Inaccurate identification of Native Americans in public health and vital records creates a distorted picture of health outcomes, leading to gaps in morbidity and mortality data that can misdirect public health initiatives at the local, state, and national levels. This in-person session will examine the impact of inaccurate data collection and reporting, highlight best practices for improving the accuracy of records, and provide insight into the lived experiences of Tribal Nations in the USET region as they navigate the challenges created by incomplete and non–Tribal Nation-specific data.

When: September 15, 2026. The training will take place from 9:00 am to 11:00 am Eastern, with lunch and networking from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Eastern.

Where: Pamunkey Cultural Resource Center, 225 Lay Landing Road, King William, VA, 23086

Who should attend: Funeral Directors, Funeral Home Staff, Coroners, Medical Examiners, Public Health Professionals, Hospice Personnel, other professionals involved in death investigation, certification, or registration, and Tribal Leaders and public health staff.

Learning objectives: Participants will:

• Describe how inaccurate identification of Native Americans in public health and vital records affects morbidity and mortality data and influences public health decision-making.
• Recognize common factors that contribute to inaccurate identification of Native Americans in death records and other vital records.
• Explain the impact that incomplete or inaccurate data has on Tribal Nations’ ability to access resources, inform health priorities, and address health disparities.
• Identify best practices that funeral directors, coroners, medical examiners, and other partners can implement to improve the accuracy of information collected in vital records.
• Apply strategies to support accurate and culturally respectful identification of Native American decedents, contributing to more reliable public health data and stronger partnerships with Tribal Nations.

Registration is open!

Continuing Education (CEs):

• Continuing Medical Education: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the California Medical Association (CMA) through the joint providership of Cardea and United South and Eastern Tribes. Cardea is accredited by the CMA to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Cardea designates this live training for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM.
• Funeral Directors: 2.0 Credits for Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers.

Questions? Contact Hailey Wade, OTPH Planning and Infrastructure Manager, hwade@usetinc.org