IHS Blog

National Handwashing Awareness Week: "Life is Better with Clean Hands"

December 9, 2025
by Mitchell Thornbrugh, Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service

Hand hygiene is a simple and fast intervention to protect our health--and we still miss it too often. This week, we recommit to the fundamentals that keep our patients, our colleagues, and our families safe. Washing your hands is easy, and it's one ... Continue reading

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November Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer Recap: Pilot Site Implementation Pathway

December 5, 2025
by Jeanette Kompkoff, Director, Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations, Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service Health Information Technology Modernization Program continues to prioritize engagement and alignment with tribes and urban Indian organizations through tribal consultation and urban confer sessions. The third session of 2025 was held on November 6, with participants from ... Continue reading

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IHS Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction Recognizes Engineers of the Year

December 3, 2025
by Rear Adm. Mark Calkins, P.E., Director, Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction

Providing safe and reliable water, wastewater, and solid waste infrastructure remains essential to the Indian Health Service mission to ... Continue reading

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Recent Pilot Site Activities to Support PATH EHR Implementation

November 24, 2025
by Jeanette Kompkoff, Director of Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations, Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service Health Information Technology Modernization Program continues to focus on strong partnerships and regular communication with the Lawton Service Unit, which includes Lawton Indian Hospital, Anadarko Indian Health Center, and Carnegie Indian Health Center.

Located ... Continue reading

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Honoring Our Caregivers: Recognizing Family Caregivers Month Across Indian Country

November 13, 2025
by Rose Weahkee, Ph.D., Acting Deputy Director for Management Operations, Indian Health Service

Each November, we observe National Family Caregivers Month — a time to honor and uplift the many family members, friends, and community members who care for loved ones across Indian Country. This year’s theme, “Plug-in to Care,” reminds us to connect caregivers with the support they need. Nationally, ... Continue reading