WHITE EARTH NATION TRIBAL PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT

White Earth Nation Tribal Public Health Earns National Accreditation

2/26/2026

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White Earth Nation Tribal Public Health has achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), becoming the first Tribe in Minnesota — and only the ninth Tribe in the nation — to receive this distinction.
Accreditation may sound technical, but this milestone is really about strengthening how White Earth Nation Tribal Public Health cares for our community every day — from our youngest children to our respected Elders, and the families who hold us all together.
“Achieving PHAB accreditation is a proud moment for the White Earth Nation,” said Lindsi Darco, Health Director, White Earth Health Division. “It reflects our commitment to accountability, continuous improvement, and honoring our responsibility to care for our relatives. Our community can trust that we are providing strong, culturally rooted Tribal public health services today and for future generations.”
For many community members, Tribal Public Health is already familiar. It’s the health fairs where families and Elders gather for screenings and resources. It’s WECARE outreach and support for households in need. It’s youth learning through Our Health Is Sacred. It’s access to community gyms and physical activity opportunities that bring families together. It’s diabetes prevention classes and clinics that help relatives manage their health with support and dignity.
Accreditation strengthens the systems behind those programs — the planning, partnerships, communication, and evaluation that ensure services are coordinated, responsive, and built to last for our families and future generations. “This recognition reflects years of collaboration and shared commitment,” said Cyndy Radstedt, Tribal Public Health Coordinator and Accreditation Coordinator. “Our team, Tribal leadership, Elders, families, and community partners worked together to ensure our work meets national standards while remaining grounded in our culture and responsibility to the community.”
Most people don’t think about systems when they attend a health fair, stop by the gym, visit a diabetes clinic, or see youth and Elders engaging in wellness activities. They think about their families, their health, and staying well. Accreditation lives quietly behind the scenes — in the planning that makes events run smoothly, in the coordination that connects families to support, and in the partnerships that strengthen diabetes prevention, Indigenous food access, and physical activity promotion.
It also means Tribal Public Health is continually listening — through community health assessments, conversations with Elders, and ongoing dialogue with families — and adjusting programs to reflect what our people need most. Services are not just created; they are evaluated, improved, and sustained.
At its core, this work is guided by Anishinaabe teachings. Our Elders remind us that we have always planned for the future and cared for the well-being of our families. Community voice shapes priorities, and cultural values guide how programs are designed and delivered.
Accreditation does not change who we are. It strengthens how we carry our responsibility forward — protecting and promoting the health of our families and the White Earth Nation with the next seven generations in mind.
Accreditation is not the finish line. It is a step forward — a way to be healthy together.

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E-Cigarette and Vape Disposal Tips

2/26/2026

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New Youth Vaping Curriculum is Available

7/22/2025

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SUNBucks: USDA's Summer Nutrition Program

5/30/2025

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Protecting Our Youth from Vaping

5/19/2025

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February is Heart Health Month

2/13/2025

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Heart Health and Diabetes: A Vital Connection ❤️🩺
Did you know that heart health and diabetes are closely linked? People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for individuals with diabetes. But the good news? You have the power to protect your heart by managing your diabetes and making heart-healthy lifestyle choices.

Here’s how diabetes impacts heart health and what you can do to reduce your risk:

High Blood Sugar: Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart.
High Blood Pressure: Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure, which puts extra strain on the heart and arteries.
High Cholesterol: Diabetes can lower "good" HDL cholesterol and raise "bad" LDL cholesterol, contributing to plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Inflammation: Chronic inflammation from diabetes can further harm blood vessels and the heart.

Tips for Managing Diabetes and Protecting Your Heart

Keep Blood Sugar in Check
Work with your doctor to maintain your blood sugar levels within your target range. Regular monitoring is essential.
Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet 🥦
Choose fiber-rich foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid trans fats, added sugars, and highly processed foods that can worsen both diabetes and heart risks.
Exercise Regularly 🏃‍♂️
Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar, and strengthens your heart. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol 🩺
Keep an eye on these numbers and take medications as prescribed to manage them.
Quit Smoking 🚭
Smoking increases the risk of heart disease and worsens diabetes-related complications. Seek support to quit for good.
Control Stress 🧘‍♀️
Stress can affect blood sugar levels and increase your risk of heart issues. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.

By managing your diabetes effectively and adopting heart-healthy habits, you can significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular complications. This February, during Heart Health Month, let’s remember: caring for your heart is a key part of managing diabetes—and vice versa. ❤️

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Minnesota's Good Samaritan Law

12/4/2024

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Pertussis/Whooping Cough cases are on the rise.

10/20/2024

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Pertussis/Whooping Cough cases are on the rise. The Bordetella pertussis bacterium causes the acute infection. It is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets, saliva, and mucus. Pertussis can cause serious illness in people of all ages but is significantly dangerous for babies.

Signs and Symptoms:

The Common Cold, Fever, Runny or Stuffy Nose, Muscle aches/Fatigue
Cough- “Whoop Noise” when someone grasps for air after a cough
Difficulty breathing
Many Babies with Pertussis cough don’t cough at all.
Apnea- pause in breathing, struggle to breathe
Vomiting or exhaustion after coughing

Preventive Recommendations:

Get your DTaP (recommended for children younger than seven years old/ Tdap(recommended for older children and adults).
Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, if available
Vaccinate against the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and all other vaccine-preventable diseases

Treatment:

Seek medical; the earlier someone seeks treatment, the better. Don’t wait to see if you are getting better or worse.
Healthcare providers can choose an antibiotic that best suits the patient.

About Whooping Cough | Whooping Cough | CDC

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White Earth Community Farmer's Market is Back!

9/5/2024

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White Earth WIC Calendar for September 2024

8/30/2024

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