Wastewater Lagoons Operator Certification Training Course, in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, June 1-12, 2026, (Event ID #26008-blended)
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: June 1-5, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: June 8-12, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Water Treatment-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Portland, Oregon, September 28-October 9, 2026, (Event ID #26019-blended)
Part 1 meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: September 28-October 2, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time)
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: October 5-9, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Treatment
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Treatment Operator Class I
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Eureka, California, July 20-31, 2026, (Event ID #26011-blended)
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (On-Line)
Dates: July 20-24, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (In-Person)
Dates: July 27-31, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Eureka, California
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Distribution
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Distribution Operator Class I
Water Distribution – Levels 2 & 3 Operator Certification Training Course, in New Mexico, July 27 – August 7, 2026, (Event ID #26012-blended)
Part 1 meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: July 27 – 31, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: August 3 – 7, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Distribution
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Distribution Operator (Class II or Class III)
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Federal Regulations Live On-line Training Course, August 18-28, 2026, (Event ID #26013)
Meets: Sequential Lessons Daily (on-line)
Dates: August 18-21, 24-28 (in 2026)
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click Here: Application for Water Operator Certification
National Workgroup Summit for Personnel of Tribal Water & Wastewater Utilities, September 14-18, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona (Event ID #26014, in-person)
Includes:
Meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: September 14-18, 2026
Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (local time)
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Description
Since 1983, the Tribal Water & Wastewater Utilities Workgroup meetings have been a forum for personnel of Tribal water and wastewater utilities to share ideas and concerns with peers, attend short training sessions, and contribute directly to the continuing development and planning of the certification, training, and technical assistance services provided by the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA).
As professional water/wastewater utility and environmental staff, your feedback is vital to maintaining the quality and effectiveness of the National Tribal Water & Wastewater Operator Certification Program at ITCA. You are encouraged to participate in the roundtable sharing session and bring ideas or suggestions to the meeting. The ITCA Program is your program and all input and suggestions are welcomed. The Tribal Water Utilities Workgroup meetings help ensure that these services are genuinely “by tribes and for tribes.”
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Certification and Need to Know Exam Criteria
American Indian and Alaska Native women face maternal mortality rates two to three times higher than white women, driven by systemic inequities and under-resourced care. Over 90% of these deaths—often linked to mental health and hemorrhage—were preventable, underscoring the urgent need for culturally competent, data-informed solutions.
Addressing Maternal Health Disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Federal Regulations Training Course & Operator Certification Exam Sessions, in Parker, Arizona, September 28-October 9, 2026 (Event ID #26018-blended)
Part 1 meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: September 28-October 2, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: October 5-9, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Local Time
Location: Parker, Arizona
Click Here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click Here: Electronic Registration
Click Here: Application for Water Operator Certification
Click Here: Need to Know for Water DISTRIBUTION FedReg Exam
Click Here: Need to Know for Water TREATMENT FedReg Exam
Math for Drinking Water Operators Live On-line Training Course, November 30-December 11, 2026, (Event ID #26021)
Meets: Sequential Lessons Daily (on-line)
Dates: November 30, December 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (in 2026)
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Click here: Electronic Registration
A Mother’s Story: Beyond the Checklist
Emily Johnson’s story sheds light on Postpartum Anxiety and suicidal thoughts and how screening alone isn’t alone isn’t enough. Her experience highlights the urgent need for invlusive, culturally responsive mental health care that truly supports all birthing people. Read her story.
A Mother’s Story: Postpartum Anxiety and Suicidal Thoughts and the Need to Do More Than Screen
A new School of Public Health study finds that perinatal care among AI/AN people is insufficient for many, but access to Indian Health Service care and health insurance coverage may help.
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Camp Verde, Arizona, March 17-28, 2025, (Event ID #25003-blended), Region 9 Priority
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: March 17-21, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: March 24-28, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Camp Verde, Arizona
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Distribution
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Treatment Operator Class I
“In this cohort study, food insecurity in pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of perinatal complications, and these associations were overall attenuated to the null among individuals who received food assistance in pregnancy. These findings support clinical guidelines of screening for food insecurity in pregnancy and provide evidence to expand food assistance programs that may help improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.” See link for more information.
Food Insecurity in Pregnancy, Receipt of Food Assistance, and Perinatal Complications
“Now, organizations across North America are resuscitating the practice of Indigenous doulas. They’re training them to offer culturally safe, emotional and physical care, relying on traditional knowledge and reestablishing their place in the health care system: by the sides of Indigenous birthing women, where today’s doulas say they were always meant to be.” Read more below!
Indigenous doulas are helping Native moms take back their health after centuries of discrimination
The National Indian Health Board developed the Tribal Prenatal-to-Three Policy Agenda to raise
awareness regarding the most impactful and culturally appropriate policy levers and strategies
to support American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) health and wellbeing in the earliest years
of life, from the prenatal period through age 3. These recommendations chart a path forward to
health equity and improved outcomes for AI/AN families, infants, and toddlers.
2024 Tribal Prenatal-To-Three Policy Agenda
Funding for this was made possible (in part) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views expressed in written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. government.
Year 2 Project Schedule for ITCA GHWIC Subawardees (09/30/2025 – 09/29/2026)
(Click on image to download the PDF file)
2025-2026 registration links can be accessed below.
ITCA Health Promotion Specialist will send Tribal Site Coordinators the registration link directly.
CoP Call 1 - November 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM Mountain Standard Time (MST)
CoP Call 2 – December 16, 2025 *updated date* at 10:00 AM MST
CoP Call 3 – February 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM MST
CoP Call 4 – March 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM MST *updated*
CoP Call 5 - July 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM MST
CoP Call 6 - August 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM MST
Webinar 3
Webinar 4 – “Year 2 Closeout & Year 3 Overview”
GHWIC Work Group 1 – “Tribal Food Sovereignty”
Dates: February 18 – 20, 2026
GHWIC Work Group 2
Dates: July 28-30, 2026 *updated*
Training 2
Dates: May 12 – 13, 2026
In 2020, the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA), was contracted by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to develop a strategic plan in collaboration with tribal maternal health professionals. The Maternal Health Innovation program is funded nationally by HRSA and is designed to assist states in collaborating with maternal health experts and optimizing resources to implement state-specific actions that address disparities in maternal health and improve maternal health outcomes.
Program Purpose:
The purpose of the Maternal Health Innovation Program is to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity in American Indian communities in Arizona.
MHI Program Goals
Strategies and tools on using, collecting, and evaluating data through an indigenous lens.
ACEs, Historical Trauma and Emotional Wellness information and strategies.
Maternal health information on perinatal and postpartum care.
Holistic and indigenized approaches to birthwork.
Resources meant for all birthing people and community members with accompanying toolkits/workbooks.
Understand how epigenetics affects indigenous communities and maternal health outcomes.
Funding for this was made possible (in part) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views expressed in written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. government.
ITCA invites Tribes and Tribal serving organizations implementing or on the road to implementing the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) to join the upcoming CoP Calls.
During these NDPP CoP calls we will gather to collectively share our experiences, successes and challenges, and discuss possible problem-solving approaches, ultimately learning from each other. Register today and mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you and bring your coffee/tea.
CoP Call 1 – December 10, 2025 @ 10 am Mountain Standard Time (MST)
CoP Call 2 – March 11, 2026 @ 10 am MST
CoP Call 3 – June 10, 2026 @ 10 am MST
CoP Call 4 – September 9, 2026 @ 10 am MST
Highlights:
The program includes:
What you’ll learn:
In the first half of the program, you’ll learn to:
In the second half of the program, you’ll enhance the skills you’ve learned so you can maintain the changes you’ve made.
Time Commitment:
The program runs for 1 year.
Source: About the Lifestyle Change Program | National Diabetes Prevention Program | CDC
Glenda Tovar, Umbrella Hub Primary Contact (Lifestyle Coach)
Vanessa Dodge, Umbrella Hub Secondary Contact (Lifestyle Coach and Data Preparer)
Gwenda Gorman, Health & Human Services Director (Lifestyle Coach)
July 23, 2024
12:00-1:30pm MST/PHX
Topic: Syphilis 101: Understanding an Emerging Infection in AI/AN Communities
Presenter: Mayra Mollo, ADHS, STI/HIV DIS Coordinator
July 17, 2024 and July 31, 2024
12:00-1:30pm
Topic: Nurturing Connections: The Social-Ecological Model, ACES and Maternal Health
Presenters:
Stephanie Noriega, University of Arizona
Lakisa Muhammad, AZ Birthworkers of Color
Governmental and large-scale health and policy organizations addressing maternal and child health (MHI) broadly.
• Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS)
• Arizona Center for Rural Health
• ADHS Women’s and Children’s Health
• CDC: Maternal Mortality
• CDC: Hear Her Campaign
• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
• HRSA Tribal Affairs
• Indian Health Service (IHS)
• Medicaid Innovation Collaborative
• Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
• National Indian Health Board (NIHB)
• Public Health Shift (Maricopa)
• American Public Health Association (APHA)
• Doula Medicaid Project
• Doula Medicaid Resource Library
• Best Practices for Medicaid Coverage for Doula Care
• Pregnancy Related Deaths: Data from Maternal Mortality Review Committees
• American Indian/Alaska Native Pregnancy Related Deaths: Data from Maternal Mortality Review Committees
• From Barriers to Bridges: Implementing Access Solutions to Improve American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Maternal Health
• Strengthening Maternal Health Data to Improve Health and Wellbeing in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
• Preventing Maternal Mortality and Morbidity among American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian People
• Building Systems of Care: Investment in Native Maternal Health Infrastructure
• Workforce Equity in Maternal Health: Tribal and Native Community-Led Solutions
Organizations and initiatives supporting Indigenous and tribal maternal health needs.
• Native Health
• Native Birthworkers
• Cihuapactli Collective
• Seattle Urban Natives
• Native American Women’s Dialogue on Infant Mortality (NAWDIM)
• Family Spirit Program
• Indigenous Midwifery
• Paths Remembered
• Arizona Birthworkers of Color
• Indigenous Birth
• Navajo Nation Institute (NNI)
• Labriola National American Indian Data Center
• Indian Country ECHO
• Native Reach
• Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center (AASTEC)
• National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH)
• Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care (AACIHC)
Community-focused organizations, advocacy groups, and educational resources for maternal health.
• Spinning Babies
• Evidence-Based Birth
• Doula Match
• Candelen.org
• Healthy Families Arizona
• March of Dimes
• Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center
• Support Birth
• PSI Arizona
• Spiritual Garden Healing
• CityMatCH
• Brazelton Touchpoints: Indigenous Early Learning
• CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance – NNI Database
Research organizations and specialized initiatives for advancing maternal health and well-being.
• Seven Directions Indigenous Public Health Institute
• Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health (CIH)
• Maternal and Child Health Bureau
• Reproductive Grief Care
• Brazelton Touchpoints Center
• Safe to Sleep Campaign (NICHD)
• First Things First
• Arizona Perinatal Trust
• Rural Development (USDA)
• Fatherhood Initiative
Research and resources to support recovery and well-being.
• Opioid Service Locator
• Arizona Pregnant and Parenting Women Resource Guide
• Supporting Recovery with Pregnant, Birthing and Parenting People Living with Substance Use Disorder
• AZ Mental Health Map
Interviews, shorts, and videos on maternal health.
• Know When to Seek Help for Depression After Giving Birth
• Know the Warning Signs: Being Informed Saves Lives
“Laws 2021, Ch. 282 (Senate Bill 1181), created a voluntary licensing program for doulas within the Arizona Department of Health Services. A.R.S. § 36-766(3) states, a “doula” is “… a trained nonmedical professional who may provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to families before, during and after childbirth for a period of one year after birth or in the case of loss and who may serve as a liaison between the birth parents and medical and social services staff to improve the quality of medical, social, and behavioral outcomes.”- ADHS
