To continue the expansion of the Uranium Education Program for the Navajos in geographic areas affected by uranium mining (eight specific communities). The Program is the lead organization for this education intervention. The goals of the established Program is be empower the Navajo community to effectively address their concerns about radiation exposure, thus inform themselves about radiation and health effects and initiate mitigation measures. The Program trains community leaders, health educators, Community Health Representatives (CHRs), Health Board members, and public school and college students so they can be effective advocates for change. Education programs for the medical community will be expanded to allow informed discussion about their patients’ concerns. Projects funded from various agencies through the Program will continue. These include:

• The US Army Corp of Engineers’ Water Quality Study and Education Project.
• Education to Health Care Providers from the Indian Health Services and the Navajo Nation’s Divison of Health.
• Northern Arizona University’s Environmental Education Program and Diné College’s UEP joint collaborative efforts to expand on Radiation safety education in the schools, homes and communities.
• RISE Project.

To assist and participate in Research activities, collect qualitative and quantitative research data in the Navajo community concerning knowledge, attitudes, behavior and impacts about radiation and other environmental impacts. The research will be conducted by various governmental agencies and Institutions. The Program provides appropriate traditional and cultural guidance, translations and technical assistances to assure that the confidentialities and lifestyles of the Navajo are preserved. Culturally appropriate instruments are developed by the collaborating research groups using focus groups and open ended interviews. Research activities proposed include:

• Health Studies Related to Residential Coal Use by the US Geological Survey. Start up date expected by January 2001.
• The Navajo Nation Dependents of Uranium Workers’ Research to evaluate the health and psychological impacts of “take-home uranium”.
• An Inter-Institutional Agreement will be entered into by the Diné College and the Saccomanno Research Institute, Grand Junction, Colorado and the University of New Mexico. Start up date by April 2001.
• The US Army Corp of Engineers will continue and complete the Aerial gamma surveys, water quality studies and home surveys for the Eastern Navajo Agency and other small areas not covered during the first survey. The Program will continue to assist with the studies and may enter into another working contract to implement and expand on the water quality education project. Start up date by January 2001.