate the challenge of billing for ceremonial services, and what ethical considerations come into play when placing financial value on these services?

In this episode, Lorna Elliot-Egan, Director at Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, delves into the delicate balance of honoring ceremonial traditions in tribal health centers whilst addressing the financial realities of service billing—a topic that requires both sensitivity and innovation. She navigates the food deserts of rural tribal lands and understands the powerful movement towards food sovereignty, ensuring that essential cultural dietary preferences are met and respected. 

Don't miss out on a crucial discussion about ongoing partnerships and innovative solutions like the Tribal Healthcare Workforce Summit, aimed at overcoming staffing challenges through collaboration.

Our healthcare providers need support - as Dr. Tina Shah explains in the new episode of the Tribal Health Podcast.

Dr. Shah talked to us about the unique challenges healthcare workers face in Tribal and rural communities, such as outdated technology and high administrative burden. She shares valuable strategies on enhancing clinician well-being, such as leveraging nutrition, stress management, and forging strong connections with peers to combat the intensities of their roles; she also explains how new AI tools can help reconnect providers to their purpose.


Tune in as Dr. Shah offers truly innovative approaches to supporting frontline workers.

Building relationships with Tribal leaders is crucial in addressing health disparities.

In this episode, Guthrie Capossela, a Native American Community Engagement Coordinator for the Mayo Clinic, explains his team’s role in improving healthcare outcomes for Native Americans. He highlights the interconnectedness between education and health and the importance of stresses cultural humility, urging providers to approach Native American communities with openness and respect. 

Tune in and learn how you can contribute to fostering inclusion in Native health!

Embracing ancestral traditions can offer genuine healing and community support in our contemporary world.

In this episode, Kelly Vallo, the founder of Bah'Hane Consulting, explores the threads of Indigenous identity and the power of tradition in our modern world. Education and collective effort can nurture a true sense of belonging, she says - and her latest initiative, Medicine H.E.A.L.S., offers solace for young Indigenous professionals encumbered by a society still shadowed by colonialism.

Thank you, Kelly, for sharing your insights!

Meet Bryan Wempen, Chief Revenue Officer for Remble, a mental health services company. In our new episode of the Tribal Health Podcast, he talked to us about the challenges and opportunities in Indigenous health, especially in the context of digital health.

Family involvement, cultural understanding, and curiosity: Bryan explains why these are essential components in building meaningful cross-cultural connections. Bryan also highlights Remble's innovative approach to mental health support, incorporating both AI and peer support specialists to address those struggling with addiction and mental health in Tribal communities. Finally, he emphasizes the significance of making healthcare personal and being willing to make mistakes as a non-Native person working closely with indigenous communities.

Thank you, Bryan, for sharing your experiences in the evolving landscape of digital health in Tribal communities!

Meet Monique Castro, founder and CEO of Indigenous Circle of Wellness.
In this episode, she talks to us about the importance of integrating cultural values into healthcare, especially in Tribal nations in the United States. Monique explores an interesting connection between ancient practices, like dancing and drumming, and modern therapies used to treat trauma, anxiety, and depression. She also explains how to individualize healing methods based on personal and cultural preferences, and why addressing disconnections and generational trauma is so critical vs. merely diagnosing a patient.

Prepare yourselves for a remarkable episode that bridges the gap between traditional therapy and cultural understanding.