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September 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.

Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Hosts DSTAC and STAC Advisory Committee Meetings

In September, Acting Director Benjamin Smith joined HHS Secretary Kennedy to provide agency updates and engage with tribal leaders serving on the IHS Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee and HHS Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee. This year’s joint meeting was hosted by the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) in Massachusetts. The DSTAC plays a vital role in shaping health policy that directly impacts the delivery of care to direct service tribes, and the STAC, comprising both tribal and federal representatives, is an important committee whose primary purpose is to help facilitate ongoing dialogue between tribal leaders and federal officials administering HHS programs.

The IHS expresses deep gratitude to STAC and DSTAC members and to the leadership who joined us – their outstanding guidance and commitment to improving health care for tribal communities nationwide is truly commendable.

Acting Director Testifies for Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

On September 17, Acting Director Benjamin Smith testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs during an oversight hearing on “Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act Successes and Opportunities at the Department of the Interior and the Indian Health Service.”

With Indian Health Service being the 18^th largest health care system in the country, it was an opportunity to share how IHS is helping improve the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives in cooperation with tribes and tribal organizations under ISDEAA, and through contracts and grants awarded to urban Indian organizations authorized by the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

As we mark 50 years since the passage of ISDEAA, Mr. Smith was proud to share that 62 percent of the IHS budget is now managed by tribes through ISDEAA contracts and compacts. These are self-governance arrangements we value as avenues towards strengthening tribal self-determination, which have not only expanded access to services, but also helped improve patient satisfaction and tribal oversight. Watch the committee hearing here.

Meeting with Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board

On September 5, IHS Acting Director Benjamin Smith met with the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Indian Health Board in Bismarck, North Dakota, to share updates and listen directly to tribal leaders from across the region. The acting director is deeply grateful to the tribal chairmen, presidents, and chairpersons representing North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa for their partnership and guidance.

The voices of tribal leaders are essential to shaping the work of the Indian Health Service. Their leadership and advocacy continue to drive our shared commitment to ensuring every American Indian and Alaska Native has access to quality, culturally grounded health care. These conversations are vital to strengthening collaboration, addressing local priorities, and identifying innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our communities.

Together, we are building a stronger health system that reflects the traditions, values, and priorities of the people we serve.

Acting Director Attends National Tribal Health Conference

In September, Acting Director Benjamin Smith had the honor of attending the National Indian Health Board’s Annual National Tribal Health Conference in Chandler, Arizona. The theme for this year, “Culture is Medicine, Community is Healing,” serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience found within our tribal communities. The conference provided a valuable opportunity for tribal leaders to meet with IHS officials to discuss important health policy and program management issues that impact the provision of health services across Indian Country. The acting director is grateful for the chance to provide updates on recent tribal consultations and urban confer activities and to listen to the input, recommendations, and questions shared by participants.

He also participated in an IHS Listening Session titled “A Dialogue on Navigating Tribal Health Care Delivery for Direct Service Tribes.” These conversations are essential as we work together to address both the challenges and opportunities before us, ensuring that our health system continues to reflect tribal priorities and values. Mr. Smith thanks the NIHB for inviting IHS to this important annual event and dedicated IHS employees, whose hard work makes these efforts possible. Their commitment and collaboration are central to advancing the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Together, we are building a stronger, more responsive Indian health system guided by respect for culture, community, and partnership.

NIHB panel discussion participants: DDIEA Director Stacey Ecoffey; IHS Acting Director Ben Smith; White Mountain Apache Tribe Vice Chairman Jerome Kasey; PIMC CEO Debra Ward; and Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee, Chair and Oglala Sioux Tribe Vice-President Alicia Mousseau

Transfer of Claremore Indian Hospital to the Cherokee Nation

On September 23, Acting Director Benjamin Smith joined Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Secretary Kennedy at a signing ceremony for the transfer of the IHS Oklahoma City Area’s Claremore Indian Hospital to the Cherokee Nation, which was effective on October 1. The Claremore Service Unit was the last remaining federally operated IHS facility within the 7,000-square-mile Cherokee Nation Reservation. The tribe is integrating the hospital into its existing health system, which already delivers more than 2.6 million patient visits annually and includes 11 health facilities. The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 was passed to provide tribes with the ability to administer health care services that best meet the needs of their communities. We are proud that today, 62 percent of tribes have assumed control and management of health programs previously administered by the federal government.

Acting Director Meets with Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows

In September, Acting Director Benjamin Smith had the opportunity to meet with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows at the National Academy of Medicine. As part of their orientation, the fellows engaged with key health and policy leaders to prepare for their upcoming work on health-related legislative and regulatory issues with Congress and the executive branch. Their discussion highlighted the vital role of the Indian Health Service and provided important context for the fellows as they begin their policy journeys. Mr. Smith appreciates having the chance to speak with current and future health care leaders.

IHS Welcomes New Director of Strategic Initiatives

In September, the IHS announced the appointment of Dr. Kim Hartwig, a member of the Nez Perce Tribe, as the new director of strategic initiatives for Indian Health Service within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She steps into this role with an extensive background serving Indian Country and a drive to ensure tribes across the country are receiving necessary health care. In this position, Dr. Hartwig will work directly with the IHS Director, and IHS and HHS senior leadership, on substantive program and policy matters that elevate tribal health and improve clinical outcomes across Indian Country.

She recently served as the medical director for Nimiipuu Health on the Nez Perce Reservation from 2019–2024. During her tenure, she focused on implementing health care quality improvements, stronger collaboration with regional entities, and streamlined public health direction for communities on the Nez Perce Reservation. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Hartwig to this position.

Dr. Kim Hartwig

IHS Increases Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Support During World Alzheimer’s Month

On September 17, the IHS announced the award of an additional $2 million through 10 cooperative agreements to enhance tribal and urban Indian health system capacity to provide dementia care and services at the local level. This second round of expansion funding builds on early work and lessons learned from awards offered in 2022 and 2023, with an eye for creating sustainable and replicable models of dementia care. It also advances the HHS’ work to fulfill the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease by enhancing care quality and efficiency, expanding support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their families, and enhancing public awareness and engagement. The 2025 awardees include four new recipients and six returning awardees from previous rounds of funding:

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma (Oklahoma) – $200,000
Central Oklahoma American Indian Health Council, Inc. (Oklahoma) – $200,000
Cherokee Nation (Oklahoma) – $200,000
Chickahominy Indian Tribe (Virginia) – $168,030
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon (Oregon) – $198,603
Denver Indian Health and Family Services (Colorado) – $200,000
Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe (Nevada) – $184,996
First Nations Community Health Source (New Mexico) – $200,000
Norton Sound Health Corporation (Alaska) – $200,000
Seattle Indian Health Board (Washington) – $200,000

There is a critical need for earlier, more accurate diagnosis and culturally responsive care, especially in tribal and urban Indian communities. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to ensuring that people living with dementia, and their families, have access to quality care and support that respects culture and community. Read the full press release to learn more.

IHS Hosts 2025 IHS Nurse Leadership Summit

In early September, the IHS hosted the 2025 IHS Nurse Leadership Summit in Corpus Christi, Texas. This year’s theme was “Leading, Guiding, and Empowering Nurses.” The summit was designed to create an environment to lead, guide, and empower nurses to enhance the domains of health care quality – safety, effectiveness, patient centered, fairness, efficiency, and timeliness. As Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen shared in her remarks, nurses are the heart of patient care. “You are the backbone of our health system, and this gathering is a celebration of your leadership, your expertise, and your unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native communities.”

IHS public health nursing STI case management grantees also participated in a poster presentation to highlight innovative practice and education methods to mitigate the prevalence of STIs within Indian Country through a case management model that utilizes the PHN as a case manager. The IHS PHN STI Case Management Cooperative Agreement grant recipients had the opportunity to participate in this call to action by sharing solutions to address challenges, embrace opportunities and build systems that are safe, innovative and patient focused. grant recipients had the opportunity to participate in this call to action by sharing solutions to address challenges, embrace opportunities, and build systems that are safe, innovative and patient focused.

Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee Holds Quarterly Meeting

On September 16, 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. I appreciate the opportunity to meet with the committee, to share updates, and to respond to their important questions.

2025 FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness Tribal Nations Training Week

In September, Acting Deputy Director Darrell LaRoche visited the 2025 FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness Tribal Nations Training Week in Anniston, Alabama. The event is designed for tribal emergency responders and focuses on developing skills in areas like emergency management, hazardous materials, and health care in a realistic environment. Dozens of staff from across the IHS system participated in a variety of training tracks throughout the week, including developing emergency management programs, public information management, hospital emergency response, and more. Nearly 40 participants joined LaRoche on Thursday night for an elective listening session. The event resulted in a passionate, engaging conversation with tribal leaders and health care workers regarding their accomplishments and challenges of delivering care to our communities. For more information about future classes, which are paid for by FEMA, visit their website.

Health IT Modernization Program Hosts August Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer

The Indian Health Service Health Information Technology Modernization Program continued to prioritize collaboration and engagement during the August Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer on August 7. This session focused on PATH EHR scope and capabilities, highlighting the benefits to clinicians and patients. To read the full August TC/UC Recap, check out this month’s blog.

Enterprise Design Workshop 5: Advancing PATH EHR Preparation and Readiness

The Health Information Technology Modernization Program hosted Enterprise Design Workshop 5 in August at the Oracle Health Innovations campus in Kansas City, Missouri. Across 92 sessions, participants engaged in discussions, evaluated scenarios, and contributed to several important outcomes:

Workflow Alignment: Participants explored clinical and administrative processes to examine how PATH EHR will streamline daily operations and identified areas still requiring further refinement.
Testing Lab: The hands-on testing environment allowed participants to interact with PATH EHR in a realistic but controlled setting. By simulating real-world workflows, users practiced essential tasks and identified potential issues, which built confidence with the Enterprise system ahead of configuration acceptance.

Looking ahead, the final two enterprise design workshops will focus on workflow validation and testing in preparation for PATH EHR configuration acceptance. Please contact modernization@IHS.gov with questions about the Health IT Modernization Program and/or PATH EHR.

P4 Grantees Debut New Video at Annual Conference on Native American Nutrition

The IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4) grantees recently presented at the 7^th Annual Conference on Native American Nutrition in Prior Lake, Minnesota. During the plenary session on “The Intersection of Produce Prescriptions and Indigenous Food Systems”, the newly released video titled “P4: Establishing Roots” was shown to the audience of more than 600 attendees. The video features grantees sharing stories of their programs’ journeys during their inaugural year. Find out more about P4, including the video, on the P4 Grantee Highlights webpage.

IHS Launches Dementia Clinical Pathway

Participants across Indian Country participated in a webinar on September 19 for the official launch of the new IHS Dementia Care Pathway. During the webinar, Indian health experts shared practical tips for using this tool effectively in clinics and programs. The IHS Dementia Care Pathway for primary care is a step-by-step guide that helps providers recognize early signs of dementia, evaluate symptoms, and support families with informed care planning.

Whether you're new to memory screening or looking to strengthen your approach, this new tool offers a practical guide to diagnosis and care across every stage. Explore the full pathway here.

IHS Offers New Dementia Clinical Support Line

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 and share it with others in your facility who may benefit from this resource.

National Indigenous Domestic Violence Hotline Announced

In September, the Administration for Children and Families announced a projected $15 million, five-year grant to fund a National Indigenous Domestic Violence Hotline (NIDVH). Authorized by the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, the NIDVH will be operated by StrongHearts Native Helpline, which aims to help Native Americans impacted by domestic and sexual violence by bringing together safety, sovereignty and support. This investment ensures that Native survivors — many of whom live in rural or under-resourced areas — have access to 24/7 lifesaving support. The NIDVH (1-844-762-8483) will operate 24/7, offering confidential, toll-free support via call, text, and online chat. Staffed by trained advocates with expertise in tribal cultures, sovereignty, and jurisdictional complexities, the hotline will also:

Maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date database of tribal and non-tribal service providers.
Ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and hearing impairments.
Collaborate with other national hotlines and tribal, state, and local partners.
Conduct public awareness campaigns across Indian Country and the United States.

IHS Recognizes Graduates of 2025 Executive Development Program Cohort 2

In September, the Office of Human Resources concluded its final week of the Executive Development Program (EDP) with a focus on Knowing and Leading in a Complex Environment. Acting Director Ben Smith joined Acting Deputy Director Darrell LaRoche and Chief Human Capital Officer Daniel Frye to open the week by welcoming participants, imparting words of wisdom, and offering encouragement for the cohort to continue to serve IHS at their next leadership level.

The EDP reflects the commitment of the IHS to foster the growth and development of the workforce. Designed as a year-long journey, the program aims to equip high-potential IHS leaders with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in senior leadership positions. Over the course of the program, EDP participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum covering a wide array of leadership aspects, such as strategic decision-making, enhanced communication styles, and leading and managing organizational change.

The course concluded with capstone projects presented to the IHS Executive Leadership Team on September 23, and the graduation of 28 participants at IHS headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. Congratulations to the graduates of EDP Cohort 2!

NPC September 2025 Pharmacy Wellness Spotlight – Blackfeet Service Unit (Billings Area)

The pharmacy team at the Blackfeet Service Unit is being recognized for its efforts to boost employee wellness and morale over the past two years. As the team has expanded from seven to 17 members, it has dedicated itself to improving employee wellness through fitness activities, outdoor adventures, and shared meals.

BFSU recognizes the positive link between employee wellness and increased productivity, higher morale, and lower absenteeism. Employees who opt to participate in the wellness program are permitted half an hour each workday for wellness activities. BFSU acknowledges that a healthier workforce can lead to reduced health care costs, lower employee turnover, and enhanced recruitment and retention efforts.

The pharmacy team participates in a variety of outdoor activities together, including hiking, camping, fly fishing, rock climbing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and skiing at Glacier National Park. They also hold a quarterly potluck to promote social connections and strengthen their community bond. Congratulations BFSU Pharmacy Team!

National Indian Health Board’s National Tribal Health Conference

On September 8, Division of Behavioral Health Director Dr. Glorinda Segay attended the National Indian Health Board’s National Tribal Health Conference in Chandler, Arizona, and participated in a key behavioral health listening session alongside representatives from SAMHSA and the VA. Dr. Segay shared progress from the National Tribal Advisory Committee for Behavioral Health, updates on grants and initiatives focused on suicide prevention, and details on virtual behavioral health trainings offered through the Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence. Her participation and engagement underscore our commitment to improving behavioral health outcomes and supporting the well-being of tribal and urban communities.

Office of Environmental Health and Engineering Annual Directors Meeting

In September, the Office of Environmental Health and Engineering held their Annual Directors Meeting at the Dallas, Texas, office. OEHE directors from headquarters and the 12 areas addressed pertinent issues regarding training and development, technology modernization, and the OEHE vision for the future. Several headquarters office directors presented on current topics within their fields of expertise. This is an annual meeting to close out the current year and plan for the future as we continue to address budget challenges.

Division of Recruitment and Retention Attends Conferences

On September 17-19, IHS staff from the headquarters Division of Recruitment and Retention were joined by Division of Nursing Services staff to recruit at the Emergency Nurses Association Conference held in New Orleans, which brought together emergency registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, nursing students, and medical professors. On September 18-20, staff also joined recruitment team members from the Navajo and Billings Areas to recruit at the American Association of Indian Physician Conference in Seattle. The event attracted a large presence of Native physicians, residents, and medical students from across the United States. At both events, attendees expressed a strong interest in employment with the IHS, clinical rotations, the IHS Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs, and a shared desire to provide direct patient care to an underserved population.

(Left to right) Recruitment and Outreach Program Coordinator Meredith Hunt, Deputy Director of Nursing Services Dr. Shavonna White, Program Analyst (Loan Repayment) Tara Johnston, and Director of Nursing Services Dr. Johanna Bahe at the Emergency Nurses Association Conference

(Left to right) Recruitment and Outreach Program Coordinator Keith Bohanan, Pre-med IHS Scholar Amaya Pablo, Pre-med IHS Scholar Amber White, Navajo Area Health Profession Recruitment Manager Terrah Johnson, and Billings Area Health Professions Recruiter Susan Swanz at the American Association of Indian Physician Conference

IHS Recruits at National Conferences for Emergency Medicine and Emergency Physicians

In September, staff members of the headquarters Office of Human Resources, along with the Billings Area health professions recruiter and staff from the Navajo Area, recruited at the American College of Emergency Physicians Scientific Assembly and Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Both events attracted emergency medicine physicians, residents, and medical students from across the country. These individuals expressed a strong interest in employment with the IHS, the IHS Loan Repayment Program, student rotations, and shared knowledge in their interest to provide direct patient care to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

IHS Recruiters Participate in National Conferences

In September, members of the headquarters Office of Human Resources recruited at several health care-related conferences across the country. From September 27–29, they teamed with staff from the Navajo Area to recruit at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition in Denver, Colorado. On September 25–28, staff members of the Division of Recruitment and Retention and Loan Repayment Program, along with recruitment staff from the Portland and Billings Areas, recruited at the Osteopathic Medical Education Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Finally, IHS Recruitment and Outreach Program Coordinator Meredith Hunt recruited for IHS at the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Conference this week in San Francisco, California. The health professionals at each event expressed an interest in opportunities available with the IHS to provide direct patient care to underserved populations.

Alaska Native Medical Center Welcomes IHS Alaska Area Staff for Site Visit

Alaska Area staff visited the Alaska Native Medical Center emergency services expansion, operated by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. The project will boost emergency care capacity and improve access for Alaska Native communities. For more information, visit ANMC Emergency Expansion.

Albuquerque Area Hosts First Cancer Patient Navigation Session

On September 4, the Albuquerque Area held their first-ever Cancer Patient Navigation Session in Espanola, New Mexico. Dozens of health care providers in attendance learned about navigating various health care systems, data, best practices, screening, Purchased/Referred Care, case management, navigation certifications, and more. The event was held in partnership with the Santa Clara SDPI and CHR Programs, Albuquerque Area Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program, IHS headquarters Public Health Council, and Christus St. Vincent Regional Cancer Center.

Bemidji Area Pharmacists Represent IHS at NDSU’s Career Fair

Bemidji Area pharmacists representing all three service units—Cass Lake Hospital, Red Lake Hospital, and White Earth Health Center—recently attended North Dakota State University’s College of Health and Human Sciences Career Fair, which brought together health care organizations and academic institutions to connect with students pursuing careers in pharmacy, nursing, public health, and related fields. This event provided opportunities for networking, learning about career paths, and exploring internships and employment in the IHS. The pharmacists connected with nearly 100 students during the event.

Billings Area Hosts Annual Healthy Tribes Run on the Rims Event

On August 30, the Billings Area held its 8^th Annual Healthy Tribes Run on the Rims event. The event included a 2-mile walk, 5k run, and 10k warrior run. The Office of Healthcare Programs coordinated the event in collaboration with local community organizations, with the goal to promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity.

California Area Hosts Grand Opening and Blessing Event at Sacred Oaks Healing Center

On September 3, the California Area held a grand opening and blessing of the storm water chamber and therapeutic field project at the Sacred Oaks Healing Center. Area staff were joined by the Youth Regional Treatment Center Tribal Advisory Committee and other tribal leaders to celebrate the completion of these two large projects.

Great Plains Area Clinic Receives National Community Leadership Award

On September 25, the Four Directions Clinic in Kyle, South Dakota, was recognized with the 2024 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for its outstanding work with victims of child sexual abuse and its strong partnerships with the FBI and local law enforcement to hold offenders accountable. Since 2014, the clinic has provided critical services, such as after-hours forensic exams, timely reports of new cases, and federal court testimony that contributed to a 40-year sentence in one case. This award highlights the clinic’s leadership in protecting children and strengthening community safety.

Nashville Area’s Mid-Atlantic Tribal Health Center Offers Presentation on Nutrition for Seniors

On September 3, Mid-Atlantic Tribal Health Center Registered Dietitian Erica Smith presented at the Chickahominy Brown Bag Elder’s Day event. Her presentation titled, “Nutrition for Seniors: Eat Well, Stay Well”, helped seniors to eat better and to understand why nutrition is important for maintaining optimal health. Twenty-two elders participated in the presentation.

Navajo Area and Service Units Offer Youth Obstacle Course at Annual Navajo Nation Fair

On September 3, nearly 20 staff and volunteers from the Four Corners Regional Health Care, Northern Navajo Medical Center, and the Kayenta Health Care Center joined the Navajo Area Health Promotion Disease Prevention team to offer a youth obstacle course at the 77^th Annual Navajo Nation Fair. The 12-station obstacle course was a fun experience for each youth to test their agility, balance, strength, motor skills, and focus by participating in mini hurdles, climbing walls, hula hoops, balance beams, slam ball, ropes, and throwing and kicking drills. A total of 49 schools with children in Pre-K to 5^th grade attended the fair and 741 youth participated in the obstacle course. It was a great success, giving the youth a positive, safe, and joyful event.

Oklahoma City Area Collaborates with Kaw Nation to Raise Awareness on Car Seat Safety

The Oklahoma City Area Division of Environmental Health Services recently collaborated with the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma, Ponca City Police Department, and the Ponca City Honda dealership to raise awareness on car seat safety. Motor vehicle fatalities remain a leading cause of injury and death among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Initiatives like this are important for gaining support, education, and hands-on training to reduce current rates. These collaborations are vital in meeting and sustaining the mission of the IHS. DEHS is very grateful to have been included and for the support from all entities that were involved.

Injury Prevention Specialist Cmdr. David Bales demonstrates the proper type, placement and installation of car seats to train police officers on what to look for during routine traffic stops

Phoenix Area Hosts Site Visit from Senior Advisor to HHS Secretary

On September 9, the Phoenix Indian Medical Center was honored to host a site visit with Mark Cruz, senior advisor to the HHS Secretary, and Ben Smith, acting IHS director. During the visit, CEO Deb Ward Lund, Phoenix Area Director Ty Reidhead, and the PIMC leadership team highlighted the many unique and successful programs at the center and across the Phoenix Area. Both visitors expressed their appreciation for the dedication, teamwork, and commitment to excellence that is consistently demonstrated by PIMC staff.

Portland Area Service Unit Hosts Fun-Filled Day to Support Health and Nutrition

The Yakama IHS staff enjoyed a day of appreciation that included an awards ceremony, physical activity games, and health promotion activities. Staff also completed GPRA screening questionnaires, with a focus on colon cancer screening. Since colon cancer is the most prevalent cancer on the Yakama Nation reservation, staff were able to request screening kits and walk through “Kiki the Colon” to view the different stages of the disease. To further support cancer and diabetes prevention, Yakama Nation Farms, Yakama Nation Nutrition, and the SDPI Yakama Nation Wak’ishwi Program provided staff with boxes of fruits and vegetables grown on the reservation.

Native Americans for Community Action Hold Open House

On September 4, Acting Deputy Director Darrell LaRoche provided remarks at the open house for the newly renovated Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) clinic in Flagstaff, Arizona. This clinic is more than a building—it is a space dedicated to healing, growth, and the future of American Indian and Alaska Native adults, children, and families.

NACA, an urban Indian organization, has long been a cornerstone of the Flagstaff community. For generations, NACA has provided vital services, advocacy, and outreach—serving as a lifeline not only for Native families, but also for the broader urban community. Its holistic approach honors culture, traditions, and beliefs while addressing the full spectrum of wellness. With this renovated clinic, patients will have access to an array of services—from pediatrics to adult and women’s health, from behavioral health to economic development and community outreach. Every aspect of this work reflects a deep commitment to treating the whole person and the whole family.

Photo: facebook.com/NACAflagstaff

Native American Health Center Hosts Annual Powwow Attracts Nearly 3,000 Attendees

On September 27, the Native American Health Center hosted their annual Powwow in Oakland, California. This year, NAHC transitioned to a social powwow—a huge hit for the community, drawing around 3,000 attendees. From switch dances and potato contests to everyone entering the arena and dancing to pop artists, the day was filled with excitement, joy, and community. These gatherings not only celebrate Native culture and bring our people together, but also help expand the reach of NAHC, introducing the health center to new audiences and welcoming new members and supporters through its doors.

Gerald L. Ignance Indian Health Center Partners with Medical School in Milwaukee

The Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, announced a new partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin’s medical school. This collaboration will strengthen health care access and medical education in Milwaukee, while advancing culturally responsive care for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The partnership will create opportunities for medical training, workforce development, and research to expand access and improve health outcomes for our relatives. Great job to GLIIHC for this new venture.

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic Receives $25K Grant to Support After-School Program

The Oklahoma City Indian Clinic recently received a $25,000 Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. The funding will support OKCIC’s after-school program for American Indian youth, with a focus on mentorship, nutrition, and physical activity. Blue Impact grants are designed to address five key areas: economic opportunity and stability, nutrition, neighborhood and local assets, locally defined health solutions, and optimal health outcomes. This grant will allow OKCIC to expand its youth programming and continue addressing long-term health outcomes in the community. OKCIC Nutritionists Quena Johnson and Ali Farriss represented the clinic at the grant presentation.

Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa Offers Discussion on Elder Abuse

In September, the Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa welcomed Cassie Rebeor, a Later in Life outreach and client support advocate with domestic violence intervention services, as the featured speaker of IHCRC's monthly elder engagement event, Tea & Topics. Rebeor led an informative discussion focused on helping elders recognize the risk factors and warning signs of abuse including physical, emotional, financial, and other forms, as well as practical strategies for prevention. Her presentation fostered awareness, empowerment, and community connection among the many attendees.

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August Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer Recap: PATH EHR Scope and Capabilities

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