7 Core Functions of Tribal Epidemiology Centers

TECs have 7 Core Functions: In consultation with and on the request of Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations, each Service area epidemiology center established under this section* shall, with respect to the applicable Service area:

1. 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;
2. Evaluate existing delivery systems, data systems, and other systems that impact the improvement of Indian health;
3. 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;
4. Make recommendations for the targeting of services needed by the populations served;
5. Make recommendations to improve health care delivery systems for Indians and urban Indians;
6. 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;
7. 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.

*Title 25-Indians, Chapter 18-Indian Health Care, Subchapter II-Health Services, U.S. Code § 1621m – Epidemiology Centers.

Core Function #6 – 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.