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October 2017 Blogs

New Youth Regional Treatment Center Opens in Oregon

Dean M. Seyler, Director, Portland Area Indian Health Service

October 17, 2017
by Dean M. Seyler, Director, Portland Area Indian Health Service

The newly completed Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, Inc. (NARA NW), Youth Regional Treatment Center in Gresham, Oregon opened its doors on October 16, 2017. This new facility is supported by the nine federally recognized tribes of Oregon and will provide culturally appropriate ... Continue reading


Successful National Native Health Research Training Conference

Yvonne Davis, Program Analyst/Evaluator, Division of Planning, Evaluation and Research, Indian Health Service

October 12, 2017
by Yvonne Davis, Program Analyst/Evaluator, Division of Planning, Evaluation and Research, Indian Health Service

Research in Indian Country is extending its territory beyond the horizon of what has been regarded as the norm of western research with research being conducted by indigenous researchers who are pushing the bounds of culturally appropriate research protocols. 

From September 17-20, the Indian ... Continue reading


IHS Forensic Healthcare Professionals Assist Patients Healing from Trauma

October 11, 2017
by Theresa Friend, National Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Behavioral Health, IHS HQ and Erica Gourneau, RN, BSN, National Forensic Nurse Coordinator, Division of Behavioral Health, IHS HQ.

During Domestic Violence Awareness month, we want to highlight the work of forensic healthcare within the IHS. Victims of violence and abuse require care from forensic health professionals who are trained to treat trauma and provide forensic medical care for injuries sustained from violent acts such ... Continue reading


Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month - IHS Dental Hygienists Contribute to AI/AN Oral Health in Extraordinary Ways

Capt. James Schaeffer, DMD, MPH, Deputy Director, IHS Division of Oral Health

October 10, 2017
by Capt. James Schaeffer, DMD, MPH, Deputy Director, IHS Division of Oral Health

October is National Dental Hygiene Month. Oral Health is an important part of overall health, and the self-care you give your teeth and mouth - day in and day out - over your lifetime far outweighs anything your dental team can provide. ... Continue reading


IHS Observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Capt. Celissa Stephens, Director, Division of Nursing Services, Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, Indian Health Service

October 6, 2017
by Capt. Celissa Stephens, Director, Division of Nursing Services, Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, Indian Health Service

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual observance to increase awareness of breast cancer risks, screening and treatment options.

Breast cancer is a disease where normal cells within the breast or surrounding tissue become abnormal, begin to multiply and eventually form a tumor. According ... Continue reading


Health Literacy Month Brings Attention to Importance of Delivering Clear Information to Patients

Alberta Becenti (Navajo), Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Program Consultant, IHS

October 5, 2017
by Alberta Becenti (Navajo), Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Program Consultant, IHS

“Be a Health Literacy Hero” is the theme for Health Literacy Month.  The observance is a time for health care clinics and public health programs to recognize the importance of promoting clear health information to patients and families.  This will help them make informed decisions ... Continue reading