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October 2023 Blogs

Recognizing the Value of Physical Therapy

Cmdr. Scott Mitchell, Inpatient Pediatric Physical Therapist, Alaska Native Medical Center

October 26, 2023
by Cmdr. Scott Mitchell, Inpatient Pediatric Physical Therapist, Alaska Native Medical Center

October is National Physical Therapy Month, a time to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of the profession of physical therapy and the benefits that it can provide to individuals and the public as a whole. The 2023 theme is “Value of PT” and there is a resource available to help ... Continue reading


The Indian Health Service Highlights Red Ribbon Week

Jessica Larson, Public Health Advisor, Youth Programing, Division of Behavioral Health, Indian Health Service

October 24, 2023
by Jessica Larson, Public Health Advisor, Youth Programing, Division of Behavioral Health, Indian Health Service

The annual Red Ribbon Campaign takes place on October 23-31, honoring the commitment of many to raise awareness of the destruction drugs have on American communities. It exists to encourage communities to mobilize, educate youth, and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Since 1985, ... Continue reading


Promoting Good Oral Health during National Dental Hygiene Month

Lt. Cmdr. Keasha Myrick, Operations Director, Oklahoma City/Bemidji Areas Dental Support Center

October 20, 2023
by Lt. Cmdr. Keasha Myrick, Operations Director, Oklahoma City/Bemidji Areas Dental Support Center

October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a time to highlight the commended work of dental hygienists by raising awareness of the importance of good oral health to our patients and communities. This year’s theme from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association is “Everyday Extraordinary.” This theme ... Continue reading


Partnering with the Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations to Improve Health Care across Indian Country

Jeanette Kompkoff, Director, Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations, Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service

October 19, 2023
by Jeanette Kompkoff, Director, Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations, Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service

The Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations highlights the importance of partnerships as the foundation of the Health IT Modernization Program. With this foundation, IHS envisions building and operating with our partners, not for them, to improve health care across ... Continue reading


Recognizing Clinical Pharmacy Services across the Indian Health Service

Capt. Kailee Fretland, Indian Health Service Principal Pharmacy Consultant

October 18, 2023
by Capt. Kailee Fretland, Indian Health Service Principal Pharmacy Consultant

October is a special month dedicated to celebrating the remarkable contributions of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, students, and aides who play a crucial role in enhancing the health and well-being of our communities and the patients we serve. The Indian Health Service pharmacy team has a long ... Continue reading


IHS is Raising Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Efforts in Indian Country

Billie J. Brown, MN, RN, Forensic Nurse Coordinator, Division of Nursing Services IHS/HQ

October 5, 2023
by Billie J. Brown, MN, RN, Forensic Nurse Coordinator, Division of Nursing Services IHS/HQ

October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to honor and remember those lost to abuse, celebrate and support survivors, and focus on awareness and prevention of domestic violence.

Domestic violence refers to a pattern of abusive behavior to gain power and control over ... Continue reading


National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: "No one should face breast cancer alone"

Dr. Stacey Dawson, Senior Women's Health Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services

October 4, 2023
by Dr. Stacey Dawson, Senior Women's Health Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October each year to promote screening and prevention of breast cancer. This observance provides a focused time to support patients and families facing a breast cancer diagnosis; educate people about breast cancer risk factors, emphasizing the importance ... Continue reading