June 30, 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 Leaders Testify Before House Committee on Appropriations
On June 5, Acting Director Benjamin Smith joined Jillian Curtis, director of the Office of Finance and Accounting, to testify before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Together, they shared detailed information about the Indian Health Service’s budget priorities as the committee considers funding allocations for the President’s fiscal year 2026 Budget. Mr. Smith extended his gratitude to Ranking Member Representative Tom Cole, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, for his remarks highlighting the strong relationship and ongoing collaboration between the IHS and the committee. Mr. Smith said he values the opportunity to engage directly with our elected officials and to shine a light on the meaningful work IHS carries out each day across Indian Country. Click here to see a recording of the meeting.
New Senior Advisor to HHS Secretary Visits IHS Headquarters
Mark Cruz, a citizen of the Klamath Tribes and the new senior advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, visited IHS headquarters on June 23. Acting Director Benjamin Smith provided a tour of the facility and introduced Mr. Cruz to IHS staff. Mr. Cruz also participated in the executive leadership meeting held in the Office of the Director’s conference room. Mr. Smith said the IHS looks forward to working with Mr. Cruz and Secretary Kennedy as we continue our efforts to raise the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives across Indian Country.
Acting Director Visits Tribes and Facilities in Northern California
In June, Acting Director Benjamin Smith joined the IHS team on a tour across Northern California—visiting health care facilities, meeting with tribal leaders, and witnessing firsthand the impact of our shared efforts to improve health and infrastructure in Indian Country. From the mountains of Susanville to the riverside communities of Happy Camp, each stop reflected not only the challenges these communities face, but also their resilience and innovation.
Mr. Smith and the team kicked things off at the Susanville Indian Rancheria’s Lassen Indian Health Center, a cornerstone of care in Lassen County since 2012. The group heard more about their next big step—a brand-new, 60,000-square-foot clinic set to break ground later this year. With $3.5 million in support from the IHS Small Ambulatory Program, this project will expand access to a range of services, from medical and dental to lab, pharmacy, and even physical therapy.
From there, they traveled to Pit River Health Service. Nestled at the base of Burney Mountain, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic has been serving the Pit River Tribe since 1979. During their visit, leadership shared plans for their upcoming new facility—funded in part with $2 million in SAP funding. The new 14,000-square-foot clinic will help strengthen their already broad offerings, which includes not only medical, dental, and behavioral health, but also outreach, transportation, and nutrition services for elders.
Midweek, Mr. Smith continued to Happy Camp—a hub of progress. He toured the Happy Camp Medical Health Clinic, part of the Karuk Tribal Health and Human Services Program. Thanks to investments through the SAP program in 2020 and 2021 totaling nearly $4 million, new facilities are taking shape to further support this community’s wellness journey. Right next door, the acting director visited the Happy Camp Community Services District Water Treatment Plant, where a $1.7 million project—jointly funded by IHS and the California Clean Water State Revolving Fund—is transforming the local water system. Drawing from Elk Creek, the system provides water for around 1,100 residents, most of whom are tribal members.
Mr. Smith concluded his journey with visits to Potawot Health Village and the Kepel Water System. The acting director said Potawot, operated by United Indian Health Services in Arcata, is unlike any other health center he has seen. Their integration of Western and traditional Native healing, combined with a beautiful healing garden and walking trails, makes health and wellness feel both grounded and sacred. While in Arcata, Mr. Smith also stopped by the IHS Arcata Field Office, which supports environmental health and engineering projects across nine tribes. He was especially grateful to meet with Blue Lake Rancheria Chairperson Dr. Jason Ramos, whose support in securing a new lease for the field office is helping us maintain vital services in the region.
Mr. Smith’s final stop was Willow Creek, where he joined Yurok Tribal Leadership to tour the Ke’Pel water system. The Yurok Tribe operates six separate public water systems across their lands. With support from the IHS Sanitation Facilities Construction Program—active since 1959—they are working to ensure every family has access to clean, safe water.
Throughout the tour, Mr. Smith said one thing became clear to him: these aren’t just site visits—they’re powerful reminders of why we do this work. Every new clinic, every mile of upgraded water system, every conversation with a local health leader—it all moves us closer to our shared goal: healthy, thriving Native communities. The acting director was honored to be a small part of these stories and grateful to each community for welcoming the IHS leaders with open arms and open hearts.
IHS Leaders Visit Health Care Facilities and Tribes Across Billings Area
In June, Deputy Directors for Field Operations Rear Adm. Chris Buchanan and Dr. Beverly Cotton visited the Billings Area with Acting Area Director Asha Petoskey to meet with staff and tribal partners to assess service unit needs across hospitals and clinics. The visit highlighted both the critical staffing and infrastructure challenges in our most rural and frontier locations, as well as the innovation, dedication, and resilience of our IHS and tribal health teams. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Fort Belknap Indian Community, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and the Blackfeet Nation for their time, insights, and continued partnership in advancing health equity. Their voices grounded the visit in historical truth, reminding us of the deep commitments and responsibilities we carry forward together.
Extoling Tribal Sovereignty in Remarks to National Congress of American Indians
In June, Acting Director Benjamin Smith spoke at the plenary session of the National Congress of American Indians Mid-Year Convention and Marketplace in Mashantucket, Connecticut, where attendees had the opportunity to work collaboratively with federal partners and tribal organizations to defend and enhance tribal sovereignty.
In his remarks, Mr. Smith shared that a growing number of tribal nations are exercising their sovereign right to self-determination by assuming control over the delivery of health care. Today, approximately 62 percent of the IHS budget is transferred annually to tribes and tribal organizations through the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. This number continues to grow as more tribes pursue contracting and compacting. Supporting tribal self-determination is at the core of the IHS mission. As this trend continues, it is clear the agency must reconfigure its operations to reflect the changing landscape of Indian health care delivery. More tribal nations are stepping forward to lead. Our structure must evolve—not just to keep pace, but to position IHS as a proactive partner in supporting self-governance across Indian Country.
Meeting with National Native American Youth Initiative Students
On June 24, Acting Director Benjamin Smith had the honor of addressing students from the Association of American Indian Physicians' National Native American Youth Initiative at IHS headquarters, which was organized and hosted by our Division of Recruitment and Retention. He encouraged the students to consider pursuing careers in health care and highlighted opportunities to serve across the Indian Health Service. The students also received presentations from the Division of Nursing Services and the Office of Clinical and Preventive Services.
The Youth Initiative is designed to prepare American Indian and Alaska Native high school students to remain in the academic pipeline and pursue a career in the health professions and/or biomedical research. Students spend a full week in the Washington, D.C. area, with the curriculum presented in lectures, interactive workshops, and field trips to learn about various health professions, college and medical school admission processes, financial aid resources, and health care issues affecting Native communities.
IHS, Tribal Leaders Address Diabetes Program Funding During Quarterly Meeting
In June, the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee held its quarterly meeting to develop recommendations for the acting IHS director on funding for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. Established by Congress in 1997, SDPI supports diabetes prevention and treatment services across IHS, tribal, and urban Indian health programs. In addition to advising SDPI funding, the TLDC serves as a vital forum for IHS and tribal leadership to address broader issues related to diabetes care and the growing burden of other chronic diseases in tribal communities. We appreciated the opportunity to meet with the committee, to share updates on IHS, and to respond to their important questions.
Acting Director Visits NIHB Tribal Scholars for Health & Sustainability Program
On June 19, Acting Director Benjamin Smith provided an IHS overview to participants in the National Indian Health Board’s Tribal Scholars for Health & Sustainability Program. This program offers students and recent graduates hands-on experience in public health and policy, while working in partnership with tribal communities. Through this initiative, tribal scholars collaborate with dedicated public health and policy professionals on meaningful projects aimed at improving health outcomes throughout Indian Country. It’s a powerful opportunity for the next generation of Native leaders to make a real difference. Mr. Smith is grateful for the chance to engage with these inspiring scholars and to share more about the important role IHS plays in the Indian health system.
Community Health Aide Program Team Conducts Site Visits in Southern California
The Indian Health Council welcomed the IHS National Community Health Aide Program Team for their Tribal Assessment and Planning Grant site visit in Southern California. The site visits provide opportunities for in-person technical assistance and ensure funding is used to meet grant objectives. The CHAP team learned about various programs offered by the IHC and toured facilities to understand the council’s vision for CHAP in their communities.
IHS Commemorates National Cancer Survivors Day and Month
National Cancer Survivors Day, observed on the first Sunday in June, is a time to honor and celebrate cancer survivors who have achieved amazing milestones, support those undergoing treatment, recognize those who have provided care, and take a moment to remember those who have passed away.
Cancer affects many individuals and families across the country, and American Indian and Alaska Native people continue to experience higher rates of several types of cancer. Early screening, education, and community outreach are essential tools for improving outcomes and saving lives. As we reflect on the journey of cancer survivors, let’s continue to raise awareness about symptoms, screening guidelines, family health history, and preventive care.
In observance of National Cancer Survivor Month in June, the Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Program hosted a Fireside Chat, titled “Stories of Determination, Hope, and Resiliency”, on June 25. Participants heard a webinar panel of inspiring cancer survivors who shared their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery through stories of determination, hope, resiliency, and challenges, as well as caregivers who provide emotional support and holistic care.
Chief Contracting Officers Gather for Biannual Acquisition Summit
Chief contracting officers and acquisition leadership from across the agency gathered at IHS headquarters in June for the biannual Chief of the Contracting Office Summit. The event focused on advancing acquisition improvements, strengthening compliance, supporting workforce development, and implementing cost-efficiency initiatives. Acting Director Benjamin Smith joined Acting Deputy Director Darrell LaRoche and senior leadership from the HHS Office of Acquisitions to underscore the vital role of the acquisition function in supporting the mission of the IHS. Their remarks emphasized that effective, strategic procurement is essential to delivering optimal patient care to American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The summit served as a valuable forum for collaboration, innovation, and reaffirming the critical connection between acquisition excellence and how streamlining and standardizing acquisition practices can support patient care and lead to operational efficiencies.
Infection Preventionists Attend National Conference
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology held its annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona from June 17-19. More than 20 infection preventionists from across IHS and tribal facilities met one another, along with thousands of attendees from around the world, to learn, share experiences, and strengthen their commitment to infection prevention and control. Though most of the IPs had never met one another in person, “the bees” stood out amongst their fellow IPs as a unified group, all committed to bringing a renewed sense of dedication and evidence-based practices back to their facilities and the American Indian and Alaska Native populations that they serve. Though the bee headbands do not represent anything specific, they were a practical way to identify one another in a crowded environment so they could easily join in the learning sessions throughout the conference.
IHS Doctor, Team Receive Award for Article on Alzheimer’s Disease and Native People
At this year’s American Geriatrics Society meeting, Dr. Maria Bellantoni, IHS chief clinical consultant for geriatrics, accepted the Top Ethnogeriatrics Paper Award for a 2024 IHS-published paper on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The award was accepted on behalf of the lead author, Dr. Andria Apostolou, IHS senior applied epidemiologist, and the writing team. This Journal of American Geriatrics article was the first study to provide estimates of Alzheimer’s disease among patients who receive medical care at IHS, tribal, and urban programs or through Purchased/Referred Care.
The study found that 14 percent of American Indian and Alaska Native IHS patients between the ages of 45-64 with a dementia diagnosis had early-onset dementia. Memory loss or confusion that disrupts daily life is not a normal part of aging. Early recognition and care matter. The publication was a joint effort by the IHS Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, the Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Read the article here.
Dr. Maria Bellantoni
Clinton Service Unit Becomes Sixth Native Hearts Advocates Pilot Team
In June, the Clinton Service Unit became the sixth designated IHS Native Hearts Advocates pilot team. 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.
At both its Clinton and Elko sites, the Clinton Service Unit clinical pharmacy team has recently implemented a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Clinic with the goal to provide evidence-based chronic disease risk reduction therapy that improves patient quality of life through reduced morbidity and mortality associated with chronic disease. The CDM Clinic focuses on patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, tobacco use disorder, and/or diabetes as treatable risk factors for heart disease.
IHS remains committed to safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, and efficient care for American Indian and Alaska Native people as we work to improve health and health outcomes in tribal communities. Since the roll-out of the IHS Native Hearts Initiative, there are now have pilot teams serving 11 tribal communities in Indian Country! As we seek to mitigate the impacts of heart-disease among Native people, Acting Director Benjamin Smith encourages each of our programs to join the Clinton Service Unit in becoming a Native Hearts Advocates pilot site.
Office of Quality and OEHE Announce Environment of Care and Safety Workgroup
The Office of Quality and the Office of Environmental Health and Engineering collaborated in the development of the Environment of Care and Life Safety Workgroup. The executive leadership team sponsored this workgroup, comprised of staff from headquarters, areas, and service units, to assess risk and develop risk mitigation strategies for the agency. Within these strategies, multiple action plans have been developed. The workgroup identified 15 priority recommendations and has closed three to date. The workgroup has also been working steadily on developing standard work for the agency, including the development of a National Council for Engineers and Safety Professionals, standardizing engineering processes at health care sites, supporting Environmental Health Support Center in its efforts to provide training, competencies, and education to health care safety and engineering staff.
The workgroup continues to meet weekly to standardize governance processes and address system-wide issues related to the health care physical environment. A significant accomplishment has been achieved with the acquisition of the Joint Commission Resources (JCR) Digital Learning Center (DLC) for all federal sites within the agency. The JCR DLC can be used for accreditation compliance, training, standard work, and policy references. Please reach out to Kenith.franks2@ihs.gov for more.
Modernization Program Kicks Off with the Lawton Service Unit Leaders
The Health IT Modernization Program hosted a Lawton Service Unit Leader Kick-off on June 10. Site leaders discussed the PATH EHR current state, compared enterprise vs. local designs, and provided next steps to lead teams forward. The kick-off set a strong foundation for collaboration and readiness as Lawton leaders prepare for the PATH EHR transition. The event also helped build momentum around the transition, energizing site leaders to move forward with clarity and purpose. For more information on this event and its outcomes, contact modernization@IHS.gov.
Pharmacy Council Wellness Spotlight – Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Pharmacy
The pharmacy can be a stressful workplace. Recognizing this reality, Chevelle Merculief, a certified pharmacy technician, and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium's dedicated morale team, are working toward a simple but powerful goal: making their workplace a happier, more enjoyable, and supportive environment. They believe that a thriving team starts with positive vibes, which is why their morale team is crucial for fostering such an atmosphere. Their initiatives aim to boost job satisfaction, actively work to reduce burnout, and ultimately improve employee well-being. A positive and connected atmosphere not only enhances internal communication and reduces stress, but also directly translates to a more positive and caring approach when serving patients. Congratulations to Chevelle Merculief and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Pharmacy as we recognize you with our Pharmacy Council Wellness Spotlight for May.
Members of the boosting morale team during a recent morale boosting event
Pharmacy Council Wellness Spotlight — Red Lake Pharmacy (Bemidji Area)
The Red Lake Pharmacy launched a Wellness Initiative recently to promote a culture of health, resilience, and team engagement. Recognizing the importance of staff well-being, pharmacy leadership, along with administrative and area support, designated 30 minutes of wellness time each day for all team members to participate in health-focused activities.
The Wellness Challenge included daily activities, such as step challenges, desk stretches, hydration reminders, bodyweight strength exercises, “Walk and Talk” sessions, healthy snack swaps, desk yoga, and mindfulness or meditation breaks. The program wrapped up with a celebration and awards ceremony that recognized the participant’s efforts and achievements. Additionally, the initiative fosters emotional well-being and team cohesion through the “Grateful and Thankful” jar. Team members anonymously submit notes of gratitude and appreciation, which are shared during daily huddles. Congratulations, Red Lake Pharmacy, on your Wellness Initiatives.
IHS Recruits at the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
On June 9-11, Division of Health Professions Support staff, along with Cherie Tapahonso, health recruitment specialist for Northern Navajo Medical Center, attended the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science in Sacramento, California. The event gathered clinical lab scientists, medical technologists, and clinical lab students from across the United States, who were eager to acquire knowledge about and explore the IHS Loan Repayment Program and current job opportunities.
Keith Bohanan, HQ recruitment and outreach program coordinator, and Cherie Tapahonso, Northern Navajo Medical Center health recruitment specialist
Recruiting at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Annual Conference
In June, staff members from the Division of Recruitment and Retention and Portland Area Clinical Office Support Director Ashley Tuomi attended the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Annual Conference in San Deigo, California. The event generated a presence of nurse practitioners, health care professors, and nurse practitioner students from across the United States. Many individuals expressed an array of interest in employment with the IHS, loan repayment program options, student rotations, and inquiries in how to provide direct patient care to the underserved population of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
(Left to right) Program Analyst (Loan Repayment) Tara Johnston, Clinical Office Support Director (Portland Area) Ashley Tuomi, and Recruitment and Outreach Program Coordinator Meredith Hunt
Partnership Offers Free HIV/HCV/Syphilis Rapid Test Kits
The IHS Division of Clinical and Community Services HIV/HCV/STI Branch has partnered with the National Supply Service Center to provide free HIV/HCV/Syphilis rapid, point-of-care test kits and supplies to tribal and urban Indian facilities. The primary goal of this point-of-care service is to help sites initiate rapid testing at the facility and increase timely linkage to care.
Test kits that are available for ordering include:
- HIV Ag/Ab Determine™, Controls
- HCV Antibody Oraquick®, Controls
- Syphilis Healthcheck™, Controls
- Chembio DPP® HIV/Syphilis, Controls, Microreader
If you are interested in participating in the free rapid test kit program, please reach out directly to National HIV/HCV/STI Clinical Coordinator Andrew Yu at Andrew.Yu@ihs.gov.
Total System Safety Announces Inpatient Falls Prevention Change Package and Tools
The Total System Safety Workgroup announces 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. Rooted in quality improvement principles, a change package provides frontline staff with practical, tested solutions that can be adapted and scaled across different units or facilities. It serves as a roadmap for health care teams, guiding them through systematic changes to enhance patient outcomes, streamline workflows, and improve safety.
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. In fall prevention, for example, a change package helps standardize best practices, ensuring that all staff members consistently apply effective fall reduction strategies, which ultimately reduces variability, increases efficiency, and enhances patient safety.
IHS hospitals and critical access hospitals are invited to implement Inpatient fall prevention tools included in the change package to reduce inpatient falls and to strengthen the culture of safety. A weekly webinar series, spanning five weeks, provided hospitals and CAH staff with an orientation to the change package and its associated tools.
IHS Observes Passing of Pioneering Native Dentist George Blue Spruce
The Indian Health Service was saddened to hear about the recent passing of Dr. George Blue Spruce, a respected dental professional and former IHS leader for more than 20 years. Of Laguna and Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo heritage, Dr. Spruce attended the Creighton University School of Dentistry and was the first American Indian to graduate from dental school in 1956. In 1990, he was instrumental in founding the Society of American Indian Dentists and served as its president for 16 years. Throughout his career, his advocacy, support, and unwavering mentorship encouraged many American Indian and Alaska Native people to pursue training to become providers to serve the health care needs of our relatives, paving the way for enhancing oral health throughout Indian Country.
IHS Celebrates Men’s Health Week and Month
You can’t change what you don’t track. During Men's Health Week and Men's Health Month, we encourage everyone to start their health journey by checking their vital stats. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar – knowing your numbers is the first step toward a healthier life. Make that doctor’s appointment. Even a wellness visit gets you on the right path.
IHS Alaska Area Leaders Visit Native Village of Tyonek
On June 11, the Alaska Area Office had the privilege of visiting the Native Village of Tyonek for its annual Title I monitoring site visit and June tribal council meeting. The purpose of the visit was to hear directly from tribal leadership about the community’s current successes and challenges providing health care, as well as to begin discussions around updating the tribe’s scope of work under their ISDEAA Title I contract.
The visit was coordinated and led by Contract Proposal Liaison Officer Shae Aliu and attended by Alaska Area Office Executive Officer Lyle Claw, Director of Tribal Programs LeeAnn Garrick, Financial Management Officer Michael Yates, and Director of Health Facilities Lt. Cmdr. Jason Sebring. Notably, Sebring was able to provide hands on support for facility related issues that immediately improved clinical operations.
GIMC Food as Medicine Program Shows to Improve Heart Failure Care and Outcomes
As one of the innovation projects sponsored by the Office of Quality Division of Innovation and Improvement, the Gallup Indian Medical Center designed and implemented a "Food is Medicine" program to improve heart failure care and outcomes. The team designed MUTTON-HF (Medically Utilized Tailored Traditional Food to Optimize Nutrition in Heart Failure), a medically tailored meal delivery program that incorporates traditional Navajo foods and recipes. The team partnered with local farmers and ranchers to supply the produce and meat and then produced medically tailored meals incorporating Navajo recipes. They piloted the program with 20 patients with heart failure, who received 14 meals weekly for 4 weeks. They found the program significantly decreased rates of food insecurity, significantly decreased weight among those with baseline obesity, and improved cardiac symptoms and quality of life. They are currently expanding the program to more than 200 patients and will continue to evaluate the impact on patients and community health, as well as its ability to strengthen local food systems and promote food sovereignty.
(Left to right) A finished box of meals, cooking class, and examples of prepared meals
Cass Lake Service Unit Celebrates Opening of New Helipad
The Cass Lake Service Unit is celebrating the spirit of collaboration, as the first helicopter successfully landed on their new helipad last week. On June 12, the service unit, in collaboration with North Memorial Health Air Care, tested the helipad located on top of the recently constructed maintenance shop. The helipad will support air transportation for patients who require higher level of care. Helicopters previously landed in a designated area of the service unit’s parking lot.
The air care team worked with several staff members from the Cass Lake nursing, security, biomed, and facilities departments to ensure complete follow-through on all helipad safety guidelines. This included reviewing a few final steps, testing the new helipad site, reviewing maintenance procedures, ensuring fire safety requirements with a complete walk-through process in landing, loading patients, and lift off.
Canoe Exhibit in IHS Bemidji Area Showcases Artists from the White Earth Reservation
The lobby of the Waabanookwe Clinic displays a canoe, which is part of the Manoomin Arts Initiative Canoe Project, sharing past, present, and future community at the White Earth Service Unit. The facility is a satellite clinic in the Bemidji Area and the project aims to enhance the White Earth communities with additional beauty, culture, and historical insights through public art. The canoes are placed in the clinic to show and remind everyone of IHS’s vision of healthy communities and quality health care systems through strong partnerships and culturally responsive practices. The canoe also goes with the design of the clinic, bringing nature and culture inside. Each canoe showcases the artwork of local and regional artists with origins from the White Earth Reservation. These canoes were created by Kent Estey, who has more than 10,000 photographs of families from the Naytahwaush Community. The Waabanookwe Clinic, located in Naytahwaush, Minnesota, is now home to this beautiful work of art.
Program Helps Housekeeping and Janitorial Staff Maintain Healthy Environment
On June 16 and 17, the Great Plains Area Division of Environmental Health Services provided a training to more than 40 housekeeping and janitorial staff of the Sky Dancer Casino & Resort on the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Nation. Minot District Environmental Health Officer Lt. Cmdr. Shelby Haddeland and Environmental Health Specialist Zoee St. Claire presented material covering chemical safety, bed bugs, use of PPE, and general housekeeping procedures. The DEHS program continues to provide direct environmental health services and consultation to American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
All Nations Health Center in Montana Hosts Connect to Culture Program
On May 31, the All Nations Health Center hosted the Connect to Culture Program in Missoula, Montana. The program aims to help the Indigenous community to connect with their cultural identity and improve overall wellness. It offered activities such as dentalium crafting, singing and dancing lessons, access to traditional foods, physical activity incentives, performances, and a youth fashion show. The event was supported with funding from the CDC’s Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country program. About 100 people attended the event and it successfully brought the community together to share culture and resilience with one another. Read more in this news story.
New Monacan Health Center Hosts First Community Health Fair
The Monacan Health Center in Madison Heights, Virginia, hosted its first health fair for the community. The health center did tours of their new facility, offered information about the services they will offer, and did Mini-Cog screenings. They also had local Purchased/Referred Care vendors in attendance. Thank you to all departments for your teamwork and for making this event a success.
Portland Area Dental Therapy Program Prepares Graduates for Service in Tribal Communities
On June 13, the Portland Area hosted the first dəxʷx̌ayəbus-Dental-Dental Therapy Program graduation ceremony. A collaboration between the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Skagit Valley College, the program is one of two CODA-accredited dental therapy programs in the nation. The six graduates are Keana Cruse, Jessica Greene, Eleanor Jackson, Dana Obey, Nick Runningwolfe, and Kaela Tyler. The graduates will be returning to address oral health disparities in tribal communities.
IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen, Portland Area Director Rear Adm. Marcus Martinez, National Community Health Aide Program Project Lead Dr. Marcy Ronyak, and Dental Health Aide Specialist Dr. Cheryl Sixkiller attended the graduation ceremony. A Lushootseed phrase, dəxʷx̌ayəbus-Dental is pronounced as dahf-hi-ya-buus, and translates to “a place of smiles.” The program will be starting its third cohort in the summer of 2026.
(Photo 1) dəxʷx̌ayəbus Dental Therapy Program Graduates
(Photo 2) IHS Leaders at the Graduation Ceremony
White Mountain Apache Tribe Joins IHS and Others for Community Planning Gathering
The White Mountain Apache Tribe, Kaufman and Associates, Johns Hopkins University, and IHS successfully hosted a multi-day Community Planning Gathering using the Gathering of Native Americans model. Centered on the themes of belonging, mastery, interdependence, and generosity, the event brought together 58 participants, including community members and tribal employees, for healing, cultural connection, and strategic planning. Local organizations engaged in traditional storytelling, visioning workshops, and discussions on community resilience. Through this process, participants identified challenges and opportunities, created a shared vision, and established strategic pillars to guide the development of a community health and wellness plan.
Helena Urban Indian Organization Receives Initial Accreditation from AAAHC
This week, the Helena Indian Alliance’s Leo Pocha Memorial Clinic received notification of its initial accreditation for three years from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. This represents a significant milestone in their ongoing growth and success as an urban Indian organization dedicated to meeting the health care needs of the urban Indian community in Helena, Montana. Pursuing accreditation illustrates their commitment to delivering the highest levels of quality care to patients and to upholding the principles of quality improvement in patient care. Achieving AAAHC accreditation confirms that HIA has met the rigorous standards established by a nationally recognized accrediting body. Congratulations to HIA for embracing the challenge and securing their initial accreditation!
Urban Indian Organization in Detroit Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Facility
On June 4, the American Indian Health and Family Services of Detroit, Michigan, had a groundbreaking ceremony. The new health facility in Southwest Detroit has construction already underway—this site will soon become a place of healing, connection, and expand access to culturally informed care for Native American and underserved families across Southeastern Michigan. It was an inspiring moment to celebrate the partnerships, supporters, and community members who made this vision a reality for this urban Indian organization. Congratulations and keep up the good work.
Cooking Class from Tulsa UIO Encourages Youth to Make and Try Healthy Snacks
In June, the Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa hosted their first “Kids’ Kitchen Adventures” cooking class, where youth ages 8-12 learned after school snack recipes and experienced new flavors and foods, including hummus and cabbage in colorful veggie wraps. Led by several IHCRC dietitians, the class encouraged kids to be brave and try new tasty and healthy treats that they made themselves.
OKCIC Mobile Health Unit Offers Additional Resources to Patients, Community
In recent months, the new mobile health unit operated by the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic has been making the rounds at various events in the community, providing patients with another resource to utilize for their health care needs. Services include testing, vaccinations, health and education information, and referral support in conjunction with social services. The inside offers a climate-controlled exam room, wi-fi to easily access patient records, portable power supply, and a wheelchair lift to support patients with mobility issues. This has been a beneficial tool in overcoming the transportation barrier for those who cannot get to our clinic.
IHS Blogs
Subscribe to the IHS blog by providing your name and email address in the “Stay Connected” box.
Social Media
Follow IHS on X, Facebook and LinkedIn to see more of what the IHS is doing in your community and around the country. You can also follow the IHS Director on Facebook and X.
