Indigenous Health Unit
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Indigenous Health Unit (IHU) cares for and seeks to improve healthcare for American Indian / Alaska Native / Hawaiian Native (AI/AN/NH) communities in Philadelphia and across the nation. With services provided through CHOP’s Global Health Center, the IHU gives AI/AN/NH children and adolescents access to culturally centered care to advance their well-being so they can lead healthy lives.
How we serve you
We work closely with the AI/AN/NH community to understand the community’s pediatric health priorities and concerns. We aim to address these issues through providing consultation services to help bridge culturally informed care to patients and families. If you are in the AI/AN/NH community and looking to establish care, please reach out through CHOP's National Patient Services form.
Meet our team
Each member of our team shares the same goal: to promote the highest level of pediatric health within the AI/AN/NH community.
Our research
Learn more about research studies relevant to American Indian / Alaska Native (AI/AN) pediatric patients.
Resources for the community
We have gathered resources for families and community members that can help improve mental well-being and facilitate social connections.
Patient stories
Resources for professionals
Helpful information relevant to providing healthcare to the AI/AN/NH community.
- Vaccine Resources: Nirsevimab Effectiveness, AI in Health Communication and Updated VISs
- Summer Internships Spark Conversations on Native American Representation in STEM
- Meet One of Our Global Heath Fellows: Elizabeth Sanseau, MD, MS
Resources from the Indian Health Service (IHS) Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Simulation Program:
Internal Staff Advisors
IHU's internal CHOP advisors share a commitment to advancing Indigenous child health and advocacy.
CHOP's IHU: Relationship, Responsibility, and Reimagining Pediatric Care
Watch this seminar which was delivered as a Pediatric Grand Rounds Lecture at CHOP. Led by Elizabeth Sanseau, MD, MS, DTM&H, FAAP, Chermiqua Tsosie, and John Chuo, MD, MS, the recording:
- Describes how historical policies and structural factors contribute to healthcare disparities affecting Indigenous communities in the United States
- Explains how strengths-based, community-driven partnerships support sustainable healthcare initiatives in Indigenous communities
- Identifies the role of healthcare institutions and clinicians in advancing equity in Indigenous health
- Discusses how telemedicine and mentorship models can expand healthcare access and workforce needs