Is It Really That Different? Infection Prevention in Tribal Care

Session Description: Infection prevention and control (IPC) practices are often seen as universal, yet misconceptions persist that applying these principles in Native American communities requires entirely different approaches. While the foundational goals and standards remain consistent, culturally responsive and community-informed strategies are essential for success. This session will explore the nuanced differences—and surprising similarities—between infection prevention work in Native and non-Native healthcare settings. Participants will gain insight into common barriers, such as geographic isolation, resource limitations, and unique facility structures, as well as deeper issues like mistrust of healthcare systems, historical trauma, and traditional healing practices that may influence infection prevention compliance and care delivery. Through case examples and firsthand experience, the presenter will highlight cultural considerations, communication adaptations, and programmatic successes. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies for building respectful partnerships, improving training outcomes, and applying infection control guidance in ways that are both evidence-based and culturally sensitive. This session is designed for infection preventionists, clinical leaders, and public health professionals who seek to better understand Native communities’ needs—not through stereotypes, but through thoughtful comparison, shared learning, and actionable insights.

Lela Luper

Manager, Infection Prevention and Control, the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health

Lela Luper, MBA-HA, CIC, FAPIC, is an experienced infection preventionist with over two decades in the field. She serves on the Healthcare Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC) and leads the Infection Prevention Topic Group for national healthcare facility guidelines. Lela recently held a short appointment to the CDC's Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee and has contributed to numerous APIC committees, including the Annual Conference Committee, Nominating and Awards Committee, and Board of Directors. She played a key role in developing APIC’s Roadmap for the Novice Infection Preventionist and contributed to the AHE textbook on healthcare environmental cleaning. Lela is a faculty member for APIC’s EPI courses and a frequent speaker at both national and regional conferences. She has been certified in infection prevention and control since 2004, earned the Fellow of APIC designation in 2016, and completed her Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration (MBA-HA) in 2025.

Austin Penna

Epidemiologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Austin R. Penna, MPH, CIC, is an Epidemiologist in the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In his role, he provides support to health departments, healthcare facilities, and other federal partners in the investigation of suspected outbreaks involving healthcare-associated infections and infection control breaches across healthcare settings. He also serves as the CDC Liaison for the APIC Annual Conference Committee.