Established in 1986, Great Plains Tribal Health (GPTH) is an organization representing the 18 tribal communities in the four-state region of South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa.
Through public health practices and the formation of tribal partnerships, we work to improve the health of the American Indian peoples we serve by providing public health support and health care advocacy.
Serving as a liaison between the Great Plains Tribes and the various Health and Human Services divisions, including the Great Plains Area Indian Health Service, Great Plains Tribal Health works to reduce public health disparities and improve the health and wellness of the American Indian peoples who are members of the 18 Great Plains tribal nations and communities.
We achieve this by:
- Assisting with tribal participation in the consultation process with the Health and Human Services divisions, including the Indian Health Service;
- Assisting the various Health and Human Services divisions with the distribution of health resources for tribal members;
- Advocating for tribal interests and needs at state, regional, and national levels for health-related concerns and initiatives;
- Providing technical assistance to tribes in the development and improvement of tribal health programs;
- Representing GPTH and member tribes before the Congress of the United States at hearings and meetings regarding health issues for American Indian peoples; and
- Providing policy analysis and recommendations related to Indian Health Care concerns, to tribally appointed representatives designated to deliver advocacy and testimony to Congressional and Executive Branch leadership.
Purpose
To advance the health and sovereignty of Great Plains tribal nations through culturally grounded care and advocacy.
Mission
Advancing excellence in tribal health through culturally guided service, innovation, and advocacy.
Vision
Values
We honor the relatives we serve by upholding cultural values through the practice of:
- Prayer: We seek the guidance and wisdom of the Creator in our service to others.
- Respect: We honor the people we serve by treating them with dignity.
- Generosity: We seek to serve with selflessness and a giving heart.
- Truth: We seek to act with honesty and integrity, earning the trust of those we work with and serve.
- Fortitude: We build upon the strength and courage of our ancestors to improve healthcare for future generations.
- Compassion: We seek to bring kindness, understanding, and love to those we serve.
- Humility: We humbly commit to a path of learning and growth.
Operational Principles
- Relationships between the relative, family, and provider are fostered and supported
- Emphasis on relatives achieving optimal wellness through the embrace of culture and holistic healing practices
- Locations of services are determined for the benefit of relatives
- Access to services is optimized for relatives.
- Together, we collaborate with relatives to achieve optimal wellness
- Improve the quality and sustainability of services by continuously evaluating outcomes and process measures.
- Values of GPTH including prayer, respect, generosity, truth, fortitude, compassion, and humility are intentionally designed into all systems and services
- Equitable and simple to use services that maximize coordination and minimize duplication
- Strength and courage of ancestors and relatives to share lessons that drive the design and delivery of services
