2025 IHS National Clinical & Community Workforce Summit

It was an honor to welcome attendees to the 2025 IHS National Clinical & Community Workforce Summit in Seattle, Washington. After several years apart, this in-person event brought together tribal partners, health care providers, and public health leaders from across Indian Country for a powerful opportunity to reconnect, share promising practices, and plan for the future.

As I opened the Summit, I emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration as the foundation of everything we do at the Indian Health Service. Advancing safety, delivering high-quality patient care, and strengthening our workforce requires us to listen, learn, and lead together, with a shared commitment to improving health outcomes in the communities we serve.

Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to join several powerful sessions and experiences. One that stood out was the Virtual Dementia Tour, which offered a hands-on perspective into the daily challenges faced by those living with dementia. I also had the chance to speak with Alzheimer’s grantees during their poster session, where they shared innovative approaches to early detection and caregiving.

Virtual Dementia Tour

I sat in on sessions led by the HIV/HCV/STI Branch, which offered important updates on point-of-care testing, staging, and treatment for HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis. Some sessions included naloxone training and critical discussions on harm reduction and opioid overdose prevention—efforts that continue to save lives in our communities.

The Summit featured a strong focus on elder health, mental health, disease prevention, and wellness strategies grounded in community strengths. Presentations from Community Health Representatives and Health Educators showcased successful models for care coordination and local health promotion.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Summit’s success. Your dedication and collaboration are what continue to shape the future of health care in Indian Country.