February is American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, a time to support heart health in Native communities. Native American and Alaska Native people experience higher rates of cardiovascular disease, with CVD mortality rates about 20% higher than the general U.S. population. In 2023, heart disease caused 4,670 deaths among Native people nationwide. [ihs.gov]
Common risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, chronic stress, and food insecurity—all of which affect Native communities at higher levels. [ihs.gov]
Simple Ways to Protect Your Heart
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Move daily through walking, dancing, or cultural activities
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Choose nutrient‑dense foods, including traditional foods when available
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Get regular blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings
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Reduce commercial tobacco use while honoring traditional practices
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Connect with family, culture, and community to reduce stress
Learn More
For resources and Native‑focused heart health tools, visit:
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CDC Heart Month Toolkit [heart.org]
- IHS Heart Health Resources including Honoring the Gift of Heart Health [ncuih.org]
Together, we can strengthen heart health for our communities—this month and every month.
Tribal Wellness Services:
Diabetes Prevention & Management
In an effort to combat the growing epidemic of diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, the Samish Indian Nation Diabetes Program provides a variety of services to help delay or prevent a diabetes diagnosis while also reducing the risk of complications. These services are designed to educate tribal citizens on the risk factors of diabetes while encouraging prevention and management, physical fitness, nutrition, foot care, and vision care.
Eligibility Requirements:
You must be an enrolled Samish tribal citizen.
You must reside in our 12-County Service Area (Clallam, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, or Whatcom County)
Online Diabetes Application
If you would like us to send you an application with paid return postage, please reach out to diabetes@samishtribe.nsn.us.
Services We Currently Offer:
Diabetes Care Incentive Program:
This initiative is designed to support and encourage citizens in managing their diabetes and health while recognizing their dedication to wellness. Eligible participants may receive incentives per completed activity. Qualifying activities include:
- Eye Exam (once per year)
- Dental Cleaning / Exam (twice per year)
- Foot Exam (once per year)
- A1C Test (twice per year)
To utilize this program, you must be enrolled in the diabetes program.
To receive the incentive, you can submit this form:
Diabetes Care Incentive Program Verification Form or provide other proof of appointment such as a visit summary or EOB.
Email forms to
diabetes@samishtribe.nsn.us.
Open to All Samish Citizens in Our Service Area:
Samish Fitness Challenges
In 2026, the Wellness Program will offer quarterly fitness challenges for all Samish citizens ages 5 and older who reside in Washington State. Each challenge features a tiered reward system with incentives designed to encourage participation at every fitness level. Everyone is welcome to join, stay active, and work toward their personal wellness goals.
For more information including registration, activity log submissions, and upcoming challenges,
click here.
Local Residents (Skagit County)
Farm to Table Program:
The Samish Farm to Table Program provides a biweekly produce box pick‑up in partnership with the Puget Sound Food Hub. Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables are available for Samish citizens at the Cannery Atrium located at 715 Seafarers Way, Anacortes, WA 98221. This program is open to all Samish citizens, and there is no income limit to participate. Our goal is to increase access to nutritious foods while supporting local growers and promoting community wellness.
Due to the popularity of the program, a waitlist may occur. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please still submit an application. Additional boxes may become available on a week‑to‑week basis, and we can notify you if any produce boxes go unclaimed or are not picked up.
Sign-ups for this service is required: Farm to Table Sign Up Sheet