November 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.
HHS Secretary Delegates Role of IHS Director to Clayton Fulton
In November, the IHS announced that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. delegated Clayton Fulton [PDF 191kb], in his capacity as IHS chief of staff, all delegable authorities, duties, and functions of the IHS director. This delegation will remain in place while the IHS director position continues to be vacant. As part of this transition, Benjamin Smith will return to his previous position as deputy director, and Darrell LaRoche will resume his role as deputy director for management operations. Dr. Rose Weahkee also concludes her service in her acting leadership role.
Fulton, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, provided assurances that while this leadership transition continues, the mission of the IHS remains constant and strong. "We remain fully committed to upholding the government-to-government relationship and ensuring continuity of services and operations across the Indian health system. The work of raising the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level continues to guide every decision we make."
IHS Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton
IHS Attends National Congress of American Indians Conference
In November, (then) IHS Acting Director Benjamin Smith joined other agency leaders at the National Congress of American Indians 82nd Annual Convention in Seattle, Washington. NCAI continues to be one of the most important gatherings for tribal leaders, advocates, and partners from across Indian Country, and IHS was proud to be part of these critical conversations. They began the week with Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services Mark Cruz, who helped kick off Day 1 activities by addressing the Opening General Assembly. His remarks underscored the department's continued commitment to strengthening programs and services for American Indian and Alaska Native people and set a powerful tone for the week ahead.
Later that day, Capt. Carmen "Skip" Clelland and Smith met with the Veterans Committee, where they expressed their gratitude for the generations of Native veterans who have served, and continue to serve this nation with honor. They also shared updates on IHS efforts to enhance coordination and support for Native veterans through our newly established Office for Indian Veterans Support.
On the following day, Smith was joined by Director of Strategic Initiatives Dr. Kim Hartwig [PDF 154kb] and Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton [PDF 155kb] for productive discussions with the Health Committee. Together, they participated in a robust and thoughtful dialogue during the IHS Listening Session, where tribal leaders offered perspectives on priorities ranging from workforce challenges to strengthening the delivery of culturally grounded care.
IHS representatives closed out the week with visits to Muckleshoot and the Puyallup tribal facilities, where they had the opportunity to hear directly from local tribal leaders and health care teams about their ongoing work, successes, and challenges. These conversations remain essential in ensuring that IHS policies and initiatives reflect the lived experiences and needs across Indian Country.
Thank you to all our tribal partners, organizers, and participants for making this week both meaningful and productive. Your leadership, insights, and partnership continue to guide and strengthen the work of the Indian Health Service every day. Together, we move forward with purpose, respect, and our shared commitment to the health and well-being of our people.
IHS Opens New Office for Indian Veterans Support
In November, the Indian Health Serviced announced the opening of the new Office for Indian Veterans Support. Led by Capt. Carmen “Skip” Clelland, an enrolled member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, this office will lead efforts to strengthen the IHS partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and advance initiatives that support the health and well-being of Native veterans.
Capt. Clelland will serve as the primary liaison between IHS, Veterans Affairs, tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations to ensure that the needs of Native veterans are represented and addressed across federal systems. The IHS continues to honor its commitment to serve those who have served our nation with dedication and honor.
Secretary Kennedy Visits Tribes in Phoenix Area
In Novembers, HHS Secretary Kennedy traveled to Arizona to see firsthand the incredible work taking place throughout Indian Country. His visit included a tour of the Patina Wellness Center in Phoenix with tribal leaders, where he observed how traditional healing and modern clinical practices are woven together to support recovery and wellness grounded in culture, evidence, and community strength.
Secretary Kennedy continued his engagement by meeting with tribal leaders and providers at a local recovery center, listening closely to their priorities and working side by side to advance meaningful solutions. As we know, behavioral health and recovery care are strongest when shaped by the people they serve. Secretary Kennedy's presence and partnership throughout his visit demonstrates his deep commitment to the IHS and to Indian Country—ensuring community voices guide the policies and programs that protect and promote Native health and well-being.
Photos: facebook.com/HHS
The PATH EHR and the Enterprise Collaboration Group Video is Now LIVE!
The Indian Health Service Health Information Technology Modernization Program has launched the EHR and the Enterprise Collaboration Group video . This video provides a behind-the-scenes perspective of the enterprise configuration of PATH EHR and the work of the Enterprise Collaboration Group (ECG). ECG domain group chairs share their experience in the enterprise design workshops and offer insight into activities and decision-making processes of the ECG.The ECG collaborates with expert users from IHS, tribal, and urban Indian organizations to support the configuration of PATH EHR. The ECG is made up of 15 domain groups representing a variety of clinical and business areas. Throughout 2025, group members joined workshops to suggest design and configuration changes for PATH EHR based on their areas of expertise.
You can watch the brief PATH EHR and the ECG video to hear more about the PATH EHR enterprise configuration process! For more information about the Health IT Modernization Program or how to get involved, email modernization@ihs.gov.
Tribal Delegation Meeting with the Cherokee Nation
In November, (then) IHS Acting Director Benjamin Smith and Mark Cruz, senior advisor to HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., met with Cherokee Nation Principal Chuck Hoskin Jr. and members of his staff for a tribal delegation meeting in Washington, DC. The discussion focused on IHS policy related to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act and how to maximize the effective use of IHS funds.
Fowler Assumes Duties as Acting Director for Oklahoma City Area
In November, the IHS announced that Elizabeth Fowler has been appointed as acting director for the Oklahoma City Area. A member of the Comanche Nation with descendancy from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, she began her career with IHS in 1990 with the headquarters Division of Personnel Management. Fowler has served in a variety of senior and executive roles throughout her career at IHS, most recently as the executive officer for the Oklahoma City Area. Fowler has received numerous awards from the IHS and HHS, including the Secretary's Award for Distinguished Service, various IHS Director's Awards, and the Luana Reyes Leadership Award. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Maryland university system.
Oklahoma City Area Acting Director Elizabeth Fowler
IHS Announces New Acting Director for Equal Employment Opportunity Staff
Also in November, the IHS announced Cmdr. Lenora Littledeer, Esq., MHA, BSN, RN, as acting director of Equal Employment Opportunity Staff. An enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, Littledeer has served the Indian Health Service for 22 years. She began her IHS career as a staff nurse at W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. During her career, Littledeer has held multiple executive leadership roles, including chief nurse executive, director of quality, and chief executive officer. Most recently she has served as the SE Region EEO manager where she was responsible for overseeing EEO processes, including counseling, informal and formal EEO complaints, investigations, hearings, agency final actions, and appeals.
Cmdr. Lenora Littledeer, Acting Director of Equal Employment Opportunity Staff
Lt. Cmdr. Melisaa de Vera Honored with Arthur S. Fleming Award
Congratulations to Lt. Cmdr. Melissa de Vera, assistant director with the Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction and a member of the Rocky Boy Chippewa Cree Tribe, for being selected as one of 12 recipients of the 76th annual Arthur S. Flemming Award , one of the highest honors for federal employees. Her efforts and recruiting approach helped enable the agency to deliver $3.5 billion in sanitation projects funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, improving access to safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal infrastructure for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
"What I see this work really doing for Native communities in the long run is hopefully putting more Native American engineers in positions to be able to assist the tribes, and to be able to assist them in a way that helps them make informed decisions about their water and their sewer and their solid waste infrastructure," de Vera said.
In addition to participating in the awards ceremony on November 2, de Vera represented the agency beautifully in response to the extensive media interest in her story, including this piece from Minnesota Public Radio . You can see additional coverage here and here and here .
Photo courtesy of Michael Woestehoff
Lt. Cmdr. Melissa de Vera (center) with James-Christian Blockwood (left), president and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration, and Dr. Kathryn Newcomer (right), president of the Flemming Awards Commission and Director of the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at George Washington University. Courtesy of National Academy of Public Administration
HQ Cybersecurity Professional Receives HHS CAPE Award
In November, the IHS Division of Information Security announced that staff member Tyler Brummer has been honored as part of the HHS 2025 Cybersecurity Awards Program for Excellence (CAPE). The program recognizes those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to cybersecurity across the department. It is a testament to individuals who act as change agents, culture builders, and visionaries—leaders who not only drive transformation but also remain closely aligned with the tactical needs of our cybersecurity enterprise. Congratulations to Tyler on this remarkable achievement! Watch a video spotlighting the CAPE nominees and winners.
OEHE Announces 2025 Healthcare Facilities Engineer of the Year
The IHS Facilities Engineer/Architect of the Year Award recognizes IHS facility engineers who have demonstrated exemplary work, as evidenced by specific engineering and related health care facility stewardship. We are proud to announce that this year's award winner is Tavis Allam, a member of the Great Plains Area Office of Environmental Health and Engineering.
A self-taught expert in Geographic Information Systems, Allam has modernized how IHS manages and plans health care facilities nationwide. Overseeing 49 projects totaling more than $5.7 million, he has delivered improvements in facility performance, safety, and efficiency. His leadership in developing national GIS data standards and contributing to the National Quarters Inventory Pilot has transformed facility asset management and strengthened agency decision-making—exemplifying excellence, initiative, and service to American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Tavis Allam, Healthcare Facilities Engineer of the Year
National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Meeting
The IHS National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee held its fall 2025 quarterly meeting at the Oklahoma City Area Office on November 4-5. The NPTC is a standing committee of the IHS that works to promote quality, access, and value in formulary management through maintenance of the IHS National Core Formulary and the provision of clinical expertise related to pharmacotherapy and pharmacovigilance. During the meeting, the NPTC reviewed a range of topics including inflammatory bowel disease practice guidelines, biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, open-angle glaucoma, HIV injectables, constipation treatments, and pediatric antibiotic stewardship. Visit the NPTC website for more information, including clinical guidance documents and the National Core Formulary. To receive NPTC correspondence and clinical updates, self-enroll to the NPTC Listserv.
National Business Office Committee Meeting
The IHS National Business Office Committee (NBOC) met from November 18-20 at the California Area Office. The purpose of the NBOC is to provide strategic planning and to make recommendations on the federal, tribal, and urban Indian organization third-party revenue cycle. The NBOC focused on topics including Youth Regional Treatment Center revenue cycle operations, clinical pharmacy billing practice documentation, training opportunities for staff in revenue cycle positions, and modernizing payment operations.
Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital Joins Native Hearts Advocate Pilot Program
The IHS is pleased to recognize the Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital as its ninth designated IHS Native Hearts Advocates pilot team. American Indian and Alaska Native people 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. 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 Crow Service Unit provides comprehensive health care services to Native communities within the Billings Area, serving primarily members of the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Nations. Their Native Hearts pilot project focuses on the four core Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy medication classes for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, in alignment with the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology guidelines.
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, we now have pilot teams serving 14 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 Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital in becoming a Native Hearts Advocates pilot site [PDF 74kb].
NPC Monthly Wellness Spotlight — Quentin N Burdick Memorial Health Care Facility
The Pharmacy Department at the Quentin N. Burdick Memorial Health Care Facility in the IHS Great Plains Area has been commended for its ongoing efforts to promote workplace wellness through compassion, connection, and team support. From peer shout-outs and employee recognition to regular check-ins and daily acts of kindness, they have cultivated a culture where wellness is integrated into their daily routines. Their commitment to caring for one another, while delivering exceptional patient care sets a powerful example for all health care teams.
Navajoland Nurses United for Research, Service, and Education Hosts Symposium
Navajoland Nurses United for Research, Service, and Education (N-NURSE) hosted the 11th Symposium "Indigenous Pathways to Maternal and Child Health" on November 5-7 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The event offered a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on bridging Indigenous and Western perspectives on maternal and child health wellness. Participants embarked on a transformative journey along the Pathway of the Sun guided by Indigenous leaders who excel in clinical care, environmental stewardship, and policy advocacy. Speakers included traditional healers from Chinle, Robert Wood Johnson Fellow Nicolle L. Arthun, faculty from Johns Hopkins University, University of British Columbia, University of Minnesota, and University of New Mexico, and IHS leadership from the Division of Nursing Services and Maternal Child Health. Thank you to N-NURSE leadership, the University of New Mexico, and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for their hospitality and support.
Members of N-NURSE leadership, Division of Nursing Services, and Maternal Child Health at the N-NURSE Symposium
Purchased/Referred Care Officers Meeting
In November, Purchased/Referred Care officers met in Phoenix, Arizona, to strengthen program operations and enhance management of the PRC Program. The group met with the acting deputy director for management operations and discussed key administrative and financial updates, the Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund, and upcoming training opportunities for PRC staff. The meeting fostered collaboration and reinforced the commitment of the IHS to improving access to quality care for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
IHS National Chronic Liver Disease Initiative Welcomes New Elimination Pilot Site
IHS is pleased to recognize the designation of Fort Berthold Elbowoods Memorial Health Center as the eighteenth Hepatitis C Elimination Pilot [PDF 98kb] as part of the IHS National Chronic Liver Disease Initiative [149 kb]. Chronic liver disease is among the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States and represents a major health disparity resulting in premature death among American Indians and Alaska Natives. IHS advocates a comprehensive strategy to reduce CLD-related morbidity and mortality among Native people. The IHS National Chronic Liver Disease Initiative [148 kb] is a proactive approach that prioritizes evidence-based prevention, screening, early diagnosis and treatment of liver disease in tribal communities. As we seek to mitigate the impacts of chronic liver disease in Indian Country, we encourage each of our programs to join our Hepatitis C Elimination exemplars as a Hepatitis C Elimination Pilot [97kb] site.
IHS Celebrates National Medical Staff Awareness Week
National Medical Staff Services Awareness Week is recognized from November 2-8, highlighting medical services professionals (MSPs) as the gatekeepers of patient safety for their vital role in credentialing and privileging health care providers. MSPs work behind the scenes on the frontline. Credentialing is more than a checklist—it ensures licenses and credentials are primary source verified and compliant with medical staff bylaws, accreditation standards, facility policies, and federal regulations. It's a full-blown obstacle course with the clock ticking and a provider waiting to see their first patient. Take a moment to thank your facility's credentialing staff for their dedication to navigating a complex, time-sensitive process to ensure providers are credentialed and privileged and ready to deliver care safely and compliantly—thus supporting safe, high-quality patient safety!
IHS Celebrates National Family Caregivers Month
Each November, the IHS recognizes National Family Caregivers Month—a time to honor the millions of family members and friends who dedicate their time, energy, and love to caring for others. In American Indian and Alaska Native communities, caregiving has always been a sacred act—a reflection of our deep respect for family, elders, and community. Currently, many of our IHS employees continue that tradition, balancing professional responsibilities with the care of loved ones at home. Read more in this IHS Blog article by Dr. Rose Weahkee, (then) acting deputy director for management operations.
Dementia Clinical Support Line Offers Free Health Support
Caring for patients with memory loss can raise tough questions. The Dementia Care Support Line is here to help. This free service connects health care providers serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities with dementia care clinical specialists. You can get one-on-one support on topics like memory screening, diagnosis, treatment planning, caregiver support, and more. Help spread the word. Download the flyer [348kb] and share it with others in your clinic who may benefit from this resource.
Albuquerque Area Hosts Quarterly Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer
On November 7, the Albuquerque Area held its quarterly tribal consultation and urban confer with tribal officials and representatives from various Area Pueblos, tribal governments, tribal organizations, and personnel from the two urban Indian programs. Attendees received updates from Acting Director Smith and were able to get some of their questions answered. A representative from the New Mexico Health Authority also updated attendees about the Rural Health Transformation Program and Medicaid. Reports from Area tribal representatives that serve on various national tribal-federal advisory workgroups and committees also shared information from the most recent meetings they attended for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians Advisory Committee, the Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee, the Facilities Appropriations Advisory Committee, and the Community Health Aide Program Board.
Bemidji Area Conducts 2028 Budget Formulation Meeting
The Bemidji Area conducted their 2028 Budget Formulation meeting on November 18-19 at Ho-Chunk Casino in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Budget formulation sessions ensure tribal input into the IHS budget formulation process. The Bemidji Area provides service and support to 34 federally recognized tribes and four (4) urban Indian health programs.
(Left to right) Laura DeGroat, Bemidji Area executive officer; Natalie Powell, director of budget formulation; and Chris Poole, Bemidji Area director
Billings Area Dietician Receives Recognition from Montana Diabetes Association
Crow Service Unit Dietician Raichel Dorland-Roan was awarded the Advancing the Vision in Quality Award at the October 2025 Montana Diabetes Professional Conference. This award is presented by the Montana Diabetes Program to individuals, teams, or organizations that have implemented programs or projects improving outcomes for people with or at risk for diabetes in the state. She consistently demonstrates exceptional performance in clinical and health care administration. Dorland-Roan also delivers shared decision-making as a core value and provides realistic guidance that allows patients to modify their diet in an achievable manner. She led the initiative to obtain a mobile education center and organized partnerships with tribal community programs for diabetes prevention and consistently demonstrates a willingness to share her knowledge with others. Congratulations on the award and thank you for your service!
California Area Hosts Annual Healthcare Best Practices Conference
The California Area Office hosted their annual California Healthcare Best Practices Conference on November 3-5 and California Diabetes Day on November 6, along with the California Rural Indian Health Board and California Consortium for Urban Indian Health. Acting Deputy Director Darrell LaRoche provided opening remarks at the event, which offered more than 42 presentations on a range of topics such as social drivers of health, health literacy, data sovereignty, traditional healing, autism, vector-borne disease, and integrating Indigenous medicine into pain management. Throughout the week, members of the health care team had the opportunity to earn up to 19.5 hours of free continuing education. The event was attended by over 200 participants from California tribal and urban Indian health care programs and their partnering organizations.
Community Benefits from Health Education Classes Offered by Rosebud Service Unit
Staff at the Rosebud Comprehensive Care Unit have partnered with the Tribal Diabetes Prevention Program to provide community education on diabetes care. Registered Dietitian Bill Wonneberg led a session on healthy meal choices and provided a generous hands-on cooking demonstration. Diabetic Nurse Educator Joan Lehner gave an in-depth presentation on the use of the Libre continuous glucose monitoring system, highlighting how it has significantly improved patients' health outcomes and treatment adherence. Dental Hygienist Amy Price educated participants on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. The Rosebud CCU team continues to collaborate with DPP staff each week, offering information on a variety of educational topics to support diabetes awareness, prevention, and management.
Nashville Area Service Unit Participates in Catawba Nation Annual Festival
Catawba Service Unit staff participated in the Catawba Nation's Yap Ye Iswa Festival, which is an annual celebration of Catawba culture, art, and history. CSU nursing staff provided first aid for the event, while the CSU public health nutritionist hosted a nutrition table with nutrition, culture, and diabetes-related information. Additional staff were present to act as emcees for the event.
Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility Supports Suicide Prevention Conference
In partnership with Diné College , the Chinle Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program supported the 2025 Sihasin Beeiiná Suicide Prevention Conference on October 29 in Tsaile, Arizona. Presenters shared information on suicide awareness, education, resources, and Diné perspectives with 145 participants, including community members, students, and college staff. Despite the sensitivity of the topic in Diné culture, the conference successfully provided meaningful guidance and support. Sessions covered Zero Suicide initiatives, resilience and stress coping, holistic health during times of disharmony, the judicial system, Diné perspectives on resiliency, the five stages of grief, guided imagery, and psychological insights.
IHS Scholars Visit Oklahoma City Area for Meet & Greet
On October 29, the Oklahoma City Area Office hosted its annual Meet & Greet event where Oklahoma IHS scholars are invited to learn more about federal service units, upcoming positions, the hiring process, the Student Externship Program, and the opportunity to network with each other. The scholars got to meet Oklahoma City Area leadership, CEOs, clinical directors, and other heads of staff from across the Area. The event attracted 35 participants along with 20 of their plus ones. This event continues to be a key recruitment tool for the Oklahoma City Area.
Phoenix Area Provides Ambulatory Healthcare Fundamentals Safety Course
The Phoenix Area Office of Environmental Health and Engineering Institutional Environmental Health Program recently delivered the Ambulatory Healthcare Fundamentals of Safety course, providing vital training to 23 clinic safety professionals representing six (6) IHS Areas. This two-day course covered the purpose and importance of accreditation, key components of a comprehensive health and safety program, and included a clinic-wide tour to identify both visible and hidden hazards in the health care environment. Phoenix Area IHS and the IHS Environmental Health Support Center extend sincere appreciation to the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony for hosting this training.
Cmdr. Landon Wiggins explains often overlooked safety concerns in an EVS closet
Yakama Service Unit Inks Deal with Local University to Support Dental Medicine
The Portland Area IHS Yakama Service Unit recently celebrated a milestone event with the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) School of Dental Medicine through a ceremonial signing that formalized a new partnership aimed at advancing oral health education and service opportunities in tribal communities. This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to improving access to dental care, enhancing student clinical training, and support IHS's ongoing efforts to attract and retain top dental talent by introducing students to the rewards of working in tribal communities, fostering professional growth, and offering meaningful career pathways in public service. Following the ceremonial signing, Yakama Nation Councilmembers, YSU leadership, and Portland Area IHS leadership participated in a campus site visit at PNWU's Yakima campus. The group toured the university's Dental Simulation Laboratory and Virtual Reality Training Lab, where faculty demonstrated cutting-edge tools used to prepare students for real-world dental practice. These facilities allow students to refine their clinical and diagnostic skills in realistic, high-tech learning environments before entering community-based rotations.
OKC Urban Indian Organization Fundraiser Earns 150K For Patient Care
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic hosted its 21st Annual Red Feather Gala at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, raising an impressive $150,000 to fund eyeglasses for more than 1,000 patients. This year's gala focused on the power of giving and how access to vision care can transform lives, helping children succeed in school, adults maintain employment, and elders preserve their independence. Guests enjoyed an evening of cultural celebration with live Native music, art, and a silent auction, all supporting OKCIC's ongoing mission to make quality health care accessible to the American Indian community. Every dollar raised represents a step toward clearer vision and a stronger, healthier future for those we serve.
Billings Urban Indian Health & Wellness Center Breaks Ground for New Clinic
Earlier this month, Billings Urban Indian Health & Wellness Center broke ground on the new Eagle Seeker Clinic in Billings, Montana. The clinic is expected to take about 18 months to complete, with construction scheduled to wrap up in 2027. This new health clinic will meet the medical, mental, and cultural needs of urban Native Americans in Billings. Speakers at the event included Montana State Senator Cora Neumann, BUIHWC CEO Leonard Smith, and Director of the Division of Urban Indian Affairs Rick Mueller. Watch a local television story about the groundbreaking here .
Tulsa UIO Hosts Annual Meeting
The Indian Health Care Resource Center held its annual meeting on November 17, celebrating a year of achievements and honoring those who shaped its legacy. Special guests included early leaders Pam Iron, Dorothy Jones, Luke McIntosh, and Janice Edmiston. CEO Carmelita Skeeter invited these trailblazers to share their stories and presented them with blankets and shawls in recognition of their lasting contributions. The evening also honored outstanding staff and highlighted the organization's continued growth, reflecting IHCRC's enduring commitment to excellence and the community it serves.
Fresno UIO Hosts Ribbon Cutting and Open House for Renovated Spaces
On November 19, the Fresno American Indian Health Project held a ribbon cutting and open house celebration for their newly renovated Native Wellness and Youth Services spaces. At the celebration, IHS California Area staff had the opportunity to meet with the Fresno urban Indian health program staff and community members, who praised the care provided at California's youth regional treatment centers.
Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Webinar Series
The Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Tele-Education Program is hosting the following webinars for health care providers:
- Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: "Integrated Care Within and Beyond the Clinic Wall" on Thursday, December 18 at 12:00 p.m. ET ? Register here.
- Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: "Enhancing Integration Care: Leveraging the PDSA Cycle for Continuous Improvement" on Thursday, January 8 at 12:00 p.m. ET ? Register here.
- Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: "Integrating Substance Use Treatment into Integrated Care Settings" on Thursday, January 22 at 12:00 p.m. ET ? Register here.
IHS Blogs
Subscribe to the IHS blog by providing your name and email address in the "Stay Connected” box.
Social Media
Follow the IHS on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X, 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.
