April Blogs

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

... Continue reading

---

Empowering American Indian and Alaska Native Communities during Alcohol Awareness Month

... Continue reading

---

Community Health Representatives: True Health Care Partners in Public Health

... Continue reading

---

Governance Drives IHS Modernization Program

... Continue reading

---

Cultural Connection is Key to Prevention! IHS Recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month

... Continue reading

---

IHS is Uniting for Change during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

... Continue reading

---

Power to Protect: National Infant Immunization Week

... Continue reading

---

Building Strength in Community for National Child Abuse Prevention Month

... Continue reading

---

Raising Sexual Assault Awareness to Strengthen Unity in Indian Country

... Continue reading

---

IHS Celebrates World Autism Acceptance Month

... Continue reading

---

IHS Supports Tribal Communities in Addressing Alcohol and Substance Abuse

In April, the Indian Health Service observes Alcohol Awareness Month to increase awareness and understanding of the causes and treatment of one of the nation’s top public health problems: alcoholism. This month allows communities to focus on spreading awareness and reducing the stigma associated with ... Continue reading

---

IHS Announces Strategic Initiative: Asthma Control in Tribal Communities

I am pleased to announce the release of the IHS Strategic Initiative – Asthma Control in Tribal communities, or ACT. As a clinical and public health priority in our vulnerable service population, IHS advocates a comprehensive strategy to reduce asthma-related morbidity and mortality among American ... Continue reading

---

Occupational Therapy Offers a Career of Passion, Growth and Service

We are entering into spring, which is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate occupational therapy. Occupational therapists work as a part of the interdisciplinary team across Indian Health Service sites. Occupational therapy is a science-driven, evidence-based profession to enable those of all ages ... Continue reading

---

Putting a Focus on the Safety, Health and Well-Being of Native Youth during National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a month to focus on preventing and identifying the ongoing issues of safety, health and well-being for children nationwide.

Child abuse and neglect are highly prevalent within tribal communities. American Indian and Alaska Native children ... Continue reading

---

Recognizing the Importance of Sexual Assault Prevention in Indian Country

Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April highlights ongoing advocacy and prevention efforts, drawing attention to how widespread and far-reaching sexual violence is within our communities. Sexual assault is any act of sexual activity or contact without consent that can happen through physical force ... Continue reading

---

IHS Celebrates Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month! One of the many goals of Autism Awareness Month is to recommit ourselves to providing people with autism and their families with the support and quality health care they need to thrive.

The Indian Health Service is committed to supporting individuals with autism, ... Continue reading

---

Occupational Therapists Help Patients Return to Everyday Living

April is Occupational Therapy Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of occupational therapists as important members of our health care teams across the Indian health system. This year’s theme, “Occupational Therapy: Empowering Everyday Living,” highlights the work of OTs as ... Continue reading

---

Tribal Management Grants Available for Tribes and Tribal Organizations

The Indian Health Service is currently accepting applications for grants under the Tribal Management Grant Program Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , a competitive grant for federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations that is administered by the Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes. 

The ... Continue reading

---

IHS and Little Shell Tribe Open New Health Clinic in Montana

This week, the Billings Area Indian Health Service announced the opening of the Little Shell Tribal Health Clinic. The new 10,000 square-foot facility provides health care services for the more than 5,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives residing in the metropolitan area of Great Falls, Montana.

Partnering ... Continue reading

---

National Public Health Week Highlights Positive Impact of Improving Public Health

During the first full week of April each year, the American Public Health Association brings together communities across the United States to observe National Public Health Week Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues ... Continue reading

---

Navajo Nation Council Recognizes Indian Health Service Navajo Area Staff

On March 31, 2022, Navajo Area Indian Health Service medical service providers, front line staff, essential workers, and other staff were honored by the Navajo Nation Council in a signing ceremony Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  conducted at the council chambers in Window Rock, Arizona. 

The ... Continue reading

---

IHS expanded telehealth to provide care during COVID-19 pandemic

The Indian health system provides care in a wide range of settings, including many rural and remote locations settings. Telemedicine is therefore an ideal, if not essential, component of our care delivery. Telehealth is can include clinical health care, patient and professional ... Continue reading

---

Addressing health disparities in Indian Country during COVID-19

Today, I provided testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  on addressing health disparities in Indian Country and to review the Indian Health Services’ resources and needs. This was my first time ... Continue reading

---

Over one year later: continuing to respond to COVID-19 in Indian Country

Today, I provided testimony during the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs oversight hearing on “Examining the COVID-19 Response in Native Communities: Native Health Systems One Year Later” Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov . On the panel I was joined by the Honorable William Smith, National ... Continue reading

---

Reversing the course of the sexually transmitted infection epidemic

STD Awareness Week Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , observed this year from April 11-17, provides an opportunity to bring awareness to the impacts of sexually transmitted infections. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  estimate that on any ... Continue reading

---

Virtually Observing World Autism Awareness Day

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, which is dedicated to raising awareness of autism spectrum disorder. The Indian Health Service is virtually hosting the third annual World Autism Awareness Day Interagency Roundtable, which allows us to come together and discuss the work, research, and resources ... Continue reading

---

Engaging Youth to Address Commercial Tobacco Use

The Indian Health Service Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program is recognizing the Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action on April 1, which is dedicated to promoting a tobacco-free world and raising awareness about the harmful effects of smoking tobacco. On this day, youth are encouraged ... Continue reading

---

Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the Impacts of COVID-19

During Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, it is important to acknowledge how COVID-19 is impacting the daily routines of all American Indians and Alaska Natives living on reservations, rancherias, remote villages, and in cities across Indian Country. In this unprecedented ... Continue reading

---

New study shows decrease in diabetes prevalence for American Indian and Alaska Native adults

The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native adults decreased significantly from 2013 to 2017, according to a new study published Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  in BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care, a journal published by BMJ in partnership with the American ... Continue reading

---

#IAmIHS: Lt. Kali Aberle

I was raised in South Dakota and I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. When I was little and my great-grandmother became sick, I helped take care of her every day after school. I then stayed close to home for nursing school, and I joined the Standing Rock Service Unit soon after.

... Continue reading

---

Pathways Internship Program

The Indian Health Services offers hands-on experience for students, from the high school to graduate level to those transitioning into a career in federal service. The Pathways Internship Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  is a career-building opportunity that allows students to explore federal careers while continuing their education.

... Continue reading

---

Virtual Student Federal Service Internship

This year, the Indian Health Service welcomed a new group of student interns to work remotely on projects throughout the agency.

The Virtual Student Federal Service Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  , formerly known as the Virtual Student Foreign Service, managed by the U.S. Department of ... Continue reading

---

Observing World Autism Awareness Day From Home

April 2, 2020 marks the 13th World Autism Awareness Day, a day recognized internationally to help raise public awareness of autism and also highlight April as World Autism Month. Federal agencies and multiple organizations continuously work together in efforts to raise awareness and address autism spectrum disorders to support individuals, their families, and communities.

... Continue reading

---

IHS Focuses on Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse happens somewhere every 10 seconds.  Child abuse and neglect has a long lasting effect on children across Indian Country.  In recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month, the Indian Health Service, Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, Division of Behavioral Health has ... Continue reading

---

Center for Domestic Preparedness 4th Annual Tribal Nations Training Week

I recently had the opportunity to attend the 4^th Annual Tribal Nations Training Week at the Center for Domestic Preparedness Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  campus in Anniston, Alabama. The CDP is operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  and their mission is to provide free, fully funded training in disaster preparedness, protection, and response to state, local, tribal and territorial emergency responders, as well as personnel who are affiliated with a tribal nation, the Indian Health Service, or those who work directly with a tribal nation.

... Continue reading

---

Recognizing the positive impacts of Youth Regional Treatment Centers during Alcohol Awareness Month

During Alcohol Awareness Month, we recognize the many challenges facing Native adolescents. Although there are challenges, there are also amazing stories of resilience and courage that occur every day through the efforts of federal, tribal and urban Indian programs aimed at alcohol prevention and treatment.

One ... Continue reading

---

Taking Action to Prevent and Respond to Sexual Assault

April marks both a somber and hopeful month for sexual assault awareness and prevention.  Indian Health Service staff, along with many tribal partners, have taken part in events around our great nation to highlight the experiences of sexual assault survivors, educate our staff and the public about ... Continue reading

---

IHS highlights new data during STD Awareness Month

April is recognized as Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Month and brings attention to the nearly 20 million new STD cases that occur in the United States each year.

While STDs affect all racial and ethnic groups, American Indian and Alaska Native populations bear a ... Continue reading

---

New director leads the Office of Clinical and Preventive Services at IHS Headquarters

Darrell LaRoche, an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, joins the Indian Health Service as the director of the IHS Office of Clinical and Preventive Services at IHS headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. The Office of Clinical and Preventive Services aims to improve and promote wellness for American Indian and Alaska Native people by serving as the primary source of national advocacy, policy development, budget development and allocation for clinical, preventive, and public health programs for IHS, Area Offices, and Service Units. It is also the voice for clinical, preventive, and public health needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

... Continue reading

---

Four IHS hospitals complete Baby-Friendly re-designation

The Indian Health Service launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in 2011. Four of the 10 IHS hospitals that have been designated as Baby-Friendly have recently achieved re-designation, indicating their ongoing commitment to promoting a healthy start for babies.

... Continue reading

---

Rear Adm. Weahkee recently visits 2019 Circle of Harmony HIV/AIDS Wellness Conference

Principal Deputy Director Rear Adm. Michael D. Weahkee was a keynote speaker at the 2019 Circle of Harmony HIV/AIDS Wellness Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he updated attendees on IHS’ involvement in Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov ;and ... Continue reading

---

Alcohol Awareness Month - Preventing Alcohol Related Deaths

April is Alcohol Awareness Month.  The monthly observance was started by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence in 1987 to “help reduce the stigma so often associated with alcoholism by encouraging communities to reach out to the American public each April with information ... Continue reading

---

IHS Announces New Program to Support Youth After Successful Substance Abuse Treatment

The Indian Health Service has launched a new program to address the gap in services that occurs when youth are discharged upon successful completion of a Youth Regional Treatment Center (YRTC) program and return to their home community where necessary support systems may not exist.

... Continue reading

---

Building Early Childhood Caries Prevention Into IHS Activities

Tooth decay is a significant problem for American Indian and Alaska Native preschool children. Half of all American Indian and Alaska Native preschool children have experienced tooth decay.

... Continue reading

---

April is STD Awareness Month

April is recognized as Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Month and brings attention to the nearly 20 million new STDs that occur in the United States each year. While STDs affect all racial and ethnic groups, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations are affected at a higher rate.

In ... Continue reading

---

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

As we observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Indian Health Service has an important role in improving the lives of Native youth.

When I reflect on my Tribe's past, and similar stories across many tribal nations, I know that my ancestors raised their children through strengths-based ... Continue reading

---

Earth Day: Healthy Planet, Healthy Populations

Last year on Earth Day I encouraged everyone to make every day Earth Day. What did we do at IHS during the past year to accomplish that?

We have increased employee participation of telework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 26,832 telework days to 29,198 telework days annually. The construction ... Continue reading

---

IHS Strives to Address Alcohol Misuse

Alcohol use can have long term and sometimes devastating effects on individuals, families and communities. Unfortunately, Indian Country is not always immune to these effects. Alcohol Awareness Month provides an opportunity to strengthen awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage communities to promote ... Continue reading

---

Family Spirit Program is Aimed at Assisting New Parents

The Family Spirit Program Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  is an evidence-based, culturally tailored home-visit intervention delivered by Community Health Representatives (CHRs) as a core strategy to support young Native families who have infants and children ages 0 to 3 years old. Parents gain ... Continue reading

---

Tribal Management Grants Available for Tribes and Tribal Organizations

The Indian Health Service is now accepting applications for the Tribal Management Grant Program Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , a competitive grant for federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations that is administered by the Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT).

The ... Continue reading

---

Lawton Service Unit celebrates 100 years of caring

The Lawton Indian Hospital is celebrating 100 years of caring for patients in the Lawton-Ft. Sill area, 85 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. Today, the hospital provides care to more than 23,000 patients.

In the early 1900s, Kiowa tribal leaders lobbied for a hospital. In 1914, Congress approved ... Continue reading

---

IHS/Tribal team recognized for emergency water connection in Tucson Area

A team of IHS engineers, technicians and environmental health staff and personnel from the Tohono O'odham Utility Authority have been recognized by the National Indian Health Board, the Tohono O'odham Nation Legislative Council and the IHS Tucson Area for their work to complete an emergency water project ... Continue reading

---

Let's make every day Earth Day

The IHS mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health status of the American Indian and Alaska Native people to the highest possible level. That includes doing our part to preserve the environment.

Today, you can’t walk down the street without some indication that ... Continue reading

---

National Infant Immunization Week

During National Infant Immunization Week, April 16-23, IHS encourages every parent to double check their child’s immunization record to see if their child is up to date on recommended vaccines, and to discuss with neighbors, friends, and family the importance of vaccinating their children. Call your ... Continue reading

---

Special Diabetes Program for Indians Releases Interim Report to Congress

The Indian Health Service has just released the Special Diabetes Program for Indians 2014 Report to Congress, Changing the Course of Diabetes: Turning Hope into Reality publication. This document provides a concise update on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) and is available online ... Continue reading

---

Tribal Consultation on Updated Contract Support Cost Policy

One of my priorities is to implement the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) in a manner consistent with the principles of self-determination and self-governance. To improve our work on this priority, IHS has focused its attention on updating its Contract Support Costs policy, ... Continue reading

---

Meetings with Tribal Leaders in the Great Plains Area Focus on Quality of Care

I have only served as Principal Deputy Director for a little over a month, but, in that time, it has become clear to me that, while the IHS is firmly committed to the mission of providing quality health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives, we face steep operational and quality of care challenges.

The ... Continue reading

---

Service Delivery Area Expansion Proposed for Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) in Massachusetts

The Indian Health Service proposes in a recent Federal Register Notice Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  to expand the geographic boundaries of the Service Delivery Area for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Since 1987, when the Bureau of Indian Affairs recognized the Tribe, the Service ... Continue reading

---

Hospital Consortium changes name, revises charter to focus on quality of care

At the Indian Health Service, improving the quality of care and governance of our federal hospitals is critical for our patients. Quality care reduces disparities and promises a future that assures excellence for our patients across the IHS delivery system.

The Indian Health Service Hospital Consortium ... Continue reading