Native Patient Navigator Training

Training Introduction

Cancer care is fragmented, requiring cancer patients to receive services from multiple facilities as well as within diverse departments and centers of the cancer center. Patient Navigators provide continuity in the midst of such fragmentation. A Native Patient Navigator (NPN) is a trusted member of the local American Indian / Alaska Native (AI/AN) community who is trained to work directly with individuals to facilitate timely access to healthcare by eliminating or navigating barriers that may impede care. NPNs begin by providing outreach and education but continue providing support throughout the cancer continuum (outreach through end-of-life). Their work usually begins working with an individual in the community but continues as they cross the threshold of the clinic to work with the patient and other members of the healthcare team in the clinical setting. Although NPNs provide support and help throughout the cancer continuum, they do NOT provide medical advice. 
Native American Cancer Research Corporation (NACR) initiated the first AI NPN program in 1994 and has been conducting NPN training since 1995. NACR conducts an average of four 2.5-day trainings each year. 

• These trainings are offered by Native American Cancer Research Corporation (NACR), 303-550-5181 or cell: 720-987-8944.
• The duration for most in-person trainings is 2.5 days for variable Native Patient Navigation topics.  
• Locations vary for each training.
• The Registration fee is $575 per participant.
• All participants need to support their own travel and lodging expenses. 
• Email registration forms to Burhansstipanov@gmail.com and LisaH@NatAmCancer.org
• Mail payments Native American Cancer Research Corporation (NACR), 3022 South Nova Road, Pine, CO 80470-7830.
• Certificates for hours completed are mailed to participants within 2 weeks of completing the training.
• Space is limited for a maximum of 18 participants each training (i.e., Registration closes once 18 people are registered). A waiting list will be maintained in case there are cancellations.
• NOTE:  If there are fewer than 10 registrants for any session, the training(s) may be cancelled.

Upcoming Trainings

Due to covid-19, all spring and summer trainings will be conducted as interactive webinars (gototraining.com).  
Contact Linda B or Lisa Harjo (Burhansstipanov@gmail.com and LisaH@NatAmCancer.org)to coordinate Native Patient Navigation training topics and schedules.

View the training schedule