IHS Blog

Health IT Modernization Program: Lawton Leader Kick-off

July 9, 2025
by Jeanette Kompkoff, Director of Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations, Office of Information Technology

On June 10, the Indian Health Service Health Information Technology Modernization Program reached an important milestone by hosting the Lawton Leader Kick-off at the Lawton Service Unit (LSU), marking a transition from system design to local preparation. Leaders from the Lawton Indian Hospital, ... Continue reading

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May Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer Recap: A Focus on Four Directions Warehouse

June 13, 2025
by Jeanette Kompkoff, Director of Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations, Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service Health Information Technology (IT) Modernization Program hosted its first tribal consultation and urban confer session of 2025 on May 15. Participants from across Indian Country joined the virtual session, which focused on the program’s progress in enterprise ... Continue reading

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Honoring the Work of Tribal Emergency Medical Services

May 22, 2025
by Ardith Aspaas, BSN, RN, Nurse Consultant, Indian Health Service Emergency Medical Services for Children Program

As we observe National EMS Week 2025, the Indian Health Service is proud to highlight the work of the Navajo Nation EMS and White Mountain Apache Tribe EMS. Their dedication reflects the true spirit of this year's theme, “We Care. For Everyone.” These features, written by the programs themselves, ... Continue reading

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The IHS Agrees that Every Day is a "Take-Back" Day

May 2, 2025
by Cmdr. Kristin Allmaras, PharmD, MS-HSA, BCACP, Director of Pharmacy, Cass Lake Hospital, Bemidji Area

The Indian Health Service remains committed to expanding access to safe medication disposal services in its hospitals and health centers to ensure unwanted and unused medications are promptly removed from the home and community. Currently, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts National ... Continue reading

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Empowering American Indian and Alaska Native Communities during Alcohol Awareness Month

April 24, 2025
by Alleyne Toya, M.S., Public Health Advisor, Indian Health Service

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about alcohol use, misuse, and its impact, particularly in Indian Country. This observance promotes education, healthier lifestyles, and reducing the stigma around alcohol use disorder. American Indian and Alaska Native ... Continue reading