IHS Blog

Strengthening Dementia Care Through National Coordination and Local Action

October 22, 2026
by Jolie Crowder, PhD, MSN, RN, CCM, Division of Clinical and Community Services, Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, IHS Headquarters

Across hundreds of communities throughout the country, families and caregivers walk alongside elders every day, honoring their memories, their stories, and their lives. The Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal nations, and urban Indian health programs share a commitment to strengthening the systems ... Continue reading

---

Building Stronger Responses to Domestic Violence Through Education and Community Outreach

October 20, 2026
by Nicole Stahlmann, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services, IHS/HQ

Across the Indian Health Service, healthcare professionals are strengthening their ability to recognize, respond to, and support individuals affected by domestic violence. Through specialized training, community outreach, and partnerships, IHS, Tribal, and urban Indian health programs are expanding ... Continue reading

---

PATH EHR Go-Live: Lawton Supports a New Phase of Modernization

October 13, 2026
by Mitchell Thornbrugh, Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service

I am proud to share a milestone that reflects the strength and leadership of the communities we serve. On September 26, the Lawton Service Unit in Oklahoma became the first Indian Health Service site to go live with our new electronic health record (EHR) solution, PATH EHR.

PATH EHR is designed ... Continue reading

---

Culture, Connection, and Conversation: Preventing Suicide Together

September 28, 2026
by Pamela End of Horn, DSW, LICSW, IHS National Suicide Prevention Consultant, Division of Behavioral Health

Suicide prevention begins with recognizing both the challenges people may face and the strengths that can help them navigate through hard times. For American Indian and Alaska Native people, practicing traditions, speaking Native languages, spending time with family and community, participating in ... Continue reading

---

PATH EHR Go-Live: Lawton Service Unit Prepares to Lead the Way

September 21, 2026
by Jeanette Kompkoff, Director of Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations, Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service is approaching a significant milestone: the deployment of the new PATH electronic health record (EHR) at the Lawton Service Unit in Lawton, Okla. This modernization effort reflects our core commitment to design, build, and implement solutions alongside our clinical and operational ... Continue reading