FirstPic, Inc. partnered with the Indian Health Service (IHS), the NCAI, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), and Nike, Inc. to create a program aimed at reducing the onset of diabetes among Native American youth. The program – On the T.R.A.I.L. to Diabetes Prevention is an innovative combination of physical, educational, and nutritional activities that promote healthy lifestyles. Funded through the IHS, since 2003 the T.R.A.I.L. program has served nearly 13,000 Native American youth, ages 8-10, in 86 tribal communities.
A new grant award from the IHS began in Fall 2012 and will continue through 2017. This grant award funds 50 Native American Boys & Girls Club sites. Each site receives the following:
- A grant to fund program operations, including a part-time staff person and program training for one year.
- Evaluated program curriculum, training, and on-going technical assistance.
- Access to SPARK Afterschool Physical Activity Program.
FirstPic, Inc. continues to manage this program through these tasks:
- Revise and update a 12-chapter diabetes prevention curriculum geared toward youth, 8-10 years old.
- Provide training and technical assistance on-site and off-site to participating Clubs.
- Manage and monitor that programmatic, administrative, and fiscal requirements are met by Clubs.
- Manage and update evaluation instruments in accordance with program needs.
- Ensure all required reporting is completed and submitted to the funding agency within deadlines.
- Collect and analyze data from participating Clubs.
- Maintain a liaison role between the participating Clubs, the NCAI, and the IHS.
- Research and explore opportunities for partnerships and additional funding to support the program.