IHS Blog

Advancing Tribal Economies and Community Well-Being Through the Buy Indian Act

April 15, 2026
by Dr. Rose Weahkee, Associate Director for Management Operations

The Indian Health Service, in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), is strengthening opportunities for Indian-owned businesses by maximizing the use of the Buy Indian Act—supporting Tribal economies and the overall well-being of communities across Indian Country.

Since 1910, ... Continue reading

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Forensic Health Care Providers Working Diligently to Lessen the Impact of Violent Crimes across Indian Country – Part 1

April 10, 2026
by Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services

Every April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month bring the opportunity for a healthy pause and reflection of program activities across the Indian Health Service, Tribal and urban Indian organization programs. Below are just a few highlights to showcase Indian health ... Continue reading

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March Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer Recap: PATH EHR Activities Update

April 6, 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 Health Information Technology Modernization Program continues to prioritize engagement and alignment with Tribal and urban Indian organizations through Tribal consultation and urban confer sessions. During the session on March 5, program leaders highlighted ongoing progress ... Continue reading

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2025 Health IT Modernization Program Recap

March 10, 2026
by Jeanette Kompkoff, Director of Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations, Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service

2025 marked a period of meaningful progress for the Indian Health Service Health Information Technology (IT) Modernization Program, as we continue building the foundation for a more connected, efficient, and patient-centered health system. Throughout the year, the Program was shaped by extensive ... Continue reading

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Team Up for Patient Safety: Strengthening Safety and Trust Across the Indian Health Service March 8–14, 2026 | Patient Safety Awareness Week

March 9, 2026
by Commander Michelle Livingston, MSN, RN, CNL, CIC, CCM, CPPS

During Patient Safety Awareness Week, the Indian Health Service proudly joins healthcare organizations nationwide in recognizing the 2026 theme: “Team Up for Patient Safety.”

At IHS, patient safety is not the responsibility of a single role or department; it is a shared commitment ... Continue reading