Meeting Basic Needs in Tribal Communities
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products are basic needs that are simply unaffordable for too many Native American families and women. When rent and utility bills are due, and food must be put on the table, these essential items often fall by the wayside.
In 2015, Running Strong for American Indian Youth launched the “SmileStrong” dental health program to address this issue. The program provides Native American families with dental kits containing child and adult-size toothbrushes, a six-month supply of toothpaste and floss, and information on proper brushing techniques.
The Growing Need for Dental Care
The significant need for routine dental care to prevent cavities in Native communities was first highlighted by Cristin Haase (Cheyenne River Sioux), a 2015 Running Strong Dreamstarter. At the time, Cristin was a dental student with a vision to help other Native Americans apply to dental school. Today, she serves as a dentist for Native American children and families, continuing her advocacy for better oral health.
In August 2023, the Indian Health Service released a study titled “The Oral Health of American Indian and Alaska Native Children Aged 6-9 Years,” which revealed several key findings:
• The lack of regular dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in oral health issues among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children. Compared to 2017, fewer AI/AN dental patients have protective dental sealants on permanent molars, and more are experiencing oral pain or infection.
• Oral health disparities continue to be a major issue. AI/AN children have the highest rates of tooth decay and untreated dental problems compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
Through the SmileStrong program, we have been working for nearly 10 years to provide the necessary “tools for teeth” to thousands of children and families. These efforts help prevent cavities, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious oral health concerns. The program also instills in children the importance of brushing twice daily from a young age. This year, our goal is to ship 6,000 dental kits to Native communities throughout Indian Country.
Addressing Period Poverty with WičhičhaǧAStrong
Last year, we introduced the WičhičhaǧAStrong program to tackle “period poverty,” defined as the inability of people who menstruate to purchase sanitary products—a widespread issue in Indian Country. In its first year, WičhičhaǧAStrong provided 3,000 feminine hygiene kits containing flushable wipes, tampons, maxi pads, soap, hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes, and more to tribal communities. Following a successful first year, we are excited to distribute another 3,000 kits across 18-20 tribal communities this fall.
Community Impact and Testimonials
Our efforts have been well-received by our partners. For instance, the Brushy Cherokee Action Association in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, recently distributed 200 dental kits and 240 feminine hygiene kits. According to spokesperson Robin Hickman, the distribution was met with gratitude from participants who were relieved to receive these much-needed items.
In Billings, Montana, The Bridge Foundation distributed kits to 120 individuals. “Many of the women who are homeless in our community benefited from this, as feminine hygiene can be quite expensive,” said Rosalia Badhorse of The Bridge Foundation. The kits were also appreciated by teen girls preparing for the school year.
In Eagle Butte, South Dakota, on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation, The Bebela Project distributed 200 dental kits and 240 feminine hygiene kits, serving a total of 240 individuals, including 100 children. “We created bags with one of each item to make it easier for women to carry,” explained Laura Rose from The Bebela Project. She noted that these basic items are often out of reach for many in their community due to financial constraints. “Feminine hygiene items are super helpful and very appreciated.”
Looking Forward
These programs have made a significant impact in tribal communities by addressing basic health and hygiene needs. Running Strong remains committed to supporting Native American families through initiatives like SmileStrong and WičhičhaǧAStrong, which provide essential items and promote healthy habits. We are grateful for the continued support from our partners and look forward to expanding our reach in the years to come.