This fall, we celebrate the first anniversary of the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health’s Great Plains Hub, a growing force for culturally grounded health initiatives across tribal communities in the region.
One of the Hub’s cornerstone programs, Together Overcoming Diabetes (TOD), is transforming how diabetes is addressed in Indigenous communities. The TOD program has been thoughtfully adapted to align with the Lakota Wicozani wellness model, blending traditional knowledge with modern health strategies to support adults living with type 2 diabetes and promote prevention among their youth.
Over six months, the TOD team partnered with the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board and Oyate Health Center to deliver the program in Rapid City, SD. The curriculum, adapted with guidance from Lakota leaders, community members, and health professionals, emphasizes holistic wellbeing, emotional balance, and cultural connection.
Early results are inspiring:
- Adults reported reduced emotional stress and improved self-care.
- Youth lowered their intake of sugary drinks and increased awareness of healthy choices.
“Our relatives are so thankful and inspired by the work being done with the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health and their efforts with the Together Overcoming Diabetes program,” shared Stephen Yellowhawk, SDPI Program Director at Oyate Health Center. “It is so important to educate our youth so we can ensure a better, healthier future for our people.”
As the program expands, Dr. Donald Warne, Dr. Courtney Claussen, Dr. Mary Cwik, and the TOD team are integrating culturally relevant assessment tools like the Wicozani Instrument, ensuring the intervention continues to reflect Lakota values and community input.
The Great Plains Hub is proud to walk alongside tribal partners in this journey of building a healthier future for all.
Learn more about Together Overcoming Diabetes.