About Us
The National Native Network provides input and guidance to assist IHS and other agencies in efforts to reach American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities with HIV/STI/HCV testing, prevention, treatment and harm reduction strategies. The NNHN builds group capacity and provides assistance to support extensive community engagement, dissemination of information at regional and national levels, and supports professional and leadership development to sustain these efforts.
Mission
The National Native HIV Network is an Indigenous-led initiative that mobilizes American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities affected by HIV through peer-to-peer and programmatic support, training, and capacity building assistance. Our comprehensive approach is rooted in our cultural values, teachings, and affection for our communities.
Who We Are
The National Native HIV Network (NNHN) was established in 2016 by the grassroots efforts of Native individuals in the public health and HIV/AIDS fields. Beginning in 2019, the NNHN received U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Minority HIV/AIDS Fund (MHAF) support through the Indian Health Service National HIV/AIDS Program. This support allowed the NNHN to enhance its membership with 12 Regional Representatives from across the United States (inclusive of Alaska and Hawai’i); host bi-monthly meetings, conduct webinars, promote HIV awareness days, and create a social media presence to keep the American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities updated on the latest HIV news.
In February 2020, the NNHN held the first in-person meeting with our newly appointed Regional Representatives, who were selected during the 2019 United States Conference on AIDS in Washington, DC. This meeting was hosted by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.