Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs) work in partnership with the local or area Tribes to improve the health and well-being of their Tribal community members by offering culturally-competent approaches that work toward eliminating health disparities that are faced by AI/AN populations. Accomplishing this often requires the TECs to work with a coordinated approach with the Tribes, the Indian Health Service (IHS), other federal agencies, state agencies, and often academic institutions throughout the country.
Tribal Epidemiology Centers provide various types of support and services due to the variation of the TECs organization structure, divisions, Tribal populations, and their mission and goals. There are currently 12 Tribal Epidemiology Centers in the United States.
The TECs recently celebrated their 20th year working to improve public health capacity and the availability of valid and reliable data in AI/AN populations. Currently, the TECs serve all 12 IHS Areas and the Urban Indian population.
Mission:
To improve the health of American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) by:
- Identifying and understanding health problems and disease risks
- Strengthening public health capacity
- Developing solutions for disease prevention and control
Vision:
- Increased awareness about public health needs in Indian Country
- Strengthening capacity & the practice of public health in Indian Country
- High level, responsive expertise on public health subject matter & methods
- Integrating public health practice into IHS/Tribal clinical & health services
- Continuous public health strategy & innovation
- Expanded & enhanced strategic partnerships
- Network of proactive, responsive to TECs or Tribes & regions
7 Core Functions History Publications Success Stories TECPHI