Skip to site content

February 2016 Blogs

IHS, Cherokee Nation sign agreement for new Tribal health center

Gary J. Hartz, P.E., Director of the Indian Health Service Office of Environmental Health and Engineering

February 26, 2016
by Gary J. Hartz, P.E., Director of the Indian Health Service Office of Environmental Health and Engineering

The Indian Health Service and the Cherokee Nation signed a Joint Venture Construction Program agreement in a ceremony at IHS Headquarters this week. The agreement will result in significantly increased access to expanded health services in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in IHS' Oklahoma City Area. Under the ... Continue reading


Navajo Area Launches First "Improving Patient Care – Made Simple" Training

CAPT Jeff Salvon-Harman, MD, Director, Improving Patient Care Program

February 23, 2016
by CAPT Jeff Salvon-Harman, MD, Director, Improving Patient Care Program

Last week, the Navajo Area Indian Health Service (IHS) launched the first Improving Patient Care – Made Simple (IPC-MS) training in Gallup, New Mexico. The Improving Patient Care (IPC) program is an important part of how IHS will make progress on improving the quality of and access to care.

Ms. ... Continue reading


February is American Heart Month

Dr. Susan V. Karol, Chief Medical Officer, Indian Health Service

February 22, 2016
by Dr. Susan V. Karol, Chief Medical Officer, Indian Health Service

A healthy heart is key to overall well-being. Unfortunately, the leading cause of death among American Indians and Native Alaskans is heart disease. Keeping your heart healthy can help you avoid serious complications, such as heart disease, heart attacks and heart failure.

Your heart is a muscle ... Continue reading


IHS provides high quality children's dental health care

Dr. Timothy Lozon, Director, Division of Oral Health, Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, Indian Health Service

February 16, 2016
by Dr. Timothy Lozon, Director, Division of Oral Health, Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, Indian Health Service

At IHS we strive to prevent dental disease. Everyone deserves healthy teeth. I am especially reminded of this in February, which is National Children's Dental Health Month. Oral health promotion programs and outreach are cornerstones of IHS efforts to eradicate oral health disparities among the youngest ... Continue reading


2017 Budget for IHS Proposed

Robert G. McSwain, Principal Deputy Director, Indian Health Service

February 9, 2016
by Robert G. McSwain, Principal Deputy Director, Indian Health Service

Today, I joined HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell and leaders of the agencies of HHS to announce the President's proposed budget for fiscal year 2017. The discretionary amount proposed for IHS for fiscal year 2017 is $5.2 billion, which represents a $377 million increase over the fiscal year 2016 ... Continue reading


ACA and Tax Season: What You Need to Know

Raho Ortiz, Director of the Division of Business Office Enhancement, Office of Resource Access and Partnerships, Indian Health Service

February 8, 2016
by Raho Ortiz, Director of the Division of Business Office Enhancement, Office of Resource Access and Partnerships, Indian Health Service

Although open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act's Health Insurance Marketplace Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  ended on January 31, members of federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Corporation shareholders can enroll in Marketplace coverage any time of the year.

The ... Continue reading


First Steps into Fitness

Kailee Fretland

February 4, 2016
by Kailee Fretland

Healthcare providers encourage active lifestyles, particularly for diabetic patients who should include regular exercise as an essential part of their diabetes management. We know that incorporating exercise into our daily schedule can help achieve overall weight loss, lower blood sugar and help ... Continue reading


CEO Supports Urban Indian Community in Detroit

Keith Longie, Bemidji Area Director, Indian Health Service

February 3, 2016
by Keith Longie, Bemidji Area Director, Indian Health Service

The Urban Indian community in Detroit enjoys the services of the American Indian Health and Family Services clinic, and Chief Executive Officer Ashley Tuomi makes sure the needs of both the clients and employees are covered.

For many of the employees, this is their home. Ms. Tuomi makes sure this ... Continue reading


IHS Announces the 4-in-1 Grant Opportunity to Enhance Health Services in Urban Areas

Sherriann Moore, Acting Director, Office of Urban Indian Health Program

February 2, 2016
by Sherriann Moore, Acting Director, Office of Urban Indian Health Program

The Indian Health Service, Office of Urban Indian Health Programs and Division of Grants Management, will soon begin accepting new, competitive grant applications for the FY 2016 4-in-1 Grant Program. To be eligible to apply under this announcement, applicants must currently have a Title V Indian Health ... Continue reading