in Indian Country

TECPHI Year 2 Progress Report (PDF 2 MB)
TECPHI Year 2 Photo Narrative (PDF 9 MB)
About TECs 7 Core Functions History Success Stories TECPHI Resources Employment
Public Health Update
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its effect on our community is evolving every day. During this challenging and uncertain time, we want you to know that the health, safety, and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native people is our top priority. Please be assured we are working diligently to investigate and provide updated information as it becomes available.
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12 Tribal Epidemiology Centers
Mission:
To improve the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives by identification and understanding of health risks and inequities, strengthening public health capacity, and assisting in disease prevention and control.
What is Epidemiology?
ep·i·de·mi·ol·o·gy
/ˌepiˌdēmēˈäləjē/
noun
Epidemiology is the study (scientific, systematic, data-driven) of the distribution (frequency, pattern) and determinants (causes, risk factors) of health-related states and events (not just diseases) in specified populations (patient is community, individuals viewed collectively), and the application of (since epidemiology is a discipline within public health) this study to the control of health problems.
Source: Last JM, editor. Dictionary of epidemiology. 4th ed. New York: Oxford University Press; 2001. p. 61.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 12 TECs in the United States. Each TEC is designated to serve the federally recognized tribes within one of the 12 Indian Health Service (IHS) administrative areas, although one TEC serves two IHS areas and another TEC serves UIHOs throughout the nation. TECs are located at tribes or Tribal organizations which are authorized under the Indian Self Determination Act to act on behalf of AI/AN Tribes.
• Collect data relating to, and monitor progress made toward meeting, each of the health status objectives of the Service, the Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations in the Service area;
• Evaluate existing delivery systems, data systems, and other systems that impact the improvement of Indian health;
• Assist Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations in identifying highest-priority health status objectives and the services needed to achieve those objectives, based on epidemiological data;
• Make recommendations for the targeting of services needed by the populations served;
• Make recommendations to improve health care delivery systems for Indians and urban Indians;
• Provide requested technical assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations in the development of local health service priorities and incidence and prevalence rates of disease and other illness in the community;
• Provide disease surveillance and assist Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian communities to promote public health.
Each TEC addresses these 7 Core Functions in its own unique way.