Mohawk Tribal Health Services Wins National Award
Sep 17, 2012
Centering Pregnancy Program Recognized for Achievements
The National Indian Health Board has chosen the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Centering Pregnancy Program to receive a 2012 National Indian Health Board Annual Award. In an award letter dated September 12, 2012, Cathy Abramson, Chairperson of the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) stated, “After much deliberation, National Indian Health Board Members selected you from a host of qualified candidates because of your selfless dedication to advancing the health of Native people…. your work on behalf of the health of Natives in your community has been truly remarkable. It is for this reason that NIHB wholeheartedly believes that you are deserving of the 2012 Local Impact Award.”
The mission statement of the Centering Pregnancy Program is: To guide pregnant mothers through the Centering Pregnancy format that integrates health assessment, education and support in a group care setting, using the power of the circle as its basis. Together in the circle, they share experiences and learn from each other following a specially designed curriculum under the guidance of a physician or midwife. At first, the sessions are monthly, then every two weeks later in the pregnancy.
“I hope that the staff and community join me in congratulating the Centering Pregnancy Program for this award,” remarked Tribal Chief Randy Hart. “This recognition is well-deserved.” The NIHB also recognized the importance of their tireless work of the Centering Pregnancy Program in providing pregnant women health assessment, education and support. The program incorporates Mohawk culture and emphasizes the traditional cultural nature of Tribal communities. It provides women the opportunity to connect, share, and learn from each other during pregnancy. Those efforts serve as a model and resource for others in Indian Country. “One important part of this program is the use of Mohawk culture and traditional values,” noted Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance. “We congratulate the staff for their fine achievements.”
“We are proud of our Health Services Department and all the hard work by the Centering Pregnancy Program, “remarked Tribal Chief Paul Thompson. “It’s not every day that a tribal department wins a national award.” The NIHB will hold its 2012 annual awards ceremony at the 29th Annual Consumer Conference at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel on September 26, 2012.
For more information contact David T. Staddon, Director of Public Information at 518-358-2272 ex. 286.