Sierra Davis

e-mail : sierra.abe@und.edu
Major : Psychology
Mentor : Dr. Jacqueline Gray
Expected graduation date : May 2010

Organizations:
• Nonprofit Leadership Student Association
• Emerging Leaders
• Multicultural Awareness Committee (Standing Committee of Student Government), Hope Across Borders UNICEF
• UND Indian Association
• International Organization
• Student Psychology Association

Honors & Awards: Helping Our Students Endure (H.O.P.E.) Award

Conferences: American Humanics Management Institute Conference - December 2007 (Oklahoma); American Indian Science and Engineering Society Conference - November 2006 (North Carolina); American Indian Research Forum - April 2006-2007 (North Dakota); National Institutes of Health & Native American Research Centers for Health Conference November 2008 (Besthesda, MD); McNair Conference September 2008 (New Mexico)

Presentations: Poster Presentation at the National NARCH Conference 2008- Bethesda, MD

About me:
Greetings! My name is Sierra Abe, and I am currently a senior majoring in psychology at the University of North Dakota. My ambition is to help improve the quality of health care in rural Indian communities, specifically in the Midwestern
region. It is known that many tribes in the Midwest are among the poorest in America, and have exceedingly high rates of serious health problems. Being an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes in North Dakota, I am aware of the
health disparities that exist in my community and I am passionate about being part of positive change. With this purpose in mind, I have been involved with research that focuses on American Indian populations. Currently, I am doing research with Dr. Jacque Gray on E2 80 9C Mood disorder assessment in Northern Plains tribes E2 80 9D and evaluating the GoodHealthTV program, which is shown in 18 IHS clinicsI ultimately want to complete a doctoral degree and focus on men tal health and health policy. There remains a critical need for culturally sensitive and knowledgeable health care professionals to serve American Indian popu lations nationwide. I am fortunate to receive guidance and encouragement from Dr. Gray, as well as the whole Center for Rural Health team. The McNair Scholarship Program has provided guidance and support to help me attain my goals and enhance my potential for helping others.

Abstract title: GoodHealth TV as a Tool for Health Education

Abstract:
Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the response to GoodHealth TV in the waiting areas of IHS Clinics in the Aberdeen Area. GoodHealth TV is a health education programming service that promotes healthy behaviors and lifestyles through culturally appropriate health education videos, wellness tips, human interest stories, and local health happenings. Health topics range from diabetes, SIDS, wellness, exercise and fitness, and suicide prevention.

Methods:
GoodHealth TV programming was broadcast on 42 E2 80 9D plasma screens in 23 I HS clinic waiting areas in the Aberdeen Area. One hundred twenty-seven people (43 male and 84 female) spending time in the waiting area completed a 10 item survey and returned it to the reception desk. They ranged in age from 18 to 85 years of age. Information was gathered on content, value of information, other areas of interest for content, and general comments about the programming.

Results:
IHS Clinic front desk staff distributed and collected the surveys and ret urned them to Aberdeen IHS Headquarters. The completed surveys were sent to the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota for analysis. Sev enty-eight percent of participants indicated they had watched GoodHealth TV that day. Seventy percent indicated they received new information. Over 45% spent over one hour in the waiting area. Conclusions: GoodHealth TV makes use of a previously missed health education opportunity while patients are in IHS waiting areas. More culturally appropriate health education materials are needed for programming.