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October 2016 Blogs

CHRs Embody the Local Community

Georgianna Old Elk, Acting Program Coordinator for CHRs

October 31, 2016
by Georgianna Old Elk, Acting Program Coordinator for CHRs

Community Health Representatives (CHRs) are vital members of the health care team. At IHS, there are more than 1,600 CHRs across the country. They are members of the community, who serve as advocates, are familiar with the dialects and the unique cultural aspects of their patient’s lives, and ... Continue reading


Injury Prevention Program Saved Lives of Two Children

CAPT Nancy Bill, Principal Injury Prevention Program Consultant, Indian Health Service

October 27, 2016
by CAPT Nancy Bill, Principal Injury Prevention Program Consultant, Indian Health Service

On the afternoon of August 14, 2016, Ms. Ramon and Mr. Holloway were driving with their two young children to the store and their vehicle was struck at a traffic light where their car sustained significant damage after being side swiped by cross traffic. Both of the back tires were blown out, the axle ... Continue reading


Tribal Epidemiology Centers Meet at IHS Headquarters

Lisa Neel, Public Health Advisor, IHS Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention

October 26, 2016
by Lisa Neel, Public Health Advisor, IHS Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention

On October 18-20, the Indian Health Service (IHS) Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention hosted the Directors of the Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs) in their first meeting at Indian Health Service’s (IHS) headquarters in Rockville, Maryland.

The TECs met with leaders from the ... Continue reading


October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Mary L. Smith, Principal Deputy Director, IHS

October 17, 2016
by Mary L. Smith, Principal Deputy Director, IHS

Domestic and intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem that can have devastating effects on individuals, families and communities. American Indians and Alaska Natives experience rape, physical violence and stalking by an intimate partner at higher rates than the general ... Continue reading


Being a Health Advocate is a Family Trait

Martha Ketcher, Director, IHS Nashville Area Office

October 13, 2016
by Martha Ketcher, Director, IHS Nashville Area Office

Pursuing a career in the health field was a no brainer for Ruscilla “Bree” Tiger-Riggan. A second generation Indian Health Service employee, Bree works as a Public Health Analyst for the Indian Health Service Nashville Area Office where most of her work is focused on reconciling claims ... Continue reading


It's Never Too Late to Smile Again

Theresa Cochran, CEO, Micmac Family Health Clinic, IHS

October 12, 2016
by Theresa Cochran, CEO, Micmac Family Health Clinic, IHS

Josh, a 29-year-old male came into the Micmac Family Health Clinic during the winter of 2016. He had not received regular dental care for many years and therefore had a long list of issues and was very apprehensive about receiving dental care. He told the dental team that he had suffered dental pain ... Continue reading


Sacramento Urban Health Center Achieves Accreditation

Sherriann Moore, Office of Urban Indian Health Programs, Indian Health Service

October 5, 2016
by Sherriann Moore, Office of Urban Indian Health Programs, Indian Health Service

I’m pleased to announce that the Sacramento Native American Health Center Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , Inc. (SNAHC) was recently accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  (AAAHC) and also received Patient Centered ... Continue reading