Ways of Knowing: Listening to Upper Great Lakes Tribal Communities to Characterize Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Incidence, Impact, and Health Inequities

Great Lakes region tribal communities are at high risk for TBI and injury estimates are low due to racial misclassification. In this two-part study we will partner with the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Epidemiology Center (GLITEC), state Trauma Programs, and Indian Health Service (IHS) Bemidji Area Office. First, we will collaborate with GLITEC and State Trauma programs in MI, MN, WI to determine the incidence of TBI (2012-2022) by linking state Trauma Registry and IHS Tribal Registry datasets using software to minimize racial misclassification. The anticipated outcome is characterizing the incidence of TBI in tribal communities. Second, we want to learn about lived experiences and medical, cultural, and social support needs following TBI through Gathering of Native American type listening sessions. Participants will include 1) urban/rural tribal members with TBI, 2) their families, 3) their tribes, 4) policy makers, and 5) tribal health care providers. Anticipated outcomes are identifying what is important about TBI in tribal communities and establishing a foundation of trust, respect, and knowledge on which to build sustainable research relationships. A long-range goal is working in partnership to identify community priorities and potential public health intervention targets, to promote health equity and reduce disease burden related to TBI.