April 2019 Blogs

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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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