Our Projects

Since its inception, Seven Directions has actively listened to public health leaders representing Tribes, Urban Indian Organizations, and other system stakeholders; giving voice to their priorities to reduce health inequities and improve health. The following are examples of the work we do.

Technical Assistance Program

Seven Directions provides free technical assistance (TA) to Indigenous-focused organizations working to address Opioid and Substance Use in their communities. We support a wide range of organizations, including Tribal health programs, Urban Indian organizations, Tribal colleges, and more.

Learn About Our Technical Assistance Program

Opioid Overdose Prevention in Tribes

Opioid Overdose Prevention in Tribes: Technical Assistance through Public Health Institutes project, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): This project seeks to support 25 tribal community grantees addressing opioid overdoses by: (1) Strengthening epidemiologic surveillance and public health data infrastructure, (2) Increasing implementation of evidence-based health interventions in health systems, and (3) Highlighting effective current opioid overdose prevention activities.

Read the 2020 Promising Practices Brief

Cherokee Nation Health Services (CNHS) Strategic Planning & Public Health Re-accreditation

Funded by the CDC. Serving a large swath of NE Oklahoma, CNHS is the first Native American health system to secure accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board; 7D is advising CNHS to ensure a smooth re-accreditation process in 2020.

STARS in Public Health

The goal of our STARS in Public Health project is to increase capacity at six Native American health systems, funded by RWJF: Six tribal grantees underwent self-assessment of their readiness for formal public health accreditation, and identified the prerequisite systems and evaluation structures that need to be in place.

In Fall 2018, Seven Directions’ Our Nations, Our Journeys Indigenous Public Health Forum will focus on health system transformation, specifically looking at ways to bridge public health and health care services. Interactive sessions and discussions will lead to the development of a ‘roadmap’ highlighting ideas generated at the forum and in the field.

Learn more about STARS 2018

Our Nations, Our Journeys, Indigenous Public Health Forum

Our Nations, Our Journeys Indigenous Public Health Forum is a biennial gathering that celebrates indigenous achievements and innovations in public health practice.  By honoring diversity and unique pathways to wellness, this event is an opportunity for tribal and urban Indian public health leaders and professionals to participate in a community of practice focused on one common goal: healthy Native communities.

Learn more about ONOJ

Tribal Public Health Capacity Recipient Support

Project for 25 tribal grantees, funded by the CDC. In this project, 7D will support the CDC in convening webinars and an in-person meeting, as well as designing an evaluation plan.

Indigenous Social Determinants of Health

Project funded by the CDC. This project will seek to tap into Indigenous knowledge of the social determinants of health through a comprehensive environmental scan, creating a framework and community of practice that honors wellness traditions in tribal and urban Indian communities.

Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI)

Study funded by the CDC. This needs assessment study will survey 25 Indian Health Services, tribal, and urban out-patient clinics identifying common problems and best practices that can be a springboard for providing fall prevention training and support