IHS Blog

Protecting and Honoring Elders in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

June 29, 2026
by Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services

Elder abuse remains under-recognized and under-reported. Raising awareness and improving education can help communities, caregivers, and health care providers recognize abuse, connect elders to resources, and support the safety and dignity of elders. ... Continue reading

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Uniformed Service Staff Members Sweep Society of Military Engineers Awards

June 11, 2026
by Capt. Martin L. Smith, MPH, RS\REHS, IHS Office of Environmental Health & Engineering Director

The Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Environmental Health & Engineering is proud to highlight the accomplishments of its staff in receiving all three available Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Uniformed Service Awards for the U.S. Public Health Service for 2025. These prestigious national awards were presented on May 21 in Portland, Oregon at the Society Ball & Awards Gala of the Joint Engineer Training Conference.

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National EMS Week 2026: Improving Outcomes, Together

May 18, 2026
by Ardith Aspaas, BSN, RN, Nurse Consultant, Indian Health Service Emergency Medical Services for Children Program

As we observe National EMS Week 2026, the Indian Health Service recognizes the dedication, skill, and service of EMS professionals across Indian Country. This year's theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” reflects the teamwork and coordination that strengthen emergency care, improve patient ... Continue reading

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Building a Holistic Health Care Approach at IHS During Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day

May 4, 2026
by Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services

May 5th is recognized as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day. This is a day to help remember and honor our Indigenous relatives who have gone missing or were murdered, and a day to raise awareness to offer prevention efforts within our communities. On this day, we ask that ... Continue reading

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Forensic Health Care Providers Working Diligently to Lessen the Impact of Violent Crimes across Indian Country – Part 2

April 23, 2026
by Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services IHS/HQ

As highlighted in Part 1, IHS, Tribal, and urban Indian programs are making meaningful progress in expanding forensic health care services. The following examples continue that story, showcasing how programs are increasing access to care and supporting survivors across diverse communities.

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