Valarie Blue Bird Jernigan

Professor Dr. Valarie Blue Bird Jernigan, a distinguished Choctaw DrPH, is a leading figure in the field of medicine and public health. She holds a prominent position as a Professor of Medicine and serves as the Director of the Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa. Her work is deeply rooted in addressing diet-related disparities prevalent in Native American communities, with a particular emphasis on food sovereignty strategies. Dr. Jernigan's research is pioneering in its approach to restoring traditional foods and practices among Indigenous populations. By implementing food sovereignty strategies, she aims to empower Native American communities to reclaim their dietary traditions, which are integral to their cultural identity and health. Her studies are meticulously designed, often utilizing randomized trial designs, to evaluate the impact of these strategies on health outcomes. Her commitment to improving the health of Indigenous populations is evident in her extensive body of work. Dr. Jernigan's research not only contributes to the academic understanding of food sovereignty but also has practical implications for policy and community health initiatives. Her efforts are instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern health practices, ensuring that Indigenous communities have the resources and support needed to thrive. At the Global Health University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Dr. Jernigan's expertise in food sovereignty and Indigenous health is highly regarded. Her research interests are centered around the intersection of traditional foods and health outcomes, making her a vital contributor to the field of global health. Through her work, she continues to inspire and lead efforts towards achieving health equity for Indigenous populations.