Michael E. Bird MSW, MPH ’83 has over 25 years of public health experience in the areas of medical social work, health care administration, and public health policy. Bird is the first American Indian and social worker to serve as president (2000-2001) of the American Public Health Association (APHA). He has been involved in numerous projects and programs on a local, tribal, national, and international level. Following APHA, he served as executive director of the National Native American AIDS Prevention Center in Oakland. Bird is the first American Indian to serve on the National Policy Council for AARP, and currently is a national consultant to the organization on their Native American initiative.

Secrets for success

Recognition and appreciation of the values inherent in Indigenous communities, and their relevance for public health.