Chief Lynn Malerba has served as a registered nurse, as director of Cardiology and Pulmonary Services at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, as chairwoman of the Tribal Council and now as the first female Chief of the Mohegan Tribe. And she’s now drawing on this full history as the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps disproportionately through the Native American population.

For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations).

About Chief Malerba:

Chief Lynn Malerba the first female Chief in the modern history of the Mohegan Tribe, a sovereign, federally-recognized Indian tribe with a reservation in Southeastern Connecticut. Prior to becoming Chief, Malerba served as chairwoman of the Tribal Council and served in Tribal Government as executive director of Health and Human Services. Preceding her work for the Mohegan Tribe, Malerba had a lengthy career as a registered nurse and as the director of Cardiology and Pulmonary Services at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital. Malerba is chairwoman of the Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee of the Federal Indian Health Service, a member of the Justice Department’s Tribal Nations Leadership Council, a member of the Tribal Advisory Committee for the National Institute of Health and a member of the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee.

Key Takeaways:

[1:55 ] What led Chief Malerba to the field of nursing earlier in her career?
[4:12 ] Chief Malerba talks about how she became the Director of Cardiology and Pulmonary Services at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.
[5:19 ] Chief Malerba shares how she became Chief.
[7:47 ] Chief Malerba talks about her main responsibilities as Chief.
[10:24 ] You have to raise your voice for the ones you are advocating for.
[11:13 ] Chief Malerba talks about the impact of COVID-19 on her community.
[13:17 ] Chief Malerba shares the existing health challenges for Native Americans prior to the pandemic.
[18:46 ] How has the budget process contributed to the health iniquities Native Americans face?
[21:29 ] How did COVID-19 add to the already existing health challenges of Native Americans?
[22:37 ] Do certain cultural traditions of tribes present potential challenges during this time of coronavirus?
[25:29 ] Chief Malerba talks about ways that tribal nations have previously worked with the U.S. during public health emergencies.
[27:59 ] Chief Malerba talks about tribal nations and their work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in providing preparedness and response resources for tribal leaders.
[30:35 ] How has COVID-19 impacted Chief Malerba’s ability to do her work?
[31:50 ] How are rural tribal communities overcoming challenges to ensure good information is shared with their citizens?
[33:27 ] Chief Malerba talks about the best approaches for those in public health to reach tribal nations.
[35:58 ] Chief Malerba shares the story she wants people to know about public health and tribal nations.
[38:51 ] Chief Malerba gives her advice to the future public health leaders of America.

Mentioned in This Episode:

CDC Foundation

Visit CDC.gov for detailed information about COVID 19