Organization: Day Eagle Hope Project
The Day Eagle Hope Project supports their community in numerous ways. The native-led non profit has, historically, served as a food bank resource for members of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation who have cancer. However, the pandemic shifted their focus to include those affected by COVID-19, and they expanded food service by delivering food to those in quarantine. Day Eagle Hope Project also has an established partnership with New Destiny Health- a team of behavioral health professionals working with people on drug and alcohol addictions. Those who are eligible would participate in a 90-day individualized inpatient addiction treatment supported by the project during this transitional period of their lives.
The project still emphasizes cancer support through patient education, navigation of often complex cancer treatment plans, and spiritual care. They also offer cultural support groups to connect traditional and cultural knowledge throughout a network of community members experiencing similar events. Additionally, they offer participants an opportunity to experience equine therapy through the Eagala Equine Program. In general, they strive to help community members overcome barriers of cost, fear, as well as misinformation surrounding a cancer diagnosis in culturally appropriate ways.
For more information on their work please visit the Day Eagle Hope Project website https://www.dayeagle.org/
Evidence-based resources
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. From 1990 to 2013, breast cancer death rates dropped in all racial/ethnic groups except American Indians/ Alaska Natives. Additionally, substance dependence is one of the greatest health threats facing Native communities. For more information: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24114568/ or https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23377636/