• Native American Cancer Research
• Cancer Research Saves Lives
• Quality of Life Tree
• American Cancer Society
• Should You Write a Will?
• HPV Vaccine Focus Groups

• Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center

• Path to Breast Health & Advanced Directives Workshop
  Friday October 26, 2012

Valerie Eschiti, PhD, RN
Program Director
(580) 512-7280
valerie-eschiti@ouhsc.edu

Stacey Sanford, LPN
Native Navigator
(580) 713-2026
stacey-sanford@ouhsc.edu

Leslie Weryackwe
Native Navigator
(580) 713-2285
leslie-weryackwe@ouhsc.edu

Yvonne Flores
Administrative Assistant
(580) 713-0606
Yvonne-Flores@ouhsc.edu

Navigation for Indian Health

Who We Are

Created to raise awareness and provide educational outreach amongst Oklahoma’s American Indian community, the Navigation for Indian Health hosts community workshops across the cancer continuum in Lawton and surrounding areas. Outreach partners for the program include the Comanche Nation and Native American Cancer Research. Founded by Dr. Valerie Eschiti, of the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing, the Navigation for Indian Health is made possible by a grant (R15 NR012195) from the National Institute of Health, National Institute of Nursing Research.

What We Do

Native Americans of the Lawton, Okla., area have higher cancer incidence and death rates for some types of cancers than those of other races/ethnicities. Established to research and address this problem through increased community awareness, the Navigation for Indian Health project is tailored to be respectful towards the people of the Comanche Nation. Additionally, the program offers guidance through designated Native Navigators.

Health Goals

The Navigation for Indian Health project strives to improve the health of those in the Comanche community through::

• Wellness and cancer education
• Volunteer services as a way of giving back to the community
• Navigation across the cancer continuum (from prevention to end-of-life care).

Benefits

By working closely with those most at risk for certain cancers, the Navigation for Indian Health research project hopes to benefit the Native community by providing educational workshops to improve knowledge regarding cancer prevention, screening, treatment and end-of-life care.

At this time, the majority of participants are members of the Comanche nation, but those of other tribes and ethnic backgrounds are invited to participate.

What is a Native Navigator?

A Native Navigator is:

• A trained Native individual who helps guide others through the health care system.
• Ensures access to screening, treatment, and follow-up care.
• Provides emotional and spiritual support to patients and families.