Partnerships
The IHS health care system is unique and has a vision of creating "a health system that embraces traditional knowledge and practices to foster thriving communities for seven generations." As we work toward meeting our mission and vision, we recognize that we can't do this work alone but also rely on our partners from intergovernmental agencies, from Tribes and Urban Indian Organizations and national public health organizations like APHA. Each has a role in the promotion of the health and wellbeing of American Indian and Alaska Native males through coordinated efforts that prioritize physical health through chronic disease and behavioral health prevention and treatment, health education and healthy parenting, and much more.
Non-Federal Partners
In February, IHS and APHA (through the Mental Health Section, the American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Caucus, and the Men's Health Caucus) established a Memorandum of Understanding [PDF - 229 KB] that conveys the commitment of all parties to improve the health and wellbeing of Native males. Specifically, this MOU increases awareness and participation of health research focused on Native males through the APHA Mental Health Section and the annual Bothwell Awards.
Dr. Eric (Ric) Bothwell worked for the Indian Health Service as a commissioned officer for over 26 years. He continued his life-long work on behalf of American Indians and Alaska Natives as a consultant on many initiatives and served as a public health advisor for the Men's Health Network, helping to coordinate the Native Male Health Coalition: The Warrior's journey to Wellness. Ric was a tireless advocate for public health and passionately fought to bring attention to health disparities, particularly those facing Native American males.
This co-sponsorship and coordination of activities allow us to recognize outstanding early career and student researchers by providing travel and registration support to the annual American Public Health Association meeting.
The Bothwell Awards are recognized during the APHA annual meeting. To check eligibility and to apply to the Eric D. Bothwell awards please visit the Bothwell Awards website.
The 2025 Bothwell Award student recipient is Macaiah Shendo, BSc, Pueblo of Jemez. Epidemiology Graduate Student at UNM College of Population Health
APHA Staff and IHS met at the 2025 American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting, held November 2-5, 2025 in Washington, DC. Pictured from left to right: Rear Admiral Francis Frazier, Director, Office of Public Health Support, Indian Health Service; Christopher Larrison, PhD 2025 Chair of the APHA Mental Health Section; Albert W. Pless, MS 2025 Chair of the APHA Men's Health Caucus; Lisa Kaanoi, MPH 2025 Chair Elect of the APHA American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian AIANNH Caucus.
Federal Partners
The Indian Health Service and Veterans Affairs (VA) are working together to improve the health status of AI/AN veterans. In October 2010, an MOU between VA and IHS was renewed and signed to establish coordination, collaboration, and resource-sharing between VA and IHS.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and IHS a memorandum of understanding (MOU)
