June 22, 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 Staff Sweep Society of American Military Engineer Awards
On May 21, staff from the IHS Office of Environmental Health & Engineering (OEHE) were recognized for their sweep of all three available Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Uniformed Service Awards for the U.S. Public Health Service for 2025. These prestigious national awards were presented at the Society Ball & Awards Gala of the Joint Engineer Training Conference & Expo in Portland, Ore.
- Green Medal – Lt. Ashley Martinez, P.E., Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction
- Hollis Medal – Cmdr. Louis Bernasconi, P.E., Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction
- Cumming Award – Facilities Project Management Application Workgroup, Division of Engineering Services
Congratulations to the staff of the OEHE for this incredible achievement and recognition. Read more in the IHS Blog.
Tribal Self-Governance Agreement Applications Now Open – Deadline August 3
The IHS Office of Tribal and Urban Affairs is now 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. These awards support Tribes and Tribal organizations with funding needed for the planning and preparation necessary to assume responsibility for providing health care to their Tribal members through the Tribal Self-Governance Program.
- The Planning Cooperative Agreementassists 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 Agreementassists 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 is August 3, 2026. For more information, contact IHS Policy Analyst Kenneth Coriz at kenneth.coriz@ihs.gov.
Chief of Staff Addresses Health Equity in Indian Country at Sovereignty Symposium
Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton participated as a panelist at the Sovereignty Symposium, hosted by the Oklahoma City University School of Law in Oklahoma City. During the panel, “Bridging Gaps in Indian Country: Law, Policy, and Health Equity,” discussions highlighted that health equity in Indian Country extends beyond clinical care and is deeply influenced by Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and a Tribal Nations’ ability to design solutions that meet the needs of their communities. Panelists explored how law, policy, research, and health systems intersect to shape health outcomes, the critical role of Tribal sovereignty, the federal trust responsibility, and self-determination in health policy decisions.
IHS Hosts Tribal Delegation Meeting with Santo Domingo Pueblo
On June 11, Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton met with the Santo Domingo Pueblo from the IHS Albuquerque Area to discuss sanitation facilities construction priorities. The IHS commends the Pueblo on the major infrastructure investments and is committed to continued engagement to ensure successful completion of these projects. We appreciate the opportunity to meet with Tribal delegations and value our collaboration in our shared objective to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level.
Portland Visit Highlights Collaboration and Workforce Development in Indian Health
On June 15–16, Deputy Director Benjamin Smith, OCPS Acting Director, Dr. Vijay Kannan, and other IHS staff participated in a productive visit to Portland, Ore., hosted by the Portland Area Office, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), NARA Northwest, the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, and the OHSU Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE).
Following meetings with university leadership, Smith and Dr. Kannan delivered the Heart Lecture, “Empowering the Next Generation of Health Leaders in Indian Country,” and engaged in a discussion with attendees. NARA Northwest also welcomed IHS staff to its River House site for a fireside chat and reception. A highlight of the visit was learning about NNACoE’s innovative efforts to recruit, support, and graduate American Indian and Alaska Native health professionals. Conversations with current medical students underscored the importance of investing in future leaders. Throughout the visit, partnership, collaboration, and shared commitment to improving health outcomes in Tribal communities remained central themes.
IHS Welcomes New Chief Clinical Consultants for Emergency Medicine
On June 9, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen announced the appointment of new chief clinical consultants for Emergency Medicine to serve as advocates for improved patient care across the IHS system. Appointed by the CMO for a term of three years, 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 welcome Dr. Jeanie Ringleberg as chief clinical consultant for Emergency Medicine, and Dr. Dominick Maggio as the deputy chief clinical consultant for Emergency Medicine. The IHS sends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Paul Charlton for his extraordinary leadership and accomplishments during his tenure as chief clinical consultant for Emergency Medicine.
IHS Launches Nationwide Access to Fingerprint and PIV Enrollment Kiosks
The IHS has launched nationwide access to fingerprint and PIV enrollment kiosks to provide convenient, secure options that will support faster onboarding with reduced travel times. IHS partnered with the HHS Identity, Credential, and Access Management team as part of the HHS Solutions to Streamline Nationwide Enrollment. IHS will continue to broaden its modernization efforts for background investigations and PIV credentialing.
During onboarding or background investigation updates, specialists will assign the option to visit a kiosk or traditional HHS location for fingerprint and PIV enrollments based on the individual’s needs. There are hundreds of enrollment stations that support fingerprint check-only enrollments in Fingerprint Check Locations across all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. There are currently 42 enrollment stations that support fingerprint check and PIV photos with new locations continuously being added. Make sure to filter for HHS only when searching for Full Enrollment Locations. Contact the Division of Administrative and Emergency Services for more information or email the HSPD-12 Support team for questions.
IHS is deploying new NextgenID fingerprint and PIV kiosks
Alaska CHAP Certification Board Meeting Holds Spring 2026 Meeting
The Alaska Community Health Aide Program Certification Board (CHAPCB) held its Spring 2026 meeting recently in Anchorage, Alaska. The CHAPCB is federally authorized by the IHS Alaska Area and administered by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. The CHAPCB was created in 1998 by the federal government and charged with formalizing the process for maintaining training and practice standards and policies for community health aides/practitioners, dental health aides, and behavioral health aides/practitioners. As the governing board for the Community Health Aide, Dental Health Aide and Behavioral Health Aide programs, its function is to certify training centers and individual health aides at all levels of training.
Symposium and Mass Casualty Training Helps Prepare for Extreme Heat Casualty Incident
On June 1–2, the IHS, in partnership with Tribal and community partners, hosted the Building Heat-Ready Communities Symposium and Extreme Heat Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Drill at Gallup Indian Medical Center. The event brought together health care professionals, emergency responders, public health leaders, Tribal partners, and community stakeholders to strengthen preparedness for heat-related emergencies in Indigenous and rural communities. The symposium welcomed 115 in-person and virtual participants, and 50 participants attended the hands-on MCI drill, which tested cooling protocols, patient tracking, and coordinated emergency response strategies during a simulated extreme heat incident. Thank you to Dr. Paul Charlton and Dr. Katharine Weber for your leadership and hosting an interactive event.
National Pharmacy Council Quarter 3 Spotlights — Bemidji and Alaska Areas
The IHS National Pharmacy Council recognizes four outstanding staff members from the Bemidji and Alaska Areas as Quarter 3 spotlight recipients. Congratulations to these individuals:
Dr. Tori Ohman is recognized for her sustained excellence in mentoring and training pharmacy learners and pharmacists. She is an adjunct faculty member with the North Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and serves as the coordinator for the White Earth Service Unit’s PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program, supporting residency preceptors through continuing education coordination, professional development initiatives, and constructive feedback that enhances both learner growth and program success.
Wendy Thompson and Blythe Thomas are recognized for their outstanding contributions to billing and administrative operations across all Fond du Lac Pharmacy locations. Known for their willingness to go above and beyond, Thompson and Thomas consistently take on additional responsibilities, support new initiatives, and adapt seamlessly during periods of change. As trusted resources for their colleagues, they generously share their knowledge and provide guidance that strengthens the entire pharmacy team.
Petra Olalde, pharmacy billing specialist at the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center Pharmacy in Fairbanks, Alaska, is recognized for her exceptional dedication to improving patient access to medications through expert prior authorization coordination and patient advocacy. Since 2021, she has served a geographically vast region encompassing approximately 235,000 square miles and has become a trusted subject matter expert in specialty and high-cost medication prior authorizations.
Division of Nursing Services Provides Public Health Nurse Training
The Division of Nursing Services’ Public Health Nursing (PHN) Program hosted the last of three training sessions in Albuquerque, N.M. on June 10–11. The training was attended by 40 PHN staff members, including area PHN consultants, directors of PHN programs, and PHN staff. The training is designed to strengthen core competencies and enhance program management skills to improve practice outcomes. It also emphasizes treatment of infectious diseases in the field to improve the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. LEAD TRAINING LLC is providing this training on behalf of the IHS PHN program, which is possible due to the partnership with the Division of Acquisitions and the use of Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises to support the IHS mission.
Infection Preventionists Attend APIC Annual Conference
Approximately 30 IHS and Tribal infection preventionists attended the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology annual conference on June 15–17 in Nashville, Tenn. Participants attended educational sessions on key infection prevention topics, including sterilization and high-level disinfection, water quality challenges, health care-associated infections, and resilience strategies for infection prevention professionals. The knowledge and best practices gained at the conference will support the implementation of evidence-based improvements in infection prevention programs, strengthen patient safety initiatives, and enhance the quality of care across IHS and Tribal health care facilities.
IHS Electronic Dental Health Record Program Implemented at Southcentral Foundation
The Division of Oral Health recently completed the implementation of the IHS Electronic Dental Health Record (EDR) System at the Southcentral Foundation (SCF) in the Alaska Area. The EDR System is comprised of the Dentrix Enterprise and MiPACS software applications. SCF currently uses the Oracle Cerner EHR system and the initial go-live includes an interface of inbound ADT and outbound MDM HL7 message types. The EDR System went live on June 3, and MiPACS on June 4. This represents the largest EDR implementation within the IHS since the program began in 2008. The implementation involved 17 individual dental clinics, nearly 350 individual workstations, 100,000 patient records, and 3-terabytes of historical dental data converted. With the addition of SCF, the total number of federal, Tribal and urban Indian organization dental clinics that currently using the IHS EDR System is 357, which represents about 76 percent of dental programs across the IHS system.
The IHS EDR Program management thanks the Southcentral Foundation and the many individuals who worked on this project for their support throughout the implementation. The IHS looks forward to working with them to support improving oral health in the community. If your dental program is interested in implementing the IHS EDR System, email IHSEDR@ihs.gov.
Highlights From the Spring 2026 Modernization Newsletter
The Spring 2026 Modernization Newsletter highlights several major milestones in the IHS Health IT Modernization Program, including preparation for the September 2026 PATH HER pilot go-live at the Lawton Service Unit, recent publications, and program activities. This edition also features updates from the recent Modernization Town Hall, insights from the 2026 HIMSS conference, and a spotlight on how PATH HER will enhance patient care, streamline workflows, and support end-user adoption. Staff can explore the newsletter to stay connected with ongoing progress and upcoming implementation activities. For more information about the Modernization Program, please email modernization@ihs.gov.
Forensic Nursing Program Announces New Interpersonal Violence Examiner Course
The IHS Forensic Nursing Consultation Program contract with Texas A&M University Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing is excited to announce their new Interpersonal Violence Examiner course. The course is offered online, is self-paced, and 45.05CE/28CME hours will be awarded upon completion. It provides a comprehensive, evidence-based foundation in forensic nursing practice, including culturally responsive care, trauma-informed assessment, legal considerations, and interdisciplinary collaboration. For more information and to register for the upcoming July session, click this link - Interpersonal Violence Examiner Course.
2026 Indian Health GeriScholars Program Applications Open – Deadline July 7
The IHS Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Program is now accepting applications for the 2026 Indian Health Geriatric Scholars (GeriScholars) program. The program gives clinicians a focused learning experience that includes:
- Specialized training in geriatrics through a Geriatrics Board Review course.
- A mentored project to improve elder care at their local clinic or facility.
- Ongoing education and peer support as part of the GeriScholars community.
- Opportunities for sponsored travel to IHS meetings or other geriatrics focused-trainings.
In 2026, the Indian Health GeriScholars program will accept up to 20 physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or pharmacists sponsored by their IHS, Tribal, or urban Indian health programs.
The application period closes on July 7. For more information on the program or on how to apply, visit the IHS Alzheimer’s Program website.
Applications Open for Tribal Epidemiology Center Funding Opportunity – Deadline July 13
The IHS Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention is pleased to announce 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.govand proposals must be submitted by July 13. Please share this announcement with interested organizations and partners.
Clinical Dementia Training Series Webinars – July 31
Join us in July for the Clinical Dementia Nurse Training Series. Nurses play a key role in improving early detection and long-term care and support for American Indian and Alaska Native people experiencing changes in cognitive function. 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.
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 from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. ET. 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 current health issues across Indian Country.
Attendees to the event will also generate innovative strategies to improve patient outcomes and address health disparities, design quality and safety initiatives through collaborative recommendations with senior leadership, and support adequately trained, competent health care teams to ensure the safest quality care. 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:
- Telehealth Webinar Series: "Introduction to Ethics and Fundamental Ethical Principles for Behavioral Health Providers” on July 7 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
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