July 06, 2026: 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.
IHS Director Nominee Mark Cruz Testifies Before Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
On June 24, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a Nomination Hearing to consider Mark Cruz to be director of the Indian Health Service for a four-year term. A citizen of the Klamath Tribes, Cruz currently serves as Senior Advisor for Native Affairs to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a role he has held as the first-ever dedicated liaison between Tribal nations and the HHS Secretary. Cruz began his career teaching on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota and has since held numerous positions focused on Indian Country.
“If confirmed as director, what I bring—and what many previous directors have also brought—is direct, lived experience in the communities and systems I would oversee,” said Cruz. “My family, my friends, and my Tribal community will live with the consequences of the work I do, for decades to come. I welcome that challenge and I would be honored by the opportunity.”
The committee will now vote on whether to report the nomination of Cruz to the full Senate for consideration. That process is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
IHS Introduces “Rooted in Culture: Native Foods of America” Awareness Campaign
As America marks 250 years of history, the Indian Health Service is proud join the HHS Eat Real Food Initiative by launching “Rooted in Culture: Native Foods of America,” a campaign that celebrates the history, cultural significance, and health benefits of traditional Indigenous foods. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have cultivated and shared food traditions that continue to nourish Native communities, strengthen cultures, and support health today.
Over the next few months, we'll spotlight Indigenous food sovereignty efforts and explore how traditional foods help strengthen personal health, culture, and community. Follow along as we explore the benefits of Native foods, spotlight Indigenous food experts and community food programs, and share traditional recipes and stories that honor the knowledge and traditions passed down through generations, helping keep our relatives healthy, connected, and rooted in culture.
IHS Director’s Workgroup on Improving Purchased/Referred Care
IHS Director of Strategic Initiatives Dr. Kim Hartwig provided remarks to the IHS Director’s Workgroup on Improving Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) at their meeting on June 24 in Salt Lake City, Utah. In her remarks to the workgroup, Hartwig thanked the group’s co-chairs for their ongoing stewardship and welcomed several new members. She also provided the workgroup with updates on efforts to improve the PRC program, including the IHS Emergency Claims Act, which would extend the emergency notification requirement from 72 hours to 15 days. This legislation continues to advance through Congress and reflects a shared goal of ensuring patients are not penalized during medical emergencies because of notification requirements beyond their control. The workgroup plays an important role in helping IHS identify challenges, improve processes, and strengthen access to care for American Indian and Alaska Native patients.
VA Publishes Final Rule for Native Veterans Copayment Exemption
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on April 4, 2023, that exempts eligible American Indian and Alaska Native veterans from copayments for health care and all urgent care visits received on or after January 5, 2022.
Copays for domiciliary care, institutional respite care, institutional geriatric evaluation and nursing home care are still required. Veterans seeking copayment exemption must submit copies of VA Form 10-334 and official Tribal documentation to begin receiving this new benefit.
This policy implements Section 3002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Click here for more information about copayment exemption for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans.
Obstetric Readiness Training in Navajo and Bemidji Areas
On June 13, the Northern Navajo Medical Center offered an Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) course. This full-day training prepares hospital and clinic staff for common pregnancy emergencies, including shoulder dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage, and eclampsia. The course was offered through a collaborative effort of the center’s maternity care team (family medicine, midwifery, nursing, and OB/GYN), supported by IHS headquarters Maternal Child Health (MCH) funding, and attended by clinicians from across the region.
On June 15, the MCH team traveled to the Bemidji Area to provide Basic Life Support in Obstetrics training for obstetric emergency readiness. Participants included emergency medicine and family medicine providers and students from Red Lake and Cass Lake. Staff reported improved knowledge in management of obstetric emergencies and requested ongoing education and readiness training. Thank you to the participants, sites, and Area leadership for their hospitality and support.
Members of the IHS Maternal Child Health team and Bemidji Area staff participate in Basic Life Support in Obstetrics training in Cass Lake, Minn.
IHS Launches New Acquisition Resource Center and Hosts Open House Events
The Office of Management Services, Division of Acquisition Policy, is excited to announce the launch of the IHS Acquisition Resource Center (ARC). The ARC is intended to serve as a centralized, one-stop shop for acquisition-related resources across IHS. The site brings together key acquisition information, guidance, tools, templates, training materials, and other resources to support consistent, efficient, and high-quality acquisition practices throughout the agency.
Please join us for an Open House tour of the ARC:
We encourage IHS staff to explore the site and provide feedback to acquisitionpolicy@ihs.gov on content, usability, and any additional resources that would be helpful as we continue to fine-tune and expand the site. Your input will help ensure the ARC becomes a practical and valuable resource for the IHS acquisition community and the programs it serves.
IHS Announces Appointment of Chief Clinical Consultants for Surgery and Psychiatry
IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen announced the appointment of two chief clinical consultants to serve as advocates for improved patient care across the IHS for a term of three years. Dr. Soo Han was appointed as the deputy chief clinical consultant for surgery and Dr. Colin Smith as the deputy chief clinical consultant for psychiatry.
These consultants are full-time employees of an IHS, Tribal, or urban Indian health program, are board-certified, registered, or certified, as appropriate, in their discipline or specialty, and have significant experience in that discipline or specialty within the Indian health system. Please help us welcome Dr. Han and Dr. Smith to these new roles.
Produce Prescription Pilot Program Conducts Site Visit to Rocky Boy Chippewa Cree Tribe
On June 17, the IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4) support team conducted a site visit to the Rocky Boy Chippewa Cree Tribe’s Produce Prescription Program in Box Elder, Mont. The visit focused on reviewing program implementation, learning about ongoing community health initiatives, and exploring opportunities to strengthen partnerships that support healthy food access and help prevent chronic disease. During the visit, the team toured the community's new M?y? Youth Center and the newly opened C&C Firehouse Market, highlighting investments that promote youth engagement and improve access to healthy, traditional foods and essential resources. The team also visited the Buffalo Child Ranch and learned about the Tribe's buffalo restoration efforts, which are helping to restore culturally significant food systems while supporting nutrition, environmental stewardship, and community wellness.
DNS Public Health Nursing Program Conducts Site Visit
On June 23, the IHS Public Health Nursing (PHN) Program visited the Sokaogon Chippewa Community in Crandon, Wisc. The team helped the Tribe with a grant that teaches people how to stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Public health nurses work with patients to help them get the care and support they need to stay healthy. The team also toured the community's new health clinic, which is being expanded to give people more space and better care. The new clinic will include office space for public health nurses so they can better help patients and families. The project is expected to be finished in October 2026. This work helps make sure American Indian and Alaska Native communities can get the health care services they need.
Injury Prevention Programs and Initiatives are Focus of TIPCAP Annual Workshop
The IHS-funded Tribal Injury Prevention Cooperative Agreement Program (TIPCAP) hosted its annual workshop recently in Rockville, Md. TIPCAP coordinators and partners from 25 Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian programs met to share and collaborate on their injury prevention programs and initiatives for their first program year of a five-year cycle. Focus areas included addressing elder falls, child passenger safety, overdose prevention, traumatic brain injury, pedestrian safety, and suicide prevention.
The workshop featured panelists sharing their work and ideas with the group, networking opportunities, and a video compilation from multiple TIPCAP awardees highlighting their innovative work addressing injuries.
Injury Prevention Program Hosts Fellowship Symposium and Specialists Meeting
On June 17–18, the IHS Injury Prevention Program hosted two successful events in Rockville, Md., highlighting collaboration and innovation in Tribal injury prevention. The 2025–2026 Injury and Violence Prevention Fellowship Symposium celebrated seven fellows who completed the 18-month training program, presenting projects focused on elder fall prevention, overdose prevention, domestic violence, and injury data collection systems. Congratulations to the fellows on their outstanding work and successful completion of the Fellowship!
The following day, IHS Area injury prevention staff and representatives from the CDC and Environmental Health Support Center gathered for the annual IHS Injury Prevention Specialists Meeting. Participants shared program successes, discussed community-based injury prevention initiatives, explored future collaboration opportunities, and reviewed plans for the upcoming IHS injury data report.
2026 IHS Fellowship Graduates
VA Video Highlights New Medical Resident Program at Shiprock and Chinle Service Units
A new video from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs highlights the Mission 403 pilot program, launched this year under the VA MISSION Act, which brings medical residents into rural and underserved communities to deliver accessible, high-quality care. The video highlights the Shiprock and Chinle Service Units, where University of New Mexico family medicine residents and University of Utah internal medicine/pediatrics residents completed rotations, delivering primary care to Navajo Nation community members, including veterans. Watch the video here.
Registration Opens for New Infection Preventionist Training and Mentorship Program
Registration has opened for the New Infection Preventionist Training Series and Mentorship Program, which is a collaborative effort between the American Indian Alaska Native Quality Improvement Organization (QIO), IHS Office of Quality Infection Control and Prevention Program, and the CDC. The QUI-led initiative includes a 13-week virtual training series for new infection preventionists (IPs) and a structured mentorship program pairing experienced IPs with those new to the role. The training series will begin in September 2026. Tribal health care partners are invited to participate in the virtual training series.
By building infection prevention knowledge, competency, and professional support, this initiative will strengthen infection prevention programs across the agency, advancing patient safety, workforce safety, and the delivery of high-quality care. Registration information, FAQs, and program flyers are available for both the New IP Training Series and the Mentorship Program.
ORAP Provides Update on Partnership Conference
Due to scheduling constraints and competing priorities, the annual IHS Partnership Conference will not take place in 2026. The planning team is actively working to secure dates and a venue for the 2027 conference. In the meantime, the Office of Resource Access and Partnerships will offer a targeted training opportunity for frontline Business Office and Purchased/Referred Care staff, including training eligible for Coding Continuing Education Units. Additional details will be shared as they become available. For more information, contact tracy.sanchez@ihs.gov.
Applications Open for Tribal Epidemiology Center Funding Opportunity – Deadline July 13
The IHS Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention announces the opening of the Tribal Epidemiology Center Notice of Funding Opportunity. The funding opportunity is designed to support Tribal epidemiology centers in expanding and strengthening public health services, epidemiologic capacity, and data-driven approaches to improving the health of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Applications are available on Grants.gov and proposals must be submitted by July 13.
Nominations Now Open for the 2025 IHS Director’s Awards – Deadline July 13
Each year, the IHS Director’s Awards recognize the individuals and teams whose commitment, innovation, and leadership have helped transform IHS. We encourage you to nominate not only your direct reports, but also peers, partners, and colleagues whose work you’ve witnessed make a significant impact during the calendar year 2025.
Please visit the National Director's Awards webpage for detailed descriptions of the award categories and the award nominations form for 2025. All final nominations must be submitted to the IHS Awards Management and Processing Team by July 13. The awards ceremony is scheduled for November 6 at IHS Headquarters in Rockville, Md. For questions, please email IHSAwardManagement@ihs.gov.
Clinical Dementia Training Series Webinar Scheduled for July 31
Join us in July for the Clinical Dementia Nurse Training Series. This new Clinical Dementia Training Series offers practical, skills-focused webinars with tools to strengthen your practice and continuing education credits for nurses. Register today.
Tribal Self-Governance Agreement Applications Open – Deadline August 3
The IHS Office of Tribal and Urban Affairs is accepting applications for fiscal year 2026 Tribal Self-Governance Planning and Negotiation Cooperative Agreements, a competitive grant program for federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations.
- The Planning Cooperative Agreement assists Tribes with the planning phase of the Tribal Self-Governance Program, which includes legal and budgetary research, internal Tribal government planning, and organizational preparation related to the administration of health care programs.
- The Negotiation Cooperative Agreement assists Tribes in defraying the costs associated with preparing for and conducting self-governance program negotiations. Negotiations provide an opportunity for Tribal and federal negotiation teams to work together in good faith to enhance each self-governance agreement.
The application deadline for both agreements is August 3. For more information, contact IHS Policy Analyst Kenneth Coriz.
Notice of Funding Opportunity to Address Dementia is Now Open – Deadline September 4
The 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity is now open for the Addressing Dementia in Tribal and Urban Indian Communities: CAReS Program. This opportunity supports stronger, culturally responsive dementia care across the country.
Applicants may apply for one of two funding tracks. Option A offers up to $750,000 in the first year to one awardee to expand dementia care through mini-projects, training, and technical assistance. Option B offers up to $300,000 in the first year to one awardee to develop a caregiver support and training center.
Federally recognized Tribes, Tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations, and qualified nonprofit organizations are encouraged to learn more and apply by September 4.
OCPS to Host National Combined Councils: September 9-10
The IHS Office of Clinical and Preventive Services will host the 2026 National Combined Councils meeting on September 9-10. Members of the National Combined Councils and IHS, Tribal, and urban personnel are invited to participate to engage in thought-provoking, innovative, cross-council discussions about health issues across Indian Country. For questions, contact HQOCPSNCCPlanning@ihs.gov or call (240) 504-1085.
Register here:
- September 9 — IHS National Combined Councils Meeting - Day One
- September 10 — IHS National Combined Councils Meeting - Day Two
Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Webinar Series
The Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Tele-Education Program is hosting the following webinar for health care providers:
- Program Sustainability Webinar Series: "Understanding Peer Recovery Support Roles and Services in Tribal Behavioral Health Programs” on July 13 at 12:00 p.m. ET ? Register here
- Telehealth Webinar Series: "Ethical Decision-making for Behavioral Health Providers: A Framework for Resolving Common Ethical Dilemmas in Behavioral Health Practice” on July 14 at 12:00 p.m. ET ? Register here
- Telehealth Webinar Series: "Ethical Issues in the Prescription of Mental Health Medications for Non-Prescribers” on July 28 at 12:00 p.m. ET ? Register here
- Telehealth Webinar Series: "Trauma and Emotional Identification and Regulation” on August 4 at 12:00 p.m. ET ? Register here
- Telehealth Webinar Series: "Medications for Trauma Related Disorders” on August 11 at 12:00 p.m. ET ? Register here
- Program Sustainability Webinar Series: "Leveraging Partnerships for Sustainability” on August 17 at 12:00 p.m. ET ? Register here
California Organizations Host Rooted in Tradition Harm Reduction Conference
On June 16-18, the California Consortium for Urban Indian Health (CCUIH) & California Rural Indian Health Board teams held their second Rooted in Tradition harm reduction conference in Carlsbad, Calif. The conference hosted 413 attendees and brought together community members with lived experience, youth, Tribal health programs, urban Indian health programs, and state officials from California Department of Public Health and Department of Health Care Services to discuss strategies of effective harm reduction and recovery support. During the conference, CCUIH’s harm reduction resource website was debuted, which provides a toolkit and resources for harm reduction in California Native communities.
Detroit UIO Provides Update on Health and Wellness Center Project
The American Indian Health and Family Services, an urban Indian organization located in Detroit, Mich., continues to make significant progress with the construction of their new Health and Wellness Center. It is exciting to see progress of the innovative center that will provide a wide range of integrated health care to urban Indians across Southeastern Michigan. The center is expected to be completed later this fall.
Food Safety and Nutrition is Served Up at Kansas City Indian Center Youth Camp
Earlier this month, the Kansas City Indian Center, in partnership with Lincoln University’s Nutrition Program, held its 45th Annual Youth Camp. The five-day, four-night camp connects area youth to strengthen community bonds and Native American identity. Youth learned about food safety and nutrition while preparing side dishes for an evening cookout that included Indigenous foods and recipes. Participants also learned about digital storytelling, and had an opportunity to share their stories and what they liked about camp, including painting a community mural, learning to play hand games, climbing trees, and making cyanotype art. Other activities included yoga and guided meditation, playing team-building games, and more.
Tulsa UIO Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Hosts Storytelling Event
To recognize Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, staff from the Indian Health Care Resource Center (IHCRC) in Tulsa, Okla., wore purple to bring attention to the issue. Each year, millions of older adults are impacted by elder abuse, but many cases are never reported. Recognizing the different forms of abuse and familiarizing ourselves with the signs of abuse such as physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, abandonment, and sexual abuse is key to protecting vulnerable elders in our families and communities.
On June 26, the IHCRC hosted a Culture & Creativity event on the tradition of storytelling, led by guest speaker Mike Loman. He shared lessons learned about the making and playing of traditional flutes, listening to the wisdom of elders, and perseverance in the face of adversity through story and song.
Longtime Psychiatrist Retires from Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) honored Dr. Nicasio Gutierrez this week after more than 18 years of service to the clinic and its patients. Since first joining OKCIC as a psychiatrist in 2007 and becoming a full-time staff member in 2019, Gutierrez played an important role in expanding access to behavioral health services for the American Indian community. For much of his career at the clinic, he served as the only on-site psychiatrist, providing consistent care to patients while helping the Behavioral Health Department grow. His dedication to patient care and willingness to serve wherever needed culminated in his recognition as OKCIC's Employee of the Year in 2020. The years of service provided by Gutierrez has strengthened the clinic's behavioral health program and supported the mission of the OKCIC to provide excellent health care to American Indians. We thank Gutierrez for his dedication and wish him the very best in his retirement.
Montana Consortium for Urban Indian Health Receives BCBS Blue Impact Grant
Montana Consortium for Urban Indian Health, the statewide organization supporting Montana’s five urban Indian organizations, has been awarded the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana 2026–2027 Blue Impact grant. This funding will support the creation of a Peer Network Collaboration to connect the urban Indian health programs, identify gaps and strengths, and enhance coordination of care for urban Indian communities statewide. Congratulations to MCUIH for advancing access to care and improving quality of life for urban Indian populations in Montana. Read more here.
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