August 31, 2025: 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.
IHS National Cancer Prevention, Screening, and Care Conference
The IHS National Cancer Prevention, Screening, and Care Conference was held August 12–15 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, drawing nearly 100 participants from a cross-section of disciplines. Attendees collaborated, shared best practices, and identified strategies to strengthen cancer prevention, screening, and care. The conference opened with a cancer survivor panel, where panelists shared personal stories of determination, resilience, and hope. Dr. Loretta Christensen, IHS chief medical officer, followed with a presentation titled Screening Begins in the Community. Sessions throughout the conference were interactive and dynamic, covering topics such as HPV vaccination, lung, colorectal and breast cancer screening, diet, and commercial tobacco prevention. The event also fostered stronger connections among individuals, organizations, and programs working toward common goals in cancer prevention and care.
IHS Area Boundary Changes
The IHS has updated the IHS Area borders to promote consistency on agency-developed maps. The updated map now shows three IHS Areas covering IHS, tribal, and urban Indian organization facilities in Texas, which includes the following changes:
- Ysleta Del Sur Health Station – Albuquerque Area IHS;
- Eagle Pass Health Center – Oklahoma City Area IHS;
- Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas – Oklahoma City Area IHS; and
- Alabama-Coushatta Health Center – Nashville Area IHS
Figure 1. Old IHS Area Boundaries
Figure 2. New IHS Area Boundaries
2025 Nursing Leadership Summit
The 2025 Nursing Leadership Summit was held on September 9–11 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Themed "Leading, Guiding and Empowering Nurses," the summit provided the opportunity for IHS, tribal, and urban nursing leaders and future leaders to unite in person to advance safe, high-quality care through evidence-based strategies and innovative leadership. This transformative event offered dynamic keynotes, breakout sessions, and collaborative discussions that enhanced skills, foster resilience, and drive improvements for patients and communities. For questions, contact ihscsc@ihs.gov or call (602) 364-7740.
National Tribal Advisory Committee for Behavioral Health Quarter 3 Meeting
On August 7, the National Tribal Advisory Committee on Behavioral Health held its third quarterly meeting virtually. Acting Deputy Director Darrell LaRoche provided welcome remarks and high-level updates for the agency, including the milestone 70-year IHS anniversary, the proposed realignment, and the budget. With a quorum present, the committee had a robust discussion on behavioral health topics on funding, staffing, and National Indian Health Board legislative and Medicaid updates.
A major highlight of the meeting was the election of a new Tribal Co-Chairperson, April Kyle, from the Alaska Area. This successful vote, along with the productive discussions, marks another step forward in the committee’s important work. The committee acts as an advisory body to the Division of Behavioral Health and to the IHS director with the aim of providing guidance and recommendations on programmatic issues that affect the delivery of behavioral health care for American Indian and Alaska Native people. For more information about the NTAC, please visit their website.
SAMHSA Releases 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit
Earlier this month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released its 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit. The toolkit is a go-to resource hub to copy, download, and share messages, graphics, and promotional materials in ways that fit the needs of multiple audiences and channels. The toolkit includes key messages and weekly themes, social media shareables, hashtags, and more. Connecting individuals and communities to the right support can make all the difference.
Tribal Injury Prevention Cooperative Agreement Program Workshop
The Tribal Injury Prevention Cooperative Agreement Program (TIPCAP) held its annual workshop in Madison, Wisconsin, hosted by the Ho-Chunk Nation Injury Prevention Program. TIPCAP coordinators and partners from 27 tribes, tribal organizations, and urban programs met to share and collaborate during the final year of their five-year cycle. The workshop featured lightning round presentations, guest speakers on child passenger safety and harm reduction, and a vendor session highlighting best practices in injury prevention. IHS thanked Jenn Russell and her team at the University of Colorado Denver, the Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, and the Ho-Chunk Nation for delivering a successful workshop.
TIPCAP coordinators, tribal partners, UCD CAIANH team, and IHS staff
Area Injury Prevention Specialists Meeting
On August 13, IHS Area Injury Prevention staff all met for the annual IHS Injury Prevention Specialists Meeting in Madison, Wisconsin, hosted by the Ho-Chunk Nation. Staff attended from 11 different IHS Areas and the CDC to share program successes and progress of their incredible work in overdose prevention, suicide prevention, elder fall prevention, and motor vehicle safety. They also discussed opportunities for future projects and collaborated on making necessary updates to the Injury Prevention Program mission.
IHS injury prevention specialists and representatives
Division of Behavioral Health Attends Listening Session for Urban Indian Organizations
On August 4, the Division of Behavioral Health participated in a virtual listening session for urban Indian organizations that was facilitated and organized by the National Council of Urban Indian Health. The listening session provided the opportunity for UIOs to engage directly with DBH Director Dr. Glorinda Segay to discuss critical topics, such as heritage connection, traditional healing, recruitment challenges, licensing reciprocity, and counseling compact.
As part of the scope of work for the National Urban Indian Behavioral Health cooperative agreement with DBH, Segay provided a brief presentation with updates and behavioral health priorities. Additionally, she shared an overview of current funding for UIOs and support for youth regional treatment centers and concluded with taking questions. The participation of DBH in this listening session helped support relationship building, future collaboration, and improvements for behavioral health outcomes for urban Indian communities.
PATH EHR Scope and Capabilities Highlighted at August Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer
On August 7, the Health Information Technology Modernization Program hosted a virtual tribal consultation and urban confer session to discuss the scope and capabilities of PATH EHR. The event gathered 178 participants to explore the PATH EHR benefits to the patients and clinicians and reviewed a patient scenario. The scenario guided participants through the patient experience with PATH EHR, covering both the pre-appointment process and the visit itself. Tribal and urban Indian organization participants engaged in a productive question and answer session, fostering valuable dialogue. The program remains committed to building PATH EHR with our partners, not for them. For more information on the August session or how to get engaged with the Health IT Modernization Program, please contact modernization@IHS.gov.
Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention Conducts Site Visit in Arizona
On August 5, Project Officer Cmdr. Lynette Wasson, Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention (DEDP), Office of Public Health Support, led a site visit to the Navajo Epidemiology Center in Window Rock, Arizona. The IHS has partnered to develop and sustain the network of tribal epidemiology centers since their inception in the late 1990s.
The site visit to NEC was an opportunity to provide essential in-person technical assistance and ensured IHS funding and other supports are used to meet intended goals and objectives of the IHS Epidemiology Program Cooperative Agreement. Presentations were provided on areas that included disease surveillance, cloud-computing initiatives, and progress on the Navajo Naton Health Survey. Site visits conducted by DEDP provided a chance to learn more about the programs and strengthened partnerships between awardees and IHS.
Cmdr. Lynette Wasson (front row, far right) and the team from the Navajo Epidemiology Center
Patient Safety Office Hours
The Office of Quality, Division of Quality Assurance and Patient Safety, will host monthly Patient Safety Office Hours beginning on September 17.
Date: Third Wednesday of the month
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
Topics: Total System Safety strategy implementation updates, information on patient safety priority actions at the system level, information and guidance to support facility and Area-level patient safety professionals
This forum is designed for IHS patient safety professionals to learn, network, and share challenges and best practices. Click here to join.
Albuquerque Area Office and CDC Present Infection Prevention Training
On August 26-27, the IHS teamed with the CDC to present “Infection Prevention Excellence: Comprehensive Training for Safe Healthcare Practices.” The program was provided by the Division of Quality Assurance and Patient Safety at the Albuquerque Area Office and was supported by the Health Systems Strengthening, Resilience and Training Branch of the CDC. There were 34 individuals from the Albuquerque Area Office, nine federal service units, and three tribal health organizations in attendance. On August 28, CDC and the IHS Office of Quality assisted the Albuquerque Indian Health Center and Albuquerque Indian Dental Center with an onsite infection control assessment and response (ICAR) reviews.
White Earth Service Unit Hosts Health Care Accreditation Workshop
In August, the White Earth Service Unit in the IHS Bemidji Area hosted an Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) Achieving Accreditation workshop. Participants included 54 federal and tribal attendees who learned best practice recommendations to meet required standards in clinical care, governance and administration, safety, and facilities. The dedication to excellence and high-quality care was noted and well received by all in attendance, including Bemidji Area Director Dr. Chris Poole, and several staff from the IHS Headquarters Office of Quality.
Chinle Service Unit and Navajo Nation Police Host Back the Blue Run/Walk Challenge
The Chinle Service Unit Health Promotion Disease Prevention program partnered with the Chinle District of the Navajo Nation Police Department for the third annual Back the Blue Run/Walk Challenge on August 14. The event honored Navajo Police officers, Navajo EMS, and Navajo Nation Fire and Rescue Services. Families, friends, and neighbors participated to show their support for local law enforcement and first responders. This event symbolizes the strength of our partnerships and our community. It’s truly inspiring to see everyone come together to honor and support those who keep us safe.
Back the Blue Run/Walk Challenge participants
Clinton Service Unit Offers Screenings for Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Head Start Program
The Clinton Service Unit in the IHS Oklahoma City Area has partnered with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Head Start Program for the past 15 years to provide essential medical screenings for enrolled children within the program. This longstanding collaboration ensures that Head Start children receive comprehensive physical exams, dental checkups with fluoride treatments, optometry and audiology screenings, and up-to-date immunizations promoting early childhood health and school readiness. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to the well-being of Native children through accessible, preventive care.
Service Unit Partners with Tribe and VA to Support Medical Determinations for PACT ACT
For the past three years, the Clinton Service Unit has partnered with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Office of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to support medical determinations under the PACT Act. This collaboration has helped Native veterans access critical evaluations and documentation needed for claims, resulting in several individuals receiving higher disability ratings and expanded services. The partnership underscores a continued commitment to honoring and supporting the health needs of Native veterans. CSU staff from business office, registration, benefit coordination, PRC, and nursing were onsite for services and also provided lunch for the veterans.
Phoenix Area Hosts Behavioral Health Conference
The Phoenix Area Integrated Behavioral Health Team hosted the 21st Annual Behavioral Health Conference on August 26–28. This gathering brought together behavioral health service professionals and providers committed to advancing care for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. This year’s conference centered on integrating cultural and clinical approaches. Attendees explored resources, shared knowledge, and strengthened our commitment to addressing the unique behavioral health needs of Native individuals and families.
San Diego American Indian Health Center Launches Two Patient Technologies
The San Diego American Indian Health Center has launched two patient technologies: the Healow App and the DermaSensor. The Healow App gives patients access to appointments, lab results, and secure messages with providers. The DermaSensor is a handheld tool that helps providers assess suspicious skin spots in seconds, aiding early detection without invasive procedures. Learn more here.
Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake Hosts Back to School Fair
Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake (UICSL) held their annual Back to School Fair on August 2 and had a good turnout of participants. UICSL hosted this event for Salt Lake urban Indians and had themed activities and school supplies for the event. Thank you to UICSL for providing this fun filled engagement for our relatives in Salt Lake City.
UICSL Back to School Fair
Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa Provides School Backpacks for Area Youth
Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa’s Youth Support Services Program gave away 300 free backpacks for area youth returning to school. The backpacks include information on support programs and events, as well as health and hygiene supplies to begin the school year, including body wash, deodorant, acne and maxi pads, first aid kids, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and more.
Sycuan Health Center Hosts Wisdom in Motion Elders Just Move It Event
On August 8, the Sycuan Health Center in the IHS California Area hosted a Wisdom in Motion Elders Just Move It event, in honor and celebration of the Kumeyaay elders in San Diego County. Sponsored by the IHS Alzheimer’s Grant Program and attended by tribal elders and youths, the focus of the event was to increase awareness of dementia, brain health, immunizations, preventative screenings, and physical activity to maintain wellness and reduce the risk of dementia.
For the last 10 months, the health center and IHS partnered in the Reshaping the Drivers (ReD) Collaborative, a social drivers of health community engagement collaborative. Together, the team leveraged the Alzheimer’s grant funding opportunity to deepen their ties and build capacity with community stakeholders. This was the first community event of this kind to be organized by Sycuan health program staff. The community appreciates the recognition and support.
Colorado River Indian Tribes Hosts Luau-Themed Elders’ Luncheon
On July 30, the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) hosted a luau-themed elders’ luncheon at the Bluewater Resort & Casino in Parker, Arizona. The event brought together CRIT and other federally recognized tribal members ages 55 years or more for a celebration that included lunch, dessert, and entertainment. Attendees came dressed in Hawaiian attire.
Several departments from the Colorado River Service Unit were at the event to provide information, services, and answer questions. Attendees received education on topics such as blood pressure, medications, hydration, staying active as one gets older, Life’s Simple 8, and proper nutrition. Blood pressure checks were also offered to the attendees.
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