August 31, 2026: IHS Updates for Tribes and Tribal and Urban Indian Organizations
The bi-weekly update provides up-to-date information on recent events, meetings, conferences, upcoming deadlines, and recognition of the work being done across the Indian Health Service, other federal agencies, and Indian Country. For more information or questions, please email IHSPublicAffairsStaff@ihs.gov.
HHS Welcomes Mark Cruz as 12th Director of the Indian Health Service
On August 21, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that Mark Cruz, a citizen of the Klamath Tribes, will serve a four-year term as director of the Indian Health Service.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve American Indian and Alaska Native communities as the new director of the Indian Health Service,” Cruz said. “I look forward to working closely with Tribal leaders, urban Indian organizations, our dedicated workforce, and partners across Indian Country to strengthen Tribal consultation, improve access to high-quality, culturally appropriate healthcare, hire health professionals our communities need, and modernize the Indian health system.”
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. congratulated Cruz on his confirmation and said he will build on his work supporting Tribal self-determination and strengthening health care for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Cruz will continue to serve as senior advisor for Native Affairs to the HHS secretary, a position he has held since June 2025. He previously served as deputy assistant secretary for Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior and held positions on Capitol Hill.
Cruz earned a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University and a master’s degree from Brown University. Please join us in welcoming Director Cruz! Read the HHS press release here.
IHS Brings Indian Country Perspective to National Addiction Forum
On August 26, IHS Director of Strategic Initiatives Dr. Kim Hartwig represented the agency at the “Chronic Disease of Addiction National Transformation Forum” at the White House complex in Washington, D.C. The forum brought together national leaders, health care professionals, addiction and recovery experts, policymakers, and community advocates to discuss addiction treatment, recovery and long-term care.
The forum was part of the Great American Recovery Initiative, a national effort focused on recognizing addiction as a chronic, treatable disease and improving access to treatment and recovery support. Kathryn Burgum, White House senior advisor for addiction recovery and co-chair of the initiative, also participated and shared perspectives informed by her own recovery journey.
We are proud that IHS had a voice in this important national conversation. Dr. Hartwig highlighted lessons from Indian Country and our belief that effective approaches to addiction must be community-driven, culturally grounded, and supported by evidence-based treatment. She discussed the importance of integrating addiction treatment into routine health care while recognizing culture, relationships, and community connections as essential components of healing and recovery.
At IHS, we are working to expand evidence-based treatment, team-based care, and trauma-informed approaches while supporting traditional and cultural practices chosen by patients and communities. We also have much to learn from the innovative solutions already developed in Tribal communities. Our responsibility is to listen, strengthen what works, and help bring successful approaches to scale.
IHS Director of Strategic Initiatives, Dr. Kim Hartwig, second from left, at the White House for the Chronic Disease of Addiction National Transformation Forum on August 26
IHS Leadership Engages Tribal Leaders at 2026 National Tribal Health Conference
Earlier this month, Indian Health Service leadership joined Tribal leaders, health professionals, and partners at the National Indian Health Board’s 2026 National Tribal Health Conference in Chandler, Ariz., for important conversations about the future of health care in Indian Country.
On Monday, Mark Cruz, who was confirmed by the Senate and his commission signed by President Donald Trump as the agency’s 12th director, participated in a Meet & Greet, highlighting his priorities and the importance of strong partnerships with Tribal communities. IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen also participated in a Maternal Behavioral Health Tribal Listening Session with federal partners from IHS, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The session provided an opportunity for Tribal leaders to share priorities, recommendations, and questions related to maternal behavioral health.
On Tuesday, Cruz joined the Fireside Chat, “Looking Ahead: A Conversation with IHS Director Mark Cruz,” discussing timely updates, emerging challenges, and his priorities for the agency and the future of Tribal health policy.
IHS Acting Director for the Division of Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) Michelle Begay and Acting Director of the Office of Self-Determination and Self-Governance Rena Macy also led a session on ISDEAA Title I and Title V, including proposal requirements, Title V eligibility, and milestones achieved by Tribally operated programs. More than 65 percent of the IHS budget supports Tribally operated programs.
The week concluded on Thursday with IHS Director of Strategic Initiatives Dr. Kim Hartwig participating in the Foods Plenary Session, “Rooted in Tradition: Restoring Indigenous Food Systems for Health,” highlighting the connection between Indigenous food systems, tradition, and health.
IHS Signs Deed to Advance Transfer of Alaska Native Medical Center Property
On August 24, IHS Director Mark Cruz had the honor of signing a quitclaim deed to facilitate the transfer of the Alaska Native Medical Center property located in Anchorage to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC). The signing marks an important milestone in the partnership between the IHS and ANTHC and advances Tribal stewardship of the property. The transfer will support continued investment in the medical center and its mission to provide high-quality health care to Alaska Native people.
The milestone reflects the shared commitment of IHS and Alaska Native health organizations to promote Tribal self-determination and strengthen health care services for Alaska Native communities.
IHS Director Mark Cruz, center, with Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton and Deputy Director for Management Operations Darrel LaRoche at the signing of the ANTHC agreement
Tribal Delegation Meeting with the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone Tribes
On August 18, IHS Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton and Deputy Director Ben Smith met with leaders from the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone Tribes for a Tribal Delegation Meeting. The discussion focused on outstanding contract support cost claims and issues related to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. IHS appreciates the Tribes’ continued advocacy, collaboration, and partnership in advancing health care for American Indian and Alaska Native people.
IHS Director Mark Cruz Meets with Office of General Counsel Staff
On August 27, IHS Director Mark Cruz and Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton visited the Office of General Counsel (OGC) for a meet and greet with staff. Cruz shared his priorities and vision for IHS and engaged with staff in a discussion about opportunities to support the agency’s mission. The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between IHS leadership and OGC and reinforce their shared commitment to advancing agency priorities.
PATH Team Launches Super User and End User Training at Lawton Service Unit
Recently, the IHS Health Information Technology Modernization Program launched Super User and End User Instructor-Led Training at the Lawton Service Unit, marking an important step toward PATH Electronic Health Record (EHR) go-live.
Super User training began the week of July 6 with in-person training, hands-on practice labs, and competency assessments, preparing participants to serve as local champions and support colleagues as they transition to PATH EHR system.
From July 27–31, the PATH EHR Training team completed its first week of End User Training, delivering 22 classes covering topics from registration and scheduling to ambulatory provider workflows. Participants received role-specific instruction and hands-on experience with the new system.
The PATH training team will continue to provide training and practice labs to end users as they prepare for go-live. For more information, email modernization@ihs.gov.
IHS Collaborates with VA ahead of PATH EHR Launch
In preparation for the upcoming PATH EHR go-live at the Lawton Service Unit on September 26, IHS Office of Information Technology leadership recently visited the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Enterprise Operations Center. The delegation observed the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System deployment in real-time and met with VA Deputy Secretary & Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Paul R. Lawrence, and active command center staff.
Key takeaways for IHS Command Center planning include using a single centralized hub to monitor go-live events and immediately route technical issues for resolution, coordinating between the central command and local staff on the ground, and implementing proven communication frameworks to minimize downtime and elevate user support.
HS Office of Information Technology leaders with Dr. Paul R. Lawrence, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs and COO (second from right)
IHS Hosts National Training on Purchased/Referred Care and Revenue Cycle Operations
The Office of Resource Access and Partnerships (ORAP) hosted the “2026 IHS Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) and Revenue Cycle Operations: Foundations for Success Training” on August 25–27 in San Diego, Calif. The event drew 700 registrants from all 12 IHS Areas, representing federal, Tribal, and urban Indian health programs. The training featured more than 75 sessions covering PRC, revenue cycle operations, patient benefits coordination, billing, fiscal management, case management, and other operational priorities.
Anna Knight, health promotion/disease prevention consultant for the IHS California Area, delivered the closing keynote, highlighting the importance of planning, preparation, learning, communication, persistence, and continuous improvement. Her remarks reinforced the essential role PRC and revenue cycle professionals play in supporting patient care. ORAP thanks the planners, presenters and participants whose contributions made the training a success.
IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen delivers opening remarks during the 2026 IHS Purchased/Referred Care and Revenue Cycle Operations: Foundations for Success Training
IHS Pharmacy Program Builds Workforce Pipeline Through COSTEP
The IHS Pharmacy Program continues to support the Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program, a paid U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps opportunity that provides pharmacy students with hands-on experience in IHS pharmacy practice, clinical intern hours, and exposure to careers with IHS and the USPHS Commissioned Corps.
Over the past decade, IHS Pharmacy has hosted more than 150 COSTEP students. This summer, eight junior COSTEP pharmacy students who had completed their second professional year were placed at IHS facilities in Crow/Northern Cheyenne, Pine Ridge, Albuquerque, Haskell, Fort Thompson, Kayenta, Woodrow Wilson Keeble Memorial Health Care Center, and Phoenix Indian Medical Center. Two senior COSTEP pharmacy students also were accepted, further strengthening the recruitment pipeline for IHS and the USPHS Commissioned Corps.
Applications for 2027 junior and senior COSTEP opportunities are open through September 15. Visit the USPHS student website for more information.
Junior COSTEP pharmacy student Yaw Manu at the Fort Thompson IHS Health Center in Fort Thompson, S.D.
IHS Public Health Nursing Meet to Support Urban Services
On August 18, IHS public health nurses met with the American Indian Health Services of Chicago for an annual program meeting supporting the IHS Public Health Nursing STI Case Management Cooperative Agreement. The cooperative agreement supports efforts to reduce sexually transmitted infections through public health nursing case management.
Public Health Nurse Consultant Tina Tah and Grant Coordinator Theresa Tsosie-Robledo provided technical guidance to newly hired staff to strengthen program oversight and management. The meeting also focused on leveraging partnerships and expanding urban Indian organization resources to improve access to comprehensive public health services for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen sustainable public health nursing services in the urban community and advance efforts to reduce the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in Native communities.
IHS Strengthens Forensic Health Care Capacity in Great Plains Area
IHS recently strengthened forensic health care services in the Great Plains Area through regional training and site visits focused on expanding access to trauma-informed care. The IHS Forensic Nursing Consultation Program, in partnership with the Texas A&M University Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing, hosted its first in-person regional forensic examiner training in the area. The 40-hour course covered evidence collection, injury identification, trauma-informed care and medical forensic examinations.
IHS Forensic Nurse Consultant Nicole Stahlmann and Acting Great Plains Area Chief Nurse Consultant Callie Raymond also visited the Quentin N. Burdick Memorial Health Care Facility and Fort Yates Hospital in North Dakota. They met with forensic health care teams to discuss program progress, barriers to care, resources and ongoing needs.
Together, the training and site visits support efforts to expand forensic health care capacity and improve services for patients who have experienced violence.
Division of Program Statistics Hosts Statistical Officer In-Service Training
The Division of Program Statistics (DPS) hosted a Statistical Officer In-Service Training on August 25–26 at IHS Headquarters in Rockville, Md. The training brought together staff from DPS and Area Statistical Offices to review administrative processes, reporting systems, financial methodologies, and program updates. Participants also discussed a proposed policy matter affecting organizational operations.
OCPS to Host National Combined Councils: September 9-10
The IHS Office of Clinical and Preventive Services will host the 2026 National Combined Councils meeting on September 9–10. Members of the National Combined Councils and IHS, Tribal, and urban personnel are invited to participate to engage in thought-provoking, innovative, cross-council discussions about health issues across Indian Country. For questions, contact HQOCPSNCCPlanning@ihs.gov or call (240) 504-1085.
Register here:
- September 9 — IHS National Combined Councils Meeting - Day One
- September 10 — IHS National Combined Councils Meeting - Day Two
Lock the Bottle Pilot Program Promotes Prevention
Keeping medications safely stored can help prevent accidental poisonings and protect families and communities. The IHS Lock the Bottle Pilot Program is helping expand access to secure storage for prescription medications and other high-risk items. It's one more way IHS is supporting prevention and helping make medication safety easier at home. Learn more on the IHS opioids webpage.
IHS Announces Callout for Hall of Tribal Nations Flags
Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes are invited to contribute a Tribal flag for display in the IHS Hall of Tribal Nations at IHS headquarters in Rockville, Md. This display recognizes Tribal nations, honors the government-to-government relationship, and contributes to ongoing efforts to indigenize federal spaces by ensuring Tribal nations are visibly represented and celebrated. Please mail your Tribal flags (approximately 3 feet by 5 feet) to the following address:
Indian Health Service
Office of Tribal and Urban Affairs
IHS Hall of Tribal Nations
5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 06E21C
Rockville, MD 20857
Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Webinar Series
The Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Tele-Education Program is hosting the following webinar for health care providers:
- Telehealth Webinar Series: "Intimate Partner Violence and Pregnancy” on September 8 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
- Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Webinar Series: "Autism and Puberty: How to Support Adolescents on the Spectrum” on September 10 at 2:00 p.m. ET | Register here
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