Powwow's drumbeat draws American Indians to doctor

Paul G · 07-15-2007, 10:16 AM

SILVER SPRING, Maryland (Reuters) - As Wendy Friar put the final touches on a health screening and powwow for Maryland's American Indian community, she had doubts about how the combination would be received.

"To be honest, we hope it's appropriate," said Friar, a community health director at Holy Cross, a Roman Catholic hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland.

As it turned out, the singing and dancing made all the difference.

"You say powwow, that's where it's happening. That's the magnet," says Rico Newman, a Piscataway tribal council member from southern Maryland. "If you don't say powwow, good luck."

Hospitals are increasingly turning to cultural events such as powwows or church gatherings to reach underserved communities, promoting often-invasive screening procedures such as pap smears and rectal exams for conditions that disproportionately affect these groups.

American Indians and Alaska Natives in particular have three times the rates of diabetes and cervical cancer as other Americans, and are more likely to die from diabetes, alcoholism, tuberculosis, and mental illness, according to government figures.

To help narrow these gaps, healthcare providers are trying to be more sensitive to customs and beliefs that can affect health and access to services.

So with state funding in hand, Friar teamed up with Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs executive director Keith Colston. He knows how to throw a good powwow.

POWWOW IN A CLINIC

At 9:30 on a Sunday morning, the classroom at Holy Cross Hospital's community clinic is populated by eight hospital staffers and freshly papered exam tables in private back rooms are empty. By late morning, loud welcomes signal the arrival of the intended guests, representing 12 different tribes.

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Powwow's drumbeat draws American Indians to doctor

07-15-2007, 10:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
Paul G Webmaster Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 14,215 Blog Entries: 1	Powwow's drumbeat draws American Indians to doctor SILVER SPRING, Maryland (Reuters) - As Wendy Friar put the final touches on a health screening and powwow for Maryland's American Indian community, she had doubts about how the combination would be received. "To be honest, we hope it's appropriate," said Friar, a community health director at Holy Cross, a Roman Catholic hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland. As it turned out, the singing and dancing made all the difference. "You say powwow, that's where it's happening. That's the magnet," says Rico Newman, a Piscataway tribal council member from southern Maryland. "If you don't say powwow, good luck." Hospitals are increasingly turning to cultural events such as powwows or church gatherings to reach underserved communities, promoting often-invasive screening procedures such as pap smears and rectal exams for conditions that disproportionately affect these groups. American Indians and Alaska Natives in particular have three times the rates of diabetes and cervical cancer as other Americans, and are more likely to die from diabetes, alcoholism, tuberculosis, and mental illness, according to government figures. To help narrow these gaps, healthcare providers are trying to be more sensitive to customs and beliefs that can affect health and access to services. So with state funding in hand, Friar teamed up with Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs executive director Keith Colston. He knows how to throw a good powwow. POWWOW IN A CLINIC At 9:30 on a Sunday morning, the classroom at Holy Cross Hospital's community clinic is populated by eight hospital staffers and freshly papered exam tables in private back rooms are empty. By late morning, loud welcomes signal the arrival of the intended guests, representing 12 different tribes. Read rest of article: Powwow's drumbeat draws American Indians to doctor __________________ New to the site--Introduce Yourself Need Help--FAQ--Search Feedback--Post your suggestions MyTribalSpace.com \| NativeGatherings.com \| PowWows.com Podcast \| Indigitunes.com NativeSeek.com \| Pow Wow TV \| Pow Wow Radio \| NativeMusicSource.com Radio \| NDN411.com \| eSnag Online Dating Pow Wow TV - Find out how you could win a 42" Plasma TV!

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