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July 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 Recognizes 70-Year Anniversary

To kick off the month, the IHS recognized its 70-year anniversary! Back on July 1, 1955, approximately 2,500 health program personnel of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, along with 48 hospitals, 18 health centers, 62 stations, 13 school infirmaries, and other locations, came under the jurisdiction of the newly created Indian Health Service. Since then, around 15,000 current IHS employees—and those who came before us—continue their dedication towards lifting up the health and wellness needs of our relatives, which we address in collaboration with tribal nations, organizations, and patients alike. Our vision is a health system that embraces traditional knowledge and practices to foster thriving communities for seven generations. Thank you to each and every one of you for the work that you do to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level.

Acting Director Benjamin Smith also had the opportunity to join Native America Calling on Tuesday, a live call-in program focusing on issues specific to Native communities, to talk about the anniversary, how the agency has evolved over the years, and where IHS is headed in the future. He was joined by Phoenix Area Deputy Director and former-IHS Director Rear Adm. Michael Weahkee, former-Principal Deputy Director Mary Smith, and other guests on the show, which you can listen to on their website here.

Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer on Proposed Realignment

The IHS recently initiated tribal consultation and urban confer to request comments and recommendations regarding the proposed realignment of the agency. As the IHS enters its 70^th year, this strategic realignment is more than an administrative shift; it is a pivotal opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to delivering high-quality, culturally competent health care to meet the unique needs of our patients and improve health outcomes for Native communities.

We are committed to receiving feedback from tribal and urban Indian organization leaders through four in-person tribal consultations and one virtual urban confer. The first two sessions were held in Seattle and Phoenix, with upcoming sessions in Minneapolis and Washington, D.C., followed by a virtual urban confer. We encourage tribal and urban leaders to register in advance to attend these sessions and provide important feedback that is crucial to our path forward. More details are available in the Dear Tribal Leader Letter.

Tribal consultation session in Seattle

Tribal consultation session in Phoenix

Alaska Site Visits

This past week, Acting Director Smith had the privilege of touring several facilities throughout Alaska, along with leadership from headquarters, the Office of Environmental Health and Engineering, and the Alaska Area. The trip started with the grand opening of new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services at the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital, a state-of-the-art medical center located in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. MRI imaging services mean faster diagnoses, more accurate treatment plans, and reduced burdens for patients and families who previously had to travel long distances—often through challenging conditions—for care. With this addition, the MRI in Utqiaġvik is now the northern most MRI in the U.S. and, subsequently, the world.

The visit continued with a meet and greet with staff members at the Alaska Area office in Anchorage, where Smith recognized Area Director Evangelyn Castagna and her dedicated team for their ongoing efforts to support the IHS mission. Afterwards, they traveled to Chugachmiut Regional Health Center in Seward. This is the hub of Chugachmiut’s health care system, dedicated to quality primary care with a focus on preventative patient education and screening. The clinic provides acute and chronic illness care, emergency care, illness prevention education, routine screening exams, well childcare and immunizations, prenatal care, and behavioral health. Chugachmiut was selected to participate in the IHS Joint Venture Construction Program 2020 cycle to construct a new small ambulatory health clinic. Construction began in 2023, was completed this March, and has begun serving patients.

The next stop was the Kanakanak Hospital, a Joint Commission accredited critical access facility in Dillingham managed by the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation (BBAHC). BBAHC, a tribal organization, provides health services to 28 communities and operates out of 21 clinics in the Bristol Bay region. The focus of the visit was on current and future infrastructure needs and the unique challenges of operating a facility on the edge of a coastal area with unpredictable, and often harsh weather. Among other things, our delegation was able to see firsthand how the BBAHC addresses aggressive soil erosion.

The final stop on the tour was the SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center, the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium’s 25-bed critical access hospital in Sitka. The team visited the construction site of the new Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center, a state-of-the-art, five-story, 234,528-square-foot structure that reaffirms SEARHC’s commitment to significantly improving access to quality health care and the patient experience for all residents of Southeast Alaska. In 2020, SEARHC was selected for the IHS Joint Venture Construction Program to replace the original hospital. The building will be completed in two phases, with anticipated opening dates of September 2025 and January 2026. We were also honored to see and take part in the Naa Kahidi Dance Show, a Tlingit storytelling and traditional dance.

Two Additional Tribes Join the IHS Self-Governance Program

We are happy to announce that effective July 1, two tribes have joined the IHS Tribal Self-Governance Program: the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe of Virginia. With these new additions, the TSGP has now reached 397 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes that have entered into a tribal self-governance compact and funding agreement under the authority of Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The Tribal Self-Governance Program is more than just an IHS program, it is an expression of the nation-to-nation relationship between the United States and each Indian tribe. We thank all the staff at the headquarters, area, and service unit levels that worked together to support these tribes in exercising their right to self-determination.

IHS Awards Second Round of Tribal Management Grants to Support Tribal Self-Determination

The IHS has awarded more than $1.4 million in the second round of fiscal year 2025 tribal management grants to 13 tribes and tribal organizations as part of a competitive program to develop and improve tribal capacity to manage health programs under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The IHS recognizes that tribal leaders and members have always been in the best position to understand the unique health care needs of their communities. The Tribal Management Grant Program is designed to prepare tribes and tribal organizations for assuming all or part of existing IHS programs, functions, services, and activities, and to further develop and improve their health management capabilities. Click here to see the list of tribes and tribal organizations who received funding for the second round of fiscal year 2025.

Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee Meeting

It was an honor to join the Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee meeting and to reaffirm our shared purpose: to advance the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The two-day gathering was more than a meeting—it represented our collective commitment to action, accountability, and meaningful partnership with tribal nations. Updates were provided on implementation of the Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe U.S. Supreme Court decision, revisions to the Intergovernmental Personnel Act agreements and their implications, opportunities to streamline IHS Tribal Advisory Committees, status of the Office of Tribal Self-Governance Director position, and a federal budget update. To the members of the TSGAC, you are instrumental in guiding the national conversation on self-governance and ensuring tribal priorities are front and center. Your continued advocacy and expertise are invaluable and remind us that this work must always be rooted in tribal priorities and community needs.

Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act Negotiator’s Title V Training

During agency training with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act negotiators and team members in Washington, D.C., Acting Director Smith was pleased to be joined by Senior Advisor to the HHS Secretary Mark Cruz and IHS Deputy Director for Intergovernmental and External Affairs Stacey Ecoffey to introduce Cruz and the work within the Secretary’s office at HHS. This important group was receiving training from in-house experts and colleagues from the Office of General Counsel on implementing ISDEAA Title V policies, procedures, and best practices. These internal ISDEAA trainings are key for ISDEAA negotiators to strengthen the agency’s support of tribal nations in exercising direct control over health care funding, programming, and decision-making.

IHS Hall of Tribal Nations: Flags Needed

On March 6, IHS invited tribal leaders to contribute to the IHS Hall of Tribal Nations by sending their tribal flags for display at IHS Headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. This tribute honors the sovereign status of federally recognized tribes and serves as a powerful, visual reminder of the unique government-to-government relationship that exists between tribes and the federal government. We invite tribal leaders to send flags (approximately 3 feet by 5 feet) to the address below, or to bring them to in-person to meetings, such as tribal delegation meetings, advisory committee sessions, or tribal consultations.

Indian Health Service
Office of Tribal and Urban Affairs
IHS Hall of Tribal Nations
5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 08E17
Rockville, MD 20857

Please visit the IHS Calendar for upcoming opportunities to participate in person.

Celebrating USPHS Commissioned Corps Anniversary

IHS proudly joined the Assistant Secretary for Health and the Surgeon General in celebrating the anniversary of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps—a moment to honor the legacy, dedication, and impact of one of our nation’s most vital uniformed services. The IHS has a deep and enduring connection to the Commissioned Corps, with the largest contingent of officers serving in any federal agency. Our history as a Public Health Service agency is a source of pride, and we are deeply grateful to the Commissioned Officers who choose to serve within IHS. Their work strengthens the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native communities every single day. On this special day, let us reflect on the remarkable legacy of the Commissioned Corps and renew our shared commitment to a healthier, safer nation. Thank you for your unwavering service and dedication.

Secretary Kennedy Visit to Oklahoma City Indian Clinic

On June 26, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., along with Senior Advisor Mark Cruz, visited the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic to learn more about their work as an urban Indian organization within the Indian health system. Secretary Kennedy spent time in the clinic’s food resource center, discussing the links between nutrition, chronic disease prevention, and the persistent food insecurity faced by many Native families living in cities. Secretary Kennedy was joined on his visit by tribal leaders and Oklahoma City Area Director Rear Adm. Travis Watts. OKCIC Chief Executive Officer Robyn Sunday Allen walked the Secretary through the clinic’s integrated care model—combining primary care, behavioral health, pharmacy, and culturally grounded wellness programs under one roof. Kennedy praised OKCIC’s community-centered approach as a practical roadmap for addressing social drivers of health and pledged continued collaboration with UIOs to ensure that Native people in urban settings receive equitable, high-quality care. This was his second visit to a UIO since his confirmation in February, with the first visit to Native Health in Arizona in April.

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Oklahoma City Indian Clinic recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new location of the behavioral health department. This location in north Oklahoma City will give behavioral health more room to grow, providing much-needed space for expanded behavioral health services. These services include individual and group therapy, psychiatric management, recovery and advocacy support, and substance abuse treatment. This location will also be the new home of the in-house mail order pharmacy, making OKCIC the first urban American Indian organization in the United States to offer this service. The pharmacy team has worked diligently to bring this service to OKCIC patients, making it easier for those with transportation issues to receive their medications in a timely manner.

Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa Facility Expansion Opening

The Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa officially opened its 62,000-square-foot facility expansion to the public, showcasing new dental, optometry, fitness, and physical, speech, and occupational therapy service areas, in addition to a five-lane pharmacy drive-through. The ribbon cutting ceremony had hundreds in attendance, with participants including Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols, Oklahoma City Area Director Rear Adm. Travis Watts, Muscogee Nation Second Chief Del Beaver, and the Muscogee Nation Women’s Honor Guard.

TIPCAP Funding Opportunity Released: Injury Prevention

The IHS Injury Prevention Program is excited to announce the release of the Tribal Injury Prevention Cooperative Agreement Program (TIPCAP) Notice of Funding Opportunity. TIPCAP builds capacity to address injuries and violence for American Indian and Alaska Native people through community-driven, culturally centered approaches. The funding options are:

Part I: Up to $150,000 per year for five years to hire a full-time injury prevention coordinator.
Part II: Up to $40,000 per year for five years for project-based injury prevention initiatives.

Please help us share the word and encourage eligible tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations to apply. For questions, contact Cmdr. Andrea Tsatoke at andrea.tsatoke@ihs.gov and Cmdr. Molly Madson at molly.madson@ihs.gov. Download the NOFO on grants.gov or learn more on the TIPCAP website. The application closes on November 13.

All Nations Health Center Purchases Permanent Building

After 55 years of operation in several locations in and around Missoula, Montana, All Nations Health Center recently purchased a permanent building in the heart of town. ANHC bought the former Women's Club building, a 30,000-square-foot facility they previously rented. The new building is near the ANHC main office location. A broad range of services, including behavioral health, dentistry, medical, preventative care, and other holistic and culturally sensitive services will continue to be provided for the urban Indian relatives in Missoula, Montana. Congratulations to the ANHC for acquiring its much-needed space!

All Nations Health Center CEO Ryan Wetzel, center, with staff members in front of their new permanent building in Missoula, Montana
Photo: Missoulian.com

Division of Nursing Services Convenes Annual PHN Grant Meeting

On July 15-17, the DNS Public Health Nursing Program met to continue efforts with the IHS PHN STI Case Management Cooperative Agreement Federal Register: Public Health Nursing Case Management: Reducing Sexually Transmitted Infections to mitigate the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections within Indian Country through a case management model that utilizes the PHN as a case manager. This work is critical to ensuring that comprehensive, public health services are available and accessible to American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

IHS LEAD Program

Acting Director Smith welcomed aspiring Indian Health Service staff members to the LEAD Program—Lead, Engage, and Develop. LEAD is an intensive, hands-on learning experience that strengthens individual skills in the areas of team leadership, project management, and effective communication—skills that are vital not just for personal professional growth, but for the success of our mission. The LEAD Program represents a significant investment in our future—an investment that is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the leadership pipeline across headquarters and our area offices, ensuring continuity and excellence in our most pivotal roles. The goal of the initiative is to uncover and to help shape an individual’s potential into leaders who will navigate the future of healthcare in Indian Country. This program is an exciting milestone in our commitment to building a strong, capable, and future-ready leadership team within the IHS. We encourage IHS employees to consider taking part in this week-long leadership training course to sharpen your voice, to share your ideas, and to meaningfully impact the lives of those we serve.

IHS Hosts Tribal Delegation Meeting with Oglala Sioux Tribe and Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association

On July 8, IHS Acting Deputy Director Darrell LaRoche and Division of Tribal Coordination Director Michelle Sauve welcomed President Frank Star Comes Out and representatives from the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association to IHS Headquarters. GPTCA was represented by Councilman Lyle Weston (Oglala Sioux Tribe), Chairman Ryman LeBeau (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe), Councilman Louis Wayne Boyd (Rosebud Sioux Tribe), and Chairwoman Janet Alkire (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe). Discussions centered on advancing collaboration with IHS and the Department of Health and Human Services to expand access to quality health care and resources for tribal communities in the Great Plains Area.

Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board Convenes Quarterly Meeting

Acting Director Smith had the privilege of joining the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board for their quarterly board meeting in Portland, Oregon. It was an opportunity to share important work happening across the IHS and to discuss key issues affecting the Portland Area. The IHS is deeply appreciative for their time and feedback, but more importantly for their tireless advocacy in advancing access to health care throughout the Pacific Northwest. Thank you to Portland Area Director Rear Adm. Marcus Martinez and his team for their deep commitment to the mission of the IHS. They remind us that we are in this together—and that we are united in our shared commitment to ensuring every Native person has access to high-quality, culturally grounded care.

Bringing CHAP to the Lower 48: Progress in Motion

The National Community Health Aide Program Board met in Phoenix to advance the Community Health Aide Program expansion across the lower 48 states. During this convening, the board continued efforts to formalize the national standards and procedures that define the certification requirements for health aides. This work is critical to ensuring consistent, high-quality care delivery within communities. The board remains committed to evolving and strengthening these standards, with ongoing progress and updates occurring monthly. The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for the fall.

Visit the New PATH EHR SharePoint Site

The PATH EHR SharePoint site is now live and available to all IHS staff. The site serves as a one-stop resource for updates, events, and key materials related to the Health Information Technology Modernization Program and PATH EHR. On the site, IHS staff can explore upcoming events and sessions, access newsletters and videos, and learn how PATH EHR is being built in partnership to advance high-quality care across Indian Country. We invite you to explore this site often, as new content will be added regularly, and socialize the site across your teams. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to this important work. Please email modernization@ihs.gov with questions about the program.

Health IT Modernization Program Hosts Enterprise Design Workshop 3

On June 3-5, the Health Information Technology Modernization Program completed the third Enterprise Design Workshop at the Oracle Heath Innovations Campus in Kansas City, Missouri. The workshop brought together more than 350 attendees for interactive sessions, presentations, and discussions. Participants reviewed PATH EHR system configuration through approximately 100 solution-specific workflow and integrated sessions. These workshops play a critical role in advancing PATH EHR implementation priorities.

Health IT Modernization Program Hosts Lawton Leader Kick-off

On June 10, the Health Information Technology Modernization Program reached an important milestone by hosting the Lawton Leader Kick-off at the Lawton Service Unit, marking a transition from system design to local preparation. Leaders from the Lawton Indian Hospital, Anadarko Indian Health Center, Carnegie Indian Health Center, and IHS came together for this important event. Read more about it in the IHS Blog.

IHS Funding Opportunities Support Tribal Self-Governance Planning and Negotiation Activities

The funding opportunities for the Fiscal Year 2025 Tribal Self-Governance Planning and Negotiation Cooperative Agreements, administered by the Office of Tribal Self-Governance, are now available on Grants.gov. The deadline to apply for both is August 1. These annual IHS cooperative agreement awards support tribes and tribal organizations with the planning and preparation necessary to assume responsibility for providing health care to their tribal members through the Tribal Self-Governance Program. For more information regarding the FY 2025 Cooperative Agreements, please contact Jessaka Nakai at Jessaka.Nakai@ihs.gov or 301-526-6624.

Native Hearts Initiative Announces Seventh Pilot Team

The IHS is pleased to recognize the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility as our seventh designated IHS Native Hearts Advocates pilot team. American Indians and Alaska Natives have higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD-related premature death than any other racial or ethnic group, with mortality rates 20 percent higher than the general population. Evidence-based CVD care has been shown to improve diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes as part of a strategy of quality clinical performance. Through our contemporary clinical strategic initiatives program, IHS seeks to support our federal, tribal, and urban Indian organization partners as we work together to mitigate health disparities in Indian Country.

As announced by IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen in December 2024, the IHS National Native Hearts Initiative is a “get-with-the-guidelines approach” to support evidence-based clinical care for CVD, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. The Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility has established a Pacemaker Clinic to address a critical gap in cardiac specialty access for patients living in the central region of the Navajo Nation.

Phoenix Medical Indian Center Named as Native Hearts Advocate Pilot Team

IHS is pleased to recognize the Phoenix Indian Medical Center as our eighth designated IHS Native Hearts Advocates pilot team. The PIMC Primary Care Medical Clinic, in conjunction with the Pharmacy Chronic Care Clinic, has established a process with the aim of improving management of hypertension through proper measurement of blood pressure, adherence to evidence-based treatment goals, and utilization of an evidence-based treatment algorithm. Since the roll-out of the IHS Native Hearts Initiative, we now have pilot teams serving 13 tribal communities in Indian Country! As we seek to mitigate the impacts of heart disease among Native people, I want to encourage each of our programs to join the Phoenix Indian Medical Center in becoming a Native Hearts Advocates pilot site.

New Notice of Funding Opportunity – IHS Dementia Care Grants

Please help us share the word and encourage eligible tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations to apply today for funding to support dementia care in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Successful applicants can receive up to $200,000 per year for up to three years to expand culturally relevant dementia care, improve care coordination, and build stronger services for the future. Applicants must provide ambulatory care clinical services directly or through coordination with an ambulatory care clinic. For questions, contact Dr. Jolie Crowder at jolie.crowder@ihs.gov. Download the NOFO on grants.gov (Opportunity number: HHS-2025-IHS-ALZ-0002) or learn more here. The application deadline is August 1.

Save the Date: IHS National Cancer Prevention, Screening, and Care Conference

The IHS is hosting the National Cancer Prevention, Screening, and Care Conference titled Advancing Cancer Prevention, Screening, and Care through Collaborations to bring together a cross-section of disciplines and individuals to collaborate, discuss, and collectively identify strategies to address cancer prevention and screening best practices. The conference is scheduled for August 12-15 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The conference information and agenda will be posted on the IHS Calendar of Events next week.

Applications for 2025 IHS GeriScholars Program Still Open – Deadline July 7

Applications are still open for the 2025 Indian Health Geriatric Scholars Program. GeriScholars build geriatrics expertise and improve elder care in their own communities. Successful applicants will complete an intensive geriatrics board review course, lead a mentored improvement project, and connect with a peer support network. This program is for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists in IHS, tribal, and urban Indian health programs. Applications are due July 7. Learn more and apply here.

Seattle Indian Health Board Conducts 7 Generations Retreat & Staff Training

Acting Director Smith had the privilege of providing remarks to participants in the 7 Generations Biannual Retreat. An initiative of the Seattle Indian Health Board, this staff training event—now in its 12^th cohort—offers a powerful framework for onboarding. We look forward to exploring how IHS might adopt elements of the program to strengthen our own onboarding process for new employees. Among other topics, Smith was able to share with the group his appreciation for the work being conducted by the SIHB and particularly their commitment to Knowledge Informed Systems of Care. Thank you to SIHB Board President & CEO Esther Lucero for her leadership and vision.

Crow Service Unit Pharmacy Residency Program Achieves 8-Year Accreditation

The award-winning Crow Service Unit Pharmacy Residency Program recently achieved their eight-year accreditation status following the submission of the four-year progress report to the American Society of Health System Pharmacists. The program is the first and only residency program in the Billings Area, the only critical access hospital residency program in Montana, and the only pharmacy residency program in the IHS Northern Tier with two residents. They prioritize recruitment and retention and have retained 100% of residents in the IHS, post-residency, since 2019.

Claremore Indian Hospital Recognizes National HIV Testing Day

The Claremore Indian Hospital organized a successful event on June 27 to recognize National HIV Testing Day. The event offered educational resources highlighting the significance of testing not only for HIV, but for potential co-infections, such as hepatitis C and syphilis, and identifying opioid overdose emergencies. In five hours, staff engaged 59 individuals on sexual health and harm reduction, providing each with an information packet and distributing condoms and 12 at-home HIV test kits, courtesy of the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board. They offered immediate consultations with a nurse for private health concerns and fulfilled five requests for HIV, HCV, and syphilis lab orders. Additionally, they distributed 39 naloxone kits with fentanyl and xylazine testing strips and usage instructions.

Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona Hosts 2025 Yoeme Roots to Wellness Conference

The Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona hosted their 2025 Yoeme Roots to Wellness Conference last Friday, where community members had the opportunity to learn about numerous resources available to them. Tucson Area Division of Environmental Health and Engineering was invited to table and DEHS/SFC provided information about IHS services offered to tribal communities. Highlighted topics from DEHS included food safety, injury prevention, prevention of mosquito-borne diseases, and safe water and wastewater. Educational booths from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Health Services Division included public health emergency preparedness and injury prevention, Centered Spirit-Behavioral Health Program, social services, community health nursing services, Pascua Yaqui Pharmacy, and the Pascua Yaqui Dental Center. Workshops ranged from mental health and nutrition to culturally grounded wellness practices.

Total System Safety (TSS) – Inpatient Falls Prevention

The Total System Safety Workgroup, a subcommittee of the National Quality Council, recently announced the publication of the IHS Inpatient Fall Prevention Change Package and its associated tools, which can be found in the public Microsoft Teams Channel, "Inpatient Fall Prevention Change Package and Tools" and the Total System Safety intranet page. The change package was developed by a national workgroup of inpatient nursing leaders and staff, pharmacists, patient safety, and quality subject matter experts from across the agency. It is a structured collection of evidence-based interventions, best practices, and implementation strategies designed to drive measurable improvements in a specific area of health care. By offering clear strategies, tools, and processes, change packages empower frontline staff to take an active role in improvement efforts, making interventions more actionable and sustainable.

IHS hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) are invited to implement inpatient fall prevention tools that are included in the change package to help reduce falls and to strengthen the culture of safety. A weekly webinar series, spanning five weeks, will provide hospitals and CAH staff with an orientation to the change package and its associated tools. Please join us for the session that fits your schedule—all webinars will review duplicate content. Additionally, an implementation sprint will be offered to hospitals and CAHs that require further support and guidance in implementing the program.

Inpatient Fall Prevention Webinar – register here
- Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. ET, starting on June 25 (weekly for 5 weeks)
Inpatient Fall Prevention Implementation Sprint – register here
- Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. ET, starting on July 30 (weekly for 8 weeks)

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