Transmittal Notice 26-06

BACKGROUND:

The purpose of this Transmittal Notice (TN) is to transmit a copy of the revised Part 3, Chapter 5, “Nutrition”,” Indian Health Manual (IHM). This revised chapter describes the mission, philosophy, policies, procedures, responsibilities, and guidelines for nutrition services and programs in the Indian Health Service (IHS). It states the goal and objectives, standards, scope, operating relationships, staffing criteria, and responsibilities to attain and maintain quality nutrition services for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. Optimal nutrition ensures sufficiency of all nutrients required for normal metabolic processes at all stages of human development and avoids excesses that can modify those metabolic processes and lead to pathologic changes. Many nutrition-related health issues among AI/AN people are associated with a number of factors related to poverty, food insecurity, lack of access to nutritious foods, and historical trauma. Nutrition that is consistent with the needs, resources, and cultural acceptability of AI/AN people is most effective when it is family-oriented and coordinated with other Indian health system programs and services.

MATERIAL TRANSMITTED:

The revised Part 3, Chapter 5, “Nutrition,” IHM.

MATERIAL SUPERSEDED:

Part 3, Chapter 5, “Nutrition,” IHM, dated July 20, 2023.

MANUAL MAINTENANCE:

Remove Part 3, Chapter 5, “Nutrition,” IHM, dated July 20, 2023, in its entirety and insert the attached copy of IHS Part 3, Chapter 5, “Nutrition” IHM, including the chapter Table of Contents, in its place.

Log and file this TN in sequential order.

Distribution:  IHS-Wide
Date:  11/02/2026