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Seattle Indian Health Board 

Description

The Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB) is a private non-profit 501(C)(3) urban Indian social service & primary health care organization. SIHB was established in 1970 in response to the need for culturally appropriate, accessible health care services for Seattle’s American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population. The population’s poor health status, high hospital emergency room utilization, high student absenteeism rate, and overall inability to access appropriate primary care services prompted community leaders and health professionals to establish a volunteer medical clinic in 1970 and a volunteer dental clinic in 1972.

Mission Statement

The mission of SIHB is to assist American Indians and Alaska Natives in achieving the highest possible physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being through the provision of culturally appropriate services, and to advocate for the needs of all Indian people, especially the most vulnerable members of our community.

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Seattle Indian Health Board
PO Box 3364 
Seattle 
WA
98114 
(206) 324-9360 

Ralph Forquera. M.P.H. 
Executive Director 

Programs

Seattle Indian Health Board Programs

The Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB) works to raise the health status of urban American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) through operation of a freestanding single site for delivery of a comprehensive set of health care services and by operating one of the largest AI/AN treatment centers in the nation.  We have extensive experience working with urban AI/ANs and are knowledgeable about the diverse cultures, health disparities and health seeking behaviors of our target population.  We have developed and maintained a comprehensive range of health care services to meet the needs of the AI/AN community. SIHB services include: medical, dental, class A pharmacy, nutrition, mental health, chemical dependency, youth and Elders program, health education, outreach and access services.    

Within these service areas, special emphasis programs and services are provided focusing on specific health issues such as diabetes, cancer screening, perinatal care, domestic violence, traditional health and others. We have formed collaborations and partnerships within the county health care delivery system to identify and address the health care needs of the AI/AN population.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

The Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB) provided health care services to over 6,764 low-income people last year,of whom 55% were American Indian and Alaska Native.  In 2012, SIHB provided 17,486 medical visits with 68% of the individuals at 100% of poverty and without medical insurance who otherwise wouldn’t have access to culturally appropriate healthcare services.    

The Seattle Indian Health Board established the first American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited American Indian specific family medicine residency physician training program now affiliated with Swedish Hospital and the University of Washington, School of Medicine.  Graduates now work in Indian health clinics and community health centers throughout the nation offering quality care in a culturally informed way.    

SIHB’s current needs are funds to continue to provide quality healthcare services to the American Indian/Alaska Native and other low-income people in King County. Federal and State budget deficits has resulted in reduced funding to SIHB to provide medical services. Currently, the Elders Program receives no outside funding and is in need of resources.

Evaluation


The Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB) works to raise the health status of urban American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) through delivery of a comprehensive set of health care services.

Accessibility and Cultural Competency
SIHB offers Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM) along side its regular medical programs. TIM is used for patients seeking care that is sensitive to Native American cultures. TIM emphasizes holistic treatments that encompass the emotional, spiritual, physical and mental aspects of health. Examples of TIM program offerings include cleansing and blessings, dream interpretation, talking circles and ceremonial rites. SIHB also provides trainings and referrals on TIM for non-native health care providers. Training recipients include UW Medical Center, Swedish, Harborview and VA Puget Sound Healthcare Systems.

Sustainability
SIHB lost many funding resources because of the economic downturn. SIHB sustained funding cuts from the Washington State Healthcare Authority, the Medicaid Adult Dental Program, the Maternity Support Services Program and the Alcohol Drug Abuse and Treatment Services.
SIHB is focusing on budgeting conservatively and building up a financial reserve in response to these cuts. Plans to expand certain programs have been curtailed. Seven full time employees were cut from the staff. A year long salary freeze has been implemented. SIHB is now working to increase operational efficiency by introducing electronic health records, improving medical chart tracking and streamlining service delivery.

Leadership
SHIB established the first American Indian family medicine residency training program accredited by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education. The program prepares American Indian/Alaska Native family medicine physicians for careers in Indian health. Since its inception in 1997, the program has graduated 16 physicians, 10 of whom are currently working in Indian health facilities. The program holds affiliations with Swedish Medical Center and the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
12/10/2012 $20,000.00provide general operating support.
12/16/2004 $15,000.00purchase computer equipment and a digital projector.

Financials

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