As a Component A applicant, the purpose of this proposal is to strengthen the public health infrastructure and capacity of the Rocky Mountain Tribal Epidemiology Center (RMTEC) to best serve — and extend those capacity-building efforts to — the tribes of the Rocky Mountain region, using a Foundational Public Health Service framework and national public health accreditation standards as a guide.

This work will support efforts to effectively expand RMTEC data reporting capabilities by providing context within RMTEC data reports that highlights underlying social determinants of health and creates a better understanding of efforts seeking to reduce persistent health disparities and improve the overall health and wellbeing of AI/AN populations.

The project will focus on building Tribal workforce capacity through the use of core competency frameworks, trainings, and resources. It will utilize Tribal Health Subcommittee feedback, assessments, health advisors, and research to assist in building RMTEC capacity to support Tribal Data Systems planning and implementation efforts.

The project will also seek to build capacity to assess Tribal policies, plans, and programs for RMTEC technical assistance and training support, as well as a possible internship program. In addition, the project will highlight data to better understand the status of the Tribal public health workforce in the Billings area.