Purpose:
The stated policy of the Indian Health Service is to encourage and increase Indian participation in every phase of the program; planning, operating, and evaluating service at all levels. The Aberdeen Area Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board was established in order to provide the Indian people of the Aberdeen Area with a formal representative Board as a means of communicating and participation with the Aberdeen Area Indian Health Service and other health agencies and organizations on health matters. In pursuing this policy, the Board’s objectives are:

1. To improve the effectiveness of the Indian Health program through responsible participation of the Indian people making decisions about their health services, in order to improve their health status.
2. To assist the Indian Health Service in establishing program priorities and in distributing existing resources.
3. To advise and assist the Director, Aberdeen Area Indian Health Service, in developing long-range program plans.
4. To represent the Indian interests and desires at all levels for health related programs.
5. To assist in development of Indian responsibility for community activities affecting health.
6. To assist member tribes in the development of health programs that will be beneficial to the Tribes.
7. To establish participation in any meetings that will provide clear and concise information to the Tribes.
8. To represent the organization and member tribes in the Congress of the United States at any hearings and at National Organization meetings regarding health issues and care.

Mission:
To provide a forum for Tribes and Tribal Organizations to obtain and disseminate evidence based and culturally appropriate information in order to identify and eliminate health disparities related to asthma prevention and control.

Priority Initiatives:
Goal: To create a true national network that actively involves American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal Organizations and other stakeholders in addressing the disproportionately high asthma prevalence rates and ensuing adverse health effects among AI/AN populations.

• Provide tribes the educational and resource material assistance that will allow them to implement tools to reduce and mitigate asthma triggers in the home and schools using appropriate interventions that have been scientifically evaluated and have been shown to be successful among AI/AN populations
• Provide expert guidance in implementing policy – sometimes at the most basic level
• Provide real technical assistance that is informed by both science and cultural relevance