Strengthening Indigenous Public Health: The Tribal Disease Investigation Specialist Learning Pathway

Across Tribal Nations, Disease Investigation Specialists (DIS) play a vital role in protecting community health and responding to complex infectious disease challenges.

Yet, few training opportunities are built specifically for public health teams working in or with tribal communities, reflecting their realities, values, and tribal public health sovereignty. The Tribal Disease Investigation Specialist (tDIS) Learning Pathway is here to change that.

Why the tribal DIS Learning Pathway Matters

In Tribal communities, public health professionals are not just investigators—they are community members, relatives, and often the first line of defense in preventing and responding to outbreaks of infections such as syphilis, HIV, hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The tDIS Learning Pathway is designed to provide foundational education and ongoing support for both new and established disease investigators and case investigation roles within Tribal settings. Our approach is not just about clinical knowledge—it’s about integrating culturally resonant public health practice with skills that honor Indigenous sovereignty and strengthen relational care.

What the Learning Pathway Offers

The Learning Pathway provides a blend of asynchronous (self-paced) modules and live, interactive sessions, creating a flexible, accessible, and community-centered experience. It is structured around four key areas:

1. Foundational Courses for New tDIS
   Building the core knowledge and competencies required for disease investigation.

2. Courses Specific to Working in Indian Country
   Addressing the unique considerations, systems, and cultural contexts relevant to Tribal communities.

3. Learning Collaborative with the Denver Prevention Training Center
   Offering specialized training from national experts.

4. Virtual Community of Practice Collaborative
   Providing ongoing opportunities to apply learning alongside peers and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).

Each participant gains not just knowledge, but practical skills they can use immediately in their work—skills that respond to the real-world needs and strengths of Indigenous communities.

A Closer Look at the Training Structure

Part One: Foundations in Infection, Public Health, and Partner Services

Topics include:

• Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis C, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia

• Public health surveillance and foundational epidemiology

• Partner services, case investigation, and integrating HIV PrEP and DoxyPEP

Part Two: Disease Investigation in Tribal Communities

Tailored modules addressing:

• Using a syndemic framework with Indigi-HAS (an Indigenous SDoH model)

• Supporting clients with substance use disorder (SUD)

• Navigating I/T/U health systems and public health authorities

• Providing culturally affirming care to Two Spirit and LGBTQI+ patients

Part Three: Synchronous Learning with the Denver Prevention Training Center

Live training and role-playing exercises covering:

• Partner services interviewing techniques

• Motivational interviewing

• Disclosure support

• Applied care coordination

• Self-care and personal safety for disease investigation professionals

Collaborative Learning Sessions

Weekly (or flexible) live virtual sessions feature:

• Module overviews

• Polls and quizzes

• Case reviews and role plays

• Insights from Subject Matter Experts

• Open discussion forums

The interactive features—breakout rooms, polls, and annotation—foster an engaging, supportive learning environment.

Who’s Behind the Training

This collaborative effort brings together staff from The Raven Collective, Denver Prevention Training Center, experienced DIS faculty and clinical support teams.

All are committed to building Indigenous health capacity, fostering culturally rooted care, and supporting the next generation of Tribal public health leaders.

Looking Ahead

By strengthening the skills and knowledge of Tribal DIS professionals, the Learning Pathway is not only improving disease investigation and response but also investing in the long-term health sovereignty of Indigenous nations.

We are building a workforce that can address today’s infectious disease challenges—and adapt to the public health needs of tomorrow, guided by Indigenous knowledge, resilience, and relational care.

Interested in joining or learning more?

Stay connected with The Raven Collective or reach out to Ashley to discuss upcoming sessions and opportunities to participate.

This work is funded by the Minority HIV/AIDS Fund via the Indian Health Service HIV/HCV/STI Program.