Indian Health Service The Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives

Live White House Discussion: Suicide Prevention

IHS Principal Deputy Director Mary Smith is participating in an hour-long discussion panel at the White House as part of the Making Health Care Better Series on Mental Health. Joining her will be leaders involved in suicide prevention efforts nationally and in communities across the country.

Hear about IHS' bold effort to change the way suicide prevention and behavioral health care is delivered in the Indian health system and how we reach beyond clinical care to engage the community.

Watch at whitehouse.gov/live at 1:10 p.m. (EDT) today!

Quality Health Care at IHS

Our patients are our first priority. The IHS Quality Framework aims to develop, implement and sustain an effective quality program that improves patient experience and outcomes; strengthens organizational capacity and ensures the delivery of reliable, high quality health care for IHS direct service facilities.

• Letter to Tribal Leaders [PDF - 670 KB]: Introducing our Quality Framework

New Diabetes Prevention and Healthy Heart Toolkits Available

The IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention announces the release of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians Diabetes Prevention and Healthy Heart Toolkits. The online toolkits will help Native communities implement local programs to prevent diabetes and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

• Diabetes Prevention Program Toolkit
• Healthy Heart Toolkit
• Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention

Fostering Healthier Generations

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Childhood obesity is a major public health issue and an indicator of future risk for developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes. Providing access to nutritious foods and helping them make healthy choices gives children the chance to have healthier futures.
Promote physical activity and healthful eating to maintain healthy weights and work towards preventing childhood obesity in your community.

• Find resources, such as youth posters, from the IHS Division of Diabetes.
• Learn more about activities and opportunities from the Let's Move! in Indian Country website .

IHS is a leader in Telehealth

Telehealth uses electronic communication to provide health care, with patient appointments provided remotely. A nurse or assistant in the room with the patient often supplements telehealth consultations with specialists. IHS finds telehealth is one of the best ways to get health care services where they are needed most.

• Telebehavioral Health
• IHS Network Teleophthalmology Program
• Indian Health Service awards $6.8 million telemedicine services contract to Avera Health