December 31, 2025: IHS Updates for Tribes and Tribal and Urban Indian Organizations
The bi-weekly update provides up-to-date information on recent events, meetings, conferences, upcoming deadlines, and recognition of the work being done across the Indian Health Service, other federal agencies, and Indian Country. For more information or questions, please email IHSPublicAffairsStaff@ihs.gov.
As we look ahead to 2026, let us take a moment to reflect on the meaningful progress achieved over the past year. Through the dedication and leadership of our workforce, the Indian Health Service continues to strengthen health care delivery for American Indians and Alaska Natives, while deepening partnerships with tribal nations, veterans, and Native organizations. Over the year, the agency advanced key priorities, including improvements in tribal consultation, expanded access to services, and efforts to support workforce stability and culturally grounded care.
We recognize and appreciate the collective commitment shown across the Indian health system in addressing complex challenges and remain focused on the needs of the communities we serve. These efforts have helped ensure that programs, policies, and investments remain aligned with tribal priorities and long-term system improvement.
As the new year begins, we remain confident that continued collaboration and shared purpose will lead to even greater progress in 2026. We extend our sincere thanks to all staff for their service and dedication and offer best wishes for a healthy, successful, and productive New Year.
IHS Proposed Realignment
On November 13, the IHS announced the next phase of tribal consultation and urban confer on the agency’s proposed realignment. Since that announcement, we have continued to hear from tribal nations and urban Indian organizations that additional opportunities are needed, including more regional in-person sessions and a virtual option, to ensure that all voices are meaningfully included in this important dialogue. In response to that feedback, on December 5, the IHS expanded the tribal consultation schedule to increase accessibility, balance regional representation, and provide flexibility for participation. For more information, visit the new realignment page on the IHS website.
The week of December 15, the first three of nine tribal consultations and urban confer were held in Durant, Oklahoma; Denver, Colorado; and San Diego, California. A virtual consultation was also held on December 22. We sincerely appreciate the thoughtful input and engagement received to date. Guidance and input from tribal and urban Indian organization leaders continues to shape our approach as we work together to consider and refine the proposed realignment of the IHS.
Today, approximately 65 percent of the IHS budget is transferred to tribes and tribal organizations through Title I contracts and Title V compacts under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The remaining 35 percent supports federally operated IHS hospitals, health centers, and programs. While tribes continue strengthening and expanding their self-determination authorities, the proposed realignment is designed to modernize the IHS structures that remain federal, elevate core functions, improve coordination, and enhance accountability across the agency. Our goal is to ensure that the IHS is a strong partner, regardless of how each tribe exercises its sovereign right to self-determination.
IHS Scholarship Program Accepting Applications
The IHS Scholarship Program is currently accepting applications for scholarship support for the 2026–2027 academic year. The IHS strives to develop our next generation of leaders, as well as help make the pursuit of a meaningful career in Indian health attainable for American Indian and Alaska Native students. The list of 2026-2027 Scholarship Program Eligible Degree Programs is available here. Eligible students are encouraged to apply by Feb. 28, 2026.
IHS Scholarship Program funding plays a vital role in reducing the financial burden of health professions educational costs for tribal members, while increasing the number of American Indian and Alaska Native health care professionals. These scholarships are essential to expanding access to care and addressing clinical shortages within our communities. Learn more about IHS student opportunities here.
Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee Convened
The week of December 8, IHS leaders met with the Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee (TSGAC) in Washington, D.C. where Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton provided key updates and reaffirmed our shared commitment to action, accountability, and meaningful partnership. We extend our sincere appreciation to members of the TSGAC for your continued dedication and leadership. Your efforts shape the national dialogue on self-governance and ensure that tribal priorities remain central to federal decision-making. Representing the voices and priorities of self-governance tribes across the country, you remind us that our work must always stay grounded in the needs, visions, and sovereignty of tribal communities.
Oversight Hearing on Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the IHS
On December 11, Deputy Director Benjamin Smith testified during a House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs oversight hearing on “Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service.” It was an opportunity to share the agency’s ongoing efforts to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indian and Alaska Native communities under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, which was passed 50 years ago. You can watch a recording of the hearing here.
Indian Health Service Clinical and Community Workforce Summit
Join Indian Health Service clinical and community professionals for the Clinical and Community Workforce Summit from March 10-12, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. Hosted by the IHS Alzheimer’s Program, this is a focused summit on Alzheimer’s and elder care, centered on knowledge, compassion, and community at work. The event will bring together health care providers, program leaders, and community partners to share best practices, strengthen workforce capacity, and support culturally grounded approaches to elder care across tribal and urban Indian communities. For more information, visit the 2026 IHS Summit Registration website.
Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction Announces Engineers of the Year
The IHS Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction is recognizing six employees for exceptional service to American Indian and Alaska Native communities. These individuals were selected for their outstanding contributions to advancing public health, strengthening essential infrastructure, and exemplifying the highest standards of the IHS engineering workforce. Read more in the IHS Blog.
Rear Adm. Battese Receives Federal Pharmacist Award
Congratulations to Rear Adm. Kelly J. Battese, director of the Division of Commissioned Personnel Support, for receiving the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) 2026 Distinguished Federal Pharmacist Award. This is their premier award to recognize a pharmacist who has distinguished themself and the profession by outstanding contribution in federal pharmacy practice that has resulted in a significant improvement in the health of the nation and/or the population they serve. For more information, please see Distinguished Federal Pharmacist Award.
Office of Quality Issues SAFE Alerts
The IHS Office of Quality recently issued two SAFE Alerts: SAFE 05-2025 (Pediatric Dosing Tape Recall) on November 14 and SAFE 05-2025 UPDATE (Pediatric Dosing Tape) on December 2. Both alerts provide essential information regarding serious errors found on two versions of emergency pediatric dosing tapes.
SAFE Alerts communicate risks that have been identified and mitigated in one area of the system but may also be present elsewhere. They serve as an important mechanism to share critical safety information across the agency, enabling early identification and mitigation of potential hazards. SAFE Alerts are distributed through the SAFE listserv and through established leadership and stakeholder channels.
All facilities are asked to review these alerts, assess any associated risks within their facility, and submit a response through the SAFE Alert Actions Form. Only one response per facility is required. Facilities can verify their response status by reviewing the SAFE Alert Follow-Up Dashboard. Leaders are encouraged to review the dashboard to ensure their facilities have reviewed and acted on all SAFE Alerts. Timely responses are critical to maintaining accountability, oversight, and system-wide patient safety.
For more information on SAFE Alerts and other patient safety processes, please visit the Patient Safety SharePoint.
IHS Native Hearts Initiative Designates 10th Pilot Team
We are excited to recognize the Indian Health Care Resource Center (IHCRC) as our tenth designated IHS Native Hearts Advocates pilot team. American Indians and Alaska Natives have higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD-related premature death than any other racial or ethnic group. Through our clinical strategic initiatives program, IHS seeks to support our federal, tribal, and urban Indian organization partners as we work together to mitigate health disparities in Indian Country. The IHS National Native Hearts Initiative is a “get-with-the-guidelines approach” to support evidence-based clinical care for CVD, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation.
IHCRC is planning to open a Native Hearts Cardiovascular Clinic soon, which aims to improve cardiovascular outcomes through culturally sensitive care, enhanced medication therapy management, and continuity of care. Patients may be referred for conditions including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, ASCVD, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, and related comorbidities.
Since the roll-out of the IHS Native Hearts Initiative, we now have pilot teams serving 15 tribal communities in Indian Country! As we seek to mitigate the impacts of heart-disease, we want to encourage each of our programs to join the Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa in becoming a Native Hearts Advocates pilot site.
IHS National Chronic Liver Disease Initiative Designates 19th Site
We are also pleased to recognize the designation of the Chemawa Indian Health Center as the 19th Hepatitis C Elimination Pilot as part of the IHS National Chronic Liver Disease Initiative. Chronic liver disease (CLD) is among the top 10 leading causes of death in the country and represents a major health disparity that results in premature death among American Indian and Alaska Native people. IHS advocates a comprehensive strategy to reduce CLD-related morbidity and mortality among Native people. The proactive approach prioritizes evidence-based prevention, screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of liver disease in tribal communities. As we seek to mitigate the impacts of chronic liver disease, we want to encourage each of our programs to join our Hepatitis C Elimination exemplars as a Hepatitis C Elimination Pilot site.
Dementia Clinical Support Line Offers Free Health Support
Caring for patients with memory loss can raise tough questions. The Dementia Care Support Line is here to help. This free service connects health care providers serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities with dementia care clinical specialists. You can get one-on-one support on topics like memory screening, diagnosis, treatment planning, caregiver support, and more. Help spread the word. Download the flyer and share it with others in your clinic who may benefit from this resource.
Native America Calling Conducts Talk Show on Mental Health
On December 10, IHS Public Health Advisor Dr. Pamela End of Horn was a guest on Native America Calling to discuss the importance of positive mental health during the holidays. The episode focused on how connections — with other people, cultural traditions, or spiritual foundations — can be a way to mitigate the added stresses of December — or any time. You can listen to the show on their website here.
Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Webinar Series
The Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Tele-Education Program is hosting the following webinars for health care providers:
- Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: "Enhancing Integration Care: Leveraging the PDSA Cycle for Continuous Improvement” on Thursday, January 8 at 12:00 p.m. ET ? Register here.
- Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: "Integrating Substance Use Treatment into Integrated Care Settings” on Thursday, January 22 at 12:00 p.m. ET ? Register here.
Indian Health Service Observes Handwashing Awareness Week
Hand hygiene is a simple and fast intervention to protect our health—and we still miss it too often. Last week, we recognized Handwashing Awareness Week and recommitted ourselves to the fundamentals that keep our patients, our colleagues, and our families safe. Washing your hands is easy, and it's one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Studies have shown that handwashing can prevent diarrhea-related illnesses and respiratory infections, such as colds or the flu. Promoting handwashing can help our loved ones stay healthy and can reduce the number of people who get diarrhea by 23-40 percent and reduce respiratory illnesses by 16-21 percent.
The CDC has launched "Life is Better with Clean Hands," a national campaign encouraging adults to make clean hands a healthy habit at home and on the go. For more information on the campaign, including a promotion toolkit, free posters, and other resources for promoting handwashing, visit their website.
California Area Community Sewer and Water Meter Projects Complete Construction
Construction of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians’ Avenue 64 community sewer and water meter projects is now complete. Over the past two months, septic tanks serving 33 homes and two community buildings were properly closed, as each residence was connected to a new community sewer main that now feeds into the local non-tribal wastewater system. New water meters were also installed at all homes and community facilities, improving water management and accountability.
In addition to the homes, the Avenue 64 community includes a park and a church, serving more than 100 tribal members. Planning for the project began nearly 16 years ago and stands as a strong example of collaboration between the tribe, IHS, EPA, USDA, and local utilities to deliver lasting infrastructure improvements. Completion of the new system marks a major public health milestone. Residents now benefit from safer wastewater services, better protection of drinking water sources, and relief from maintaining aging septic systems. Water meters also equip the utility with tools to detect leaks and manage water use more efficiently. Although construction is finished and the system is fully operational, the California Area continues to support the tribe through operator training and development of a comprehensive O&M manual.
Rosebud Staff Partner with Tribal Diabetes Program to Provide Community Education
Staff at the Rosebud Comprehensive Care Unit have partnered with the Tribal Diabetes Prevention Program to provide community education on diabetes care. Registered Dietitian Bill Wonneberg led a session on healthy meal choices and provided a generous hands-on cooking demonstration. Diabetic Nurse Educator Joan Lehner gave an in-depth presentation on the use of the Libre continuous glucose monitoring system, highlighting how it has significantly improved patients’ health outcomes and treatment adherence. Dental Hygienist Amy Price educated participants on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. The Rosebud CCU team continues to collaborate with DPP staff each week, offering information on a variety of educational topics to support diabetes awareness, prevention, and management.
Indian Health Care Resource Center Receives Confirmation of Reaccreditation
The Indian Health Care Resource Center recently completed its site visit with the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and has received confirmation of reaccreditation. The review assessed clinical services, organizational processes, and overall compliance with national standards, highlighting the strength of IHCRC’s systems and the dedication of its staff. Reaccreditation as an Ambulatory Health Clinic, along with recognition as both a Medical and Dental Home, affirms IHCRC’s commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care and advances its mission to empower the American Indian through exceptional health care!
Albuquerque Area Hosts USPHS Pinning Ceremony
The Albuquerque Area, in partnership with the Rio Grande Commissioned Officers Association, hosted a U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps pinning ceremony on November 24. The event recognized the promotion of three officers for their unwavering commitment and service to "Protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of the nation”. Several distinguished guests attended the event, including Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Brian Christine, IHS Deputy Director for Management Operations Darrell LaRoche, and Chief Pharmacist Officer Rear Adm. Kelly Battese.
(Photo 1) Adm. Brian Christine leads the Reaffirmation of Service for newly promoted officers Capt. Jose Burgos, Lt. Cmdr. Melinda Frank, and Lt. Cmdr. Jimmy Ma
(Photo 2) Rio Grande Commissioned Officers Association leadership welcome Adm. Christine during the USPHS pinning ceremony at the Albuquerque Area Office
Albuquerque Area Staff Participate in Educational Event on Cooking Traditional Food
The Pueblo of Taos Day School was awarded a grant to educate students on how to cook traditional food using an outside horno, a beehive shaped oven. Staff members from the Albuquerque Area participated in the educational event as nearly 100 ears of corn went into one of three hornos in the morning to steam for lunchtime. In the second and third hornos, students made traditional cookies and sweet potatoes for children to enjoy freshly steamed and baked goods that evening. Great job to the staff for showing students how to cook Native foods in the traditional hornos and the teachings of honoring their culture.
(Left to right) IHS Medical Officer Dr. Laura Urbanski, Director of Nursing Elizabeth Coronado, and Taos Pueblo Diabetes Coordinator Chris Aloia
Navajo Area Dine Nurse Leadership Council Meeting
The Navajo Area Dine Nurse Leadership Council (DNLC) met in Window Rock, Arizona, on December 17. The workgroup continued their progress on the standardization of nursing competencies in the Navajo Area, which focused on inpatient and outpatient, leadership, case management, public health, emergency room, and other nursing disciplines. The DNLC is one of the Area Nurse Councils of the IHS National Nurse Leadership Council. Members of the council have representations from the frontline nursing staff to chief executive nurses from all five of the Navajo Area service units. The workgroup is one of several developed to strengthen information sharing, communication, training and collaboration between the Navajo Area facilities.
The work session was followed by the December monthly meeting of the DNLC. In attendance were the DNLC outgoing Chair Wanda Begay, Co-Chair Dennis Randles, and Secretary Alvina Rosales. Transition was made to Alvina Rosales (Crownpoint SU) as incoming chair, Uriah Morris (Kayenta SU) as co-chair, and Ernestine Clark (Crownpoint SU) as secretary. Also in attendance was Navajo Area Nurse Consultant Dr. Melissa Wyaco, who aided the workgroup and provided nursing updates for Navajo Area and headquarters.
Navajo Area Office of Public Health Hosts 2nd Quarter One Health Meeting
Recently, the Navajo Area Office of Public Health partnered with Navajo Nation Epidemiology Center to host its second quarter One Health meeting. The meeting provides an opportunity for stakeholders to provide updates, share current surveillance, highlight control activities, and strengthen interagency collaboration using the CDC’s One Health model. The initiative helps enhance preparedness, supports early detection, and promotes rapid response for vector and zoonotic diseases and outbreaks. The meeting included a tabletop exercise that focused on Q fever outbreak response. Participants included the New Mexico Department of Health, the Arizona Department of Health Services, wildlife biologists, local veterinarians, the Office of Environmental Health, and public health teams.
Oklahoma City Area Participates in 3rd Annual City of Lawton Community Health Fair
On December 3, Oklahoma City Area Community Dental Health Coordinators Rebecca Niedo and Candace Williams partnered with 15 organizations to host the 3rd Annual City of Lawton Community Health Fair. The event helps reduce transportation barriers and expand access to preventive services for vulnerable Native community members, including displaced families, veterans in the VA-VASH program, and young adults without primary care homes. With support from partners such as the Southern Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center and the Comanche County Health Department, the fair offered onsite STI testing, vaccinations, diabetes and hypertension screenings, health insurance enrollment assistance, and behavioral health resources. Participants also received pet vaccinations, fresh produce, and free haircuts, while the Oklahoma Dental Foundation’s Mobile Smiles unit provided dental cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
Wanlbee Health Center Participated in Local Head Start Holiday Gift Giving Program
A cherished yearly tradition at the Wanblee Health Center has been participating in the holiday gift program for the local Head Start program. Each year, the children look forward to this special moment and truly enjoy receiving their gifts. This tradition reflects our commitment to giving back to the community and spreading holiday joy. We are grateful for the opportunity to support our local families and help make the season brighter for the little ones. Thank you to everyone who contributed to keeping this meaningful tradition alive!
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