March 2, 2026: IHS Updates for Tribes and Tribal and Urban Indian Organizations

The bi-weekly updateprovides 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.

Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee, NIHB Convene in Washington, D.C.

On February 24, IHS Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton provided opening remarks for the Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee (TSGAC) meeting in Washington, DC. Mr. Fulton was joined at the meeting by Senior Advisor to Secretary Kennedy Mark Cruz and IHS Director of Strategic Initiatives Dr. Kimberly Hartwig. The TSGAC plays a critical role in advising the IHS director on issues affecting all Title V Self-Governance tribes and in strengthening tribal administration of federal health programs. Through consensus-based policy guidance, problem solving, and open dialogue, the committee provides an essential forum for advancing the tribal-federal partnership. More importantly, the work of the TSGAC helps ensure that self-governance remains responsive, practical, and grounded in tribal priorities.

He also met with the National Indian Health Board’s Board of Directors. In his remarks to both groups, Fulton recognized the success of the recent IHS 70th Anniversary Tribal Summit where Secretary Kennedy spoke to Native leaders, IHS staff, and others in attendance both in-person and virtually. He also provided updates on IHS workforce and hiring initiatives, career pathways and pipeline development, and the agency’s longstanding partnership with the Veteran’s Administration.

Navajo Area Successfully Translates USDA Dietary Guidelines into Diné Language

With the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, the Navajo Area has successfully translated them into the Diné language, marking a significant step toward promoting health and wellness in Navajo communities while preserving cultural and linguistic heritage. This achievement was made possible through a collaborative effort by a team of language experts, health professionals, and community advocates from the Shiprock Service Unit. The translation process required not only linguistic precision, but also cultural sensitivity to ensure that the guidelines were meaningful and accessible to Diné-speaking individuals.

The core translation work was led by Martha Austin-Garrison, retired chairperson of the Center for Diné Studies at Diné College, and Ida Bradley, retired nurse case manager from NNMC. Their expertise ensured every phrase was accurately interpreted in a way that resonates with Navajo traditions and values. The design and layout were executed by Shondiin Cardenas, NNMC Health Promotion graphic artist, creating a visually engaging resource for community use. Additional contributions came from Navajo language educators, health coordinators, and community health representatives. They provided feedback and cultural insights, ensuring clarity and consistency throughout the document.

“This project demonstrates the power of collaboration and the importance of integrating language and culture into public health initiatives,” said Navajo Area Director DuWayne R. Begay, Ph.D. “By making these guidelines available in Diné, we are not only promoting healthier lifestyles but also honoring and preserving our language.”

IHS Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton added: "I am incredibly impressed by the dedication and teamwork that went into this translation. The ability to deliver such a culturally significant resource on a tight timeline speaks volumes about the commitment of the Navajo Area team. This work will have a lasting impact on health equity and language preservation."

National Council of Chief Medical Officers Hosts Annual Meeting in Phoenix

The IHS National Council of Chief Medical Officers (NCCMO) held its 2026 annual meeting at the Phoenix Area Office on February 25–26. The NCCMO is a permanent advisory body of the IHS established by the agency director to ensure all Indian health care programs are operated effectively.The role of the NCCMO is to develop management and clinical recommendations on IHS policies and strategic plans, particularly as they relate to agency and tribal health programs, clinical standards, and quality of care improvement.

Division of Nursing Services Conducts Program Review at Chinle Facility

From February 18–20, members of the IHS Division of Nursing Services (DNS) conducted a nursing program review at the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility. The purpose of the review was to assess overall nursing program operations and support ongoing quality improvement efforts. The team worked to strengthen communication and collaboration between nursing at the facility level and IHS headquarters DNS, while identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency through available resources. The review also provided valuable insight from nursing staff across the agency to promote standardization of processes and advance nursing practice throughout IHS.

DNS leaders Dr. Johanna Bahe and Dr. Shavonna White with members of the Chinle Service Unit Nursing staff

IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program Support Team Visits Laguna Healthcare Corporation

On February 10, the IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4) support team conducted its second site visit to Laguna Community Health Center (LCHC) since the program’s launch in July 2023. The visit focused on reviewing implementation progress and identifying opportunities for continued technical assistance. LCHC highlighted strong partnerships with local Indigenous farmers and community organizations that have expanded program reach and access to healthy, traditional foods. Participants and farmers shared positive feedback, underscoring the P4 program’s impact and community value.

IHS Elder Health Team Site Visits

In February, the IHS Elder Health Team conducted two site visits as part of the Alzheimer’s Grant Program. The first was to the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, which included a facility tour and in-depth discussions with clinic leadership and grant staff, offering valuable insight into how dementia care is being integrated across clinical and community settings. Conversations highlighted early identification, interdisciplinary care, provider training, and caregiver support, all grounded in culturally responsive practice. During the afternoon working session, partners exchanged ideas, identified areas where additional support from IHS could be helpful, and discussed approaches for maintaining and expanding the work long term. Overall, the visit strengthened partnerships and reinforced the importance of collaboration in advancing dementia care for tribal and urban Native communities.

The second visit was to First Nations Community Healthsource in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This included tours of the clinic, community-based services, and the University of New Mexico Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, providing valuable insight into how culturally informed dementia care is integrated across clinical, traditional wellness, and community partnerships. Discussions with leadership and staff focused on early identification, interdisciplinary assessment, referral pathways, and caregiver support, including strategies to reach unhoused populations. An afternoon planning session focused on implementation progress, technical assistance opportunities, and long-term sustainability. Overall, the visit strengthened partnerships and highlighted innovative, community-driven approaches to dementia care in urban Indian health settings.

IHS Public Health Council Conducts Site Visits

In partnership with Johns Hopkins, the IHS National Public Health Council conducted site visits to the Whiteriver Service Unit on February 3, the Blackfeet Service Unit on February 11, and the Pine Ridge Service Unit on February 18. The purpose of these visits was to conduct process mapping of key clinical workflows and actively engage health care professionals in developing culturally appropriate prevention strategies and curricula. This work reflects a collaborative approach that leverages public and private partnerships to strengthen population health and expand the delivery of culturally grounded, high-quality care. The visits also support data-driven and evidence-based decision-making by identifying successful, facility-specific prevention strategies and extracting best practices for dissemination across the agency.

The interactive, in-person engagements included clinic walk-throughs, cross-departmental collaboration with clinicians and support staff, and structured group sessions designed to integrate systems knowledge into prevention-focused curriculum development. Collectively, these efforts aim to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and increase the provision of preventive services across IHS facilities.

Medical Services Professionals Attend MD-Staff Educational Conference

In February, more than 20 medical services professionals from across the IHS system attended the 2026 MD-Staff Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. The conference provided opportunities to collaborate with peers across federal, tribal, and private health care systems, exchange best practices, and explore innovative solutions to common challenges. Educational sessions addressed evolving regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and strategies to strengthen credentialing accuracy, streamline privileging workflows, enhance data integrity, reduce organizational risk, and more. Through continued investment in professional development and alignment with industry standards, IHS medical services professionals are strengthening credentialing and privileging practices systemwide to support the delivery of safe, high-quality care to the communities we serve.

GIS Experts attend Esri FEDGIS Conference

On February 10–11, geographic information system (GIS) technical experts from across the IHS represented the agency at the 2026 Esri FedGIS Conference in Washington, D.C., one of the most significant annual gatherings of government geospatial leaders and practitioners. As a premier forum for advancing government use of the world’s leading GIS technology, the conference plays a critical role in shaping the future of geospatial strategy, innovation, and mission delivery across government agencies.

This year’s event highlighted transformative topics and focus areas that directly align with IHS operational priorities and long-term strategic planning efforts. GIS technology underpins the development and maintenance of critical interactive mapping solutions, including the nationwide SFCs facilities project, urban Indian organization facilities map, and the IHS and VA interagency facilities map. These tools enhance transparency, coordination, infrastructure planning, and service delivery across Indian Country.

In addition to participating in high-level technical sessions and strategy discussions, the IHS team had the opportunity to meet with Jack Dangermond, Esri co-founder and president—underscoring the significance of engagement demonstrated by the IHS at the forefront of federal geospatial innovation.

Members of the GIS team with Jack Dangermond (third from right)

Office of Management Services Leadership Conducts In-Person Meeting

The IHS Office of Management Services leadership came together recently for an in-person meeting to tackle one of the most important moments in our organization’s transition—realigning the agency’s structure, workforce, and oversight to meet the mission of the IHS more effectively. OMS directors and division directors reaffirmed the importance of keeping OMS integrated across acquisitions, property, emergency services, administrative management, and policy to protect accountability, strengthen compliance, and support mission continuity. During the meeting, clear priorities emerged: stabilize the workforce, accelerate critical hiring decisions, sharpen escalation paths, and implement meaningful performance metrics to guide the path forward.

Social Security Administration Offers Resources for National Slam the Scam Day

National Slam the Scam Day is March 5. The Social Security Administration invites IHS facilities to partner with them in their 2026 outreach efforts. The 2026 Slam the Scam social media toolkit and outreach resources are now available, which include ready-to-use social media content and shareable materials designed to help people recognize and avoid government imposter scams.

Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention Webinar Series

The IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention: Advancements in Diabetes Webinar Series is hosting the following webinar for healthcare providers:

• “Food is Medicine: Interventions to Improve Food & Nutrition Security and Clinical Outcomes for Patients with Diabetes” on March 4 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Click here to attend.

Division of Behavioral Health Schedules Connected and Strong Series

The Division of Behavioral Health is continuing the Connected and Strong series with two upcoming sessions: March11,and April 15, both at 3:00 p.m. ET.All IHS employees are invited to join this anonymous and safe space for connection, learning, and building resilience in the workplace. Join any of the Connected and Strong events here.

Office of Quality Offers Training for NEW I-STAR Software Platform

The IHS Safety Tracking & Response (I-STAR) system is a web-based event reporting application and serves as the single portal for reporting good catches (near misses), as well as patient/visitor, medication, and occupational safety events. It also provides enhanced analytics and reporting capabilities that support a “Just Culture” approach by encouraging reporting, learning from events, and strengthening safe systems across IHS. As part of the upcoming software upgrade, the I-STAR user interface will change inMarch. The go-live for the new interface is set for March 23.

In March, the Office of Quality is offering training for all IHS staff and will cover updates relevant to both non-login users (frontline staff) and login users (quality professionals, safety, security, and leadership). All sessions will cover the same content—participants only need to attend one session.

• March 2 from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. CST| Training link
• March 4 from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. CST | Training link
• March 5 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. CST | Training Link
• March 10 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. CST | Training Link
• March 11 from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. CST | Training Link
• March 12 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. CST | Training Link

Thank you to all staff for your ongoing commitment to patient safety. Your reporting, vigilance, and engagement help improve care and reduce risk for patients and staff across IHS.

Indian Health Service Schedules Clinical and Community Workforce Summit

Join IHS clinical and community professionals for the Clinical and Community Workforce Summit from March 10–12 in Denver, Colorado. Hosted by the IHS Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Program, this is a focused summit on Alzheimer’s and elder care, centered on knowledge, compassion, and community at work. The event will bring together health care providers, program leaders, and community partners to share best practices, strengthen workforce capacity, and support culturally grounded approaches to elder care across tribal and urban Indian communities. For more information, visit the 2026 IHS Summit Registration website.

Patient Safety Program and VHA Offer Training Opportunities for IHS Staff

The IHS Patient Safety Program partners with the Veterans Health Administration National Center for Patient Safety to enhance training opportunities for agency staff. Through this collaboration, IHS personnel have access to a range of VHA-administered training modules designed to strengthen patient safety practices across the system. These training courses are an excellent opportunity for professional development and to promote a culture of safety across IHS. For more information and to register, click here. Upcoming virtual training opportunities include:

• “Root Cause Analysis” on April 8 | 6.5 hours ? Register by April 1
• “Proactive Risk Assessment” on April 22 | 6.5 hours | Register by April 15
• “Foundations for Patient Safety Officers” September 1-24 | 32 hours ? Register by August 25

Bemidji Area Leadership Visits UIO’s New Facility in Detroit

Bemidji Area leadership toured the new American Indian Health & Family Service (AIHFS) building in Detroit, Michigan, which is nearing completion. AIHFS is a nonprofit health and community wellness center whose mission is to empower and enhance the physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being of underserved populations in southeast Michigan. After surviving arson in 1993, they provided services in a 100-year-old church. The center’s approach integrates traditional Native American healing and spiritual practices with contemporary Western medicine in both treatment and prevention through an integrated care model.

Blackfeet Service Unit Employee Retires Following 28 Years of IHS Service

The IHS Billings Area extends its best wishes to Blackfeet Service Unit employee Wanda Lahr on her retirement after 28 years of service with the IHS. She is retiring as a medical staff program assistant and has worked in various administrative positions throughout her career at the service unit in Browning, Montana. Thank you, Wanda, for your commitment, professionalism, and contributions to the mission of IHS and best wishes for a well-deserved retirement.

Wanda Lahr, center, with Blackfeet Service Unit Clinical Director Dr. Ernest Gray and Chief Executive Officer Lisa Racine-Wells

Art Promotes Culture, Community, and Connection at California Youth Treatment Center

New murals at the Desert Sage Youth Regional Treatment Center highlight the importance of culture, community, and connection to the land.Located in the facility’s Cultural Room, the murals beautifully reflect the surrounding Southern California landscape and the traditional lands of the Cahuilla people where the facility resides. The artwork depicts rolling hills, native plants, birds, and wildlife indigenous to the region, grounding youth in a sense of place and connection to the natural environment. The youth blanket ceremony imagery symbolizes protection, identity, and cultural strength. Together, the murals create a healing space that celebrates heritage, resilience, and the enduring relationship between the land, culture, and the youth served at Desert Sage YRTC.

New Pueblo Pintado Health Center will Expand Care to Eastern Side of Navajo Nation

On February 6, the Crownpoint Service Unit celebrated the official start of the Pueblo Pintado Health Center. This groundbreaking ceremony was more than the turning of soil—it is the turning of a vision into reality. Alongside valued partners that include the Pueblo Pintado Chapter Steering Committee and community members, the service unit worked tirelessly to bring this project from concept to construction. The state-of-the-art health care facility will expand access to ambulatory care on the Eastern side of the Navajo Nation. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed their time, expertise, and passion to make this day possible.

Phoenix Indian Medical Center Hosts Laboratory Leadership and Mentorship Conference

On February 20, the Phoenix Indian Medical Center welcomed clinical laboratory scientists from across the country as part of the annual IHS Laboratory Leadership and Mentorship Conference. Participants toured the PIMC laboratory, where staff described specimen processing, instrumentation, and workflows used to support high-volume patient testing. During the visit, PIMC laboratory staff and attendees discussedhighqualitybestpractices, staffing, and mentorship approaches that help sustain laboratory services across IHS facilities. The tour provided an opportunity to share lessons learned and highlight the role of the laboratory team in delivering timely, accurate testing for patients served by PIMC.

Improved Drinking Water Project for Confederated Tribes of Colville Reservation

The Portland Area Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction recently performed the final inspection on a project that provided improved drinking water facilities for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. IHS Project PO-22-N33 provided a new community well, a pumphouse building, and a new control system for the Twin Lakes Community Water System, serving 16 homes in the remote community in northeast Washington state. These new facilities will provide reliable and safe drinking water for the community.

IHS Construction Inspector Jay Brown and Project Engineer LT Jullyanne De Pasion at the new pumphouse building for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic Prioritizes Employee Wellness as Workplace Benefit

Employee wellness at the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic is a priority, and initiatives like the 8-week Virtual Step Challenge reflect the clinic’s commitment to supporting staff health as a meaningful workplace benefit. By encouraging daily movement, promoting better hydration and nutrition habits, and fostering a supportive, team-based environment, OKCIC is investing in the physical and mental well-being of its employees. When staff are supported to remain active and healthy, it strengthens morale, reduces stress, and enhances the overall care provided to the community.

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