IHS Blog

IHS updates Congress on progress in improving services and strengthening systems based on GAO recommendations

March 12, 2019
by Rear Adm. Michael D. Weahkee, Principal Deputy Director, Indian Health Service

Rear Adm. Michael Weahkee, IHS principal deputy director, testifies before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C., March 12, 2019.

Today I had the privilege of testifying before the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  to update them on our progress in implementing recommendations from the Government Accountability Office to improve our services and strengthen our systems.

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Healthy Teen Relationship Matters

February 28, 2019
by Selina Keryte, MPH, National Domestic Violence Program Lead, Division of Behavioral Health

For teenagers, dating can be fun and healthy. But adolescent relationships, like all others, can be vulnerable to violence and abuse. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, and IHS encourages teens to be aware of and, if necessary, seek help and get services to protect ... Continue reading

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Measles Outbreak Highlights the Importance of Vaccination

February 5, 2019
by CAPT Stephen "Miles" Rudd, MD, Portland/Alaska Area CMO

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing.  Measles starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body.  Measles can be easily prevented by getting the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. ... Continue reading

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Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Our Community Health Representatives 1968-2018 – Standing Tall for 50 Years

December 7, 2018
by Georgianna Old Elk, IHS Community Health Representative Program Lead

This year commemorated the 50^th anniversary of the Indian Health Service Community Health Representatives Program.  This milestone celebrated the tremendous strides Community Health Representatives have made in bridging the cultural, language, and systems gaps between native people and health ... Continue reading

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Center of Excellence at Phoenix Indian Medical Center – Achieving Excellence in HIV and HCV Care

November 29, 2018
by Rick Haverkate, IHS National HIV & Hepatitis C Program Coordinator

Many of the health facilities of the Indian Health Service are in rural locations. Among the exceptions is the Phoenix Indian Medical Center. Clinical providers at this hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, see over 140,000 American Indian and Alaska Native patients each year, including patients referred for specialty services from rural locations. Among PIMC’s specialty services is a Center of Excellence focused on advancing and coordinating treatment of HIV, hepatitis C, diabetes, and cancer. ... Continue reading