Announcements
"OSCAR" is now ONLINE!
In line with the Indian Health Service (IHS) Director’s priority to improve the quality of and access to care, the IHS has created an agency-wide Online Search, Consultation, and Reporting (OSCAR) system for evidence based and promising practices, local efforts, policies, and resources occurring among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, schools, work sites, health centers/clinics, and hospitals.
The purpose of this inventory is to:
* Assist our AI/AN communities with getting the information and health services they need;
* Form an IHS database of best practices, promising practices, local efforts, resources, and policies that can be easily accessed on the IHS website;
* Improve informed consultation with Tribal and Urban programs by facilitating transparency in IHS and IHS supported activities; and,
* Highlight the great work that occurs in the field.
OSCAR allows individuals to identify information that might be useful to AI/AN communities by electronically entering the information on the IHS.gov website. Submitters and reviewers are notified of submissions and approval via email. Once the content is approved, it is published on the IHS.gov website and available via RSS feed. OSCAR also allows programs to develop a customized OSCAR search link that can be added to their own local website.
Health indicators and key words contained in OSCAR reflect major programs and policies that have an impact among AI/AN communities. For example, the health indicators range from addiction and diabetes to zoonotic disease (has an animal link). A complete list of health indicators and key words contained in OSCAR can be viewed by clicking the OSCAR link http://www.ihs.gov/oscar.
For our use in the IHS HIV Program and HIV network across Indian country, and as an example, click on the link above and then type in ‘HIV’ in the search category and see what comes up. You can add your promising practice to the list and it will be reviewed for inclusion as discussed in detail above.
Spread the word, please distribute this information through all your listserves and encourage folks to submit information about their programs using the online submission form. If there are any questions you can contact Dwayne Jarman (Dwayne.Jarman@ihs.gov) or Amina Bashir (Amina.Bashir@ihs.gov).
Quality of Life
(Need Participants To Fill Out Survey)
The Quality of Life Project aims to provide cancer resources specific to Native
American cancer survivors and their families. This site addresses the increase of cancer incidence
and mortality among the Native American population. To complete a survey or to learn more
about this project and the efforts being made to provide the most up-to-date health information
for cancer patients and survivors please email Betty KillsNight
or call 1-866-464-9472 ext. 109 or 110. Survivors who complete the survey will receive a phone
card or a gift card.
(Click the Tree to Learn More)