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March 16, 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 Leaders Visit Proposed Site for New Health Care Facility in Gallup, New Mexico

On March 12, IHS Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton and Deputy Director for Management Operations Darrell LaRoche joined HHS leadership for a visit with Navajo Nation leadership in Gallup, New Mexico. The group toured the Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC) and visited proposed sites for the new GIMC replacement facility. At GIMC, several members of the facility’s leadership team welcomed the group. Capt. Brian Campbell led a guided tour of the new Emergency Department expansion, which is currently under construction. The group also toured the existing Emergency Department, where a newly installed CT machine is now enhancing diagnostic capabilities and patient care.

The visit also included a stop at Hozho Academy, where Patrick Mason provided a tour of both the high school and elementary campuses. The academy serves more than 900 students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. During the visit, the group met with the school’s chef, who prepares authentic, home-cooked meals for students. Despite having a limited staff, the team provides three meals each day to support student health and well-being. Hozho Academy is planning for future growth, including the development of a dedicated sports area to better serve its students and expand extracurricular opportunities.

On Friday, the group continued their engagement with tribal leaders by meeting with the Governor and Council of the Santa Ana Pueblo. During the visit, they toured the construction site for the Albuquerque West Health Center project, highlighting ongoing efforts to expand access to quality health care services for tribal communities.

Chief of Staff Visits California Area for Meeting with Tribal Partners, Tour of IHS Facilities

In early March, Indian Health Service Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton was accompanied by California Area leadership and other IHS leaders in attending meetings with tribal partners and conducting guided tours of several IHS facilities.

During the trip, Fulton had the opportunity to provide opening remarks at the California Area Tribal Leaders Listening Session and Urban Confer that was held in Pala, California. The tribal consultation and urban confer process allows tribal leaders to meet directly with the Indian Health Service director, or representative, on a government-to-government basis to discuss tribal issues or concerns.

Additionally, Fulton joined IHS Office of Finance and Accounting Director Jillian Curtis and California Area leadership on site visits with the Indian Health Council located in Valley Center; Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center in Hemet; Soboba Indian Health Clinic in San Jacinto; Santa Rosa Indian Health Clinic in Mountain Center; and the Cahuilla Indian Health Clinic in Anza.

Deputy Director Delivers Remarks at Alaska Day Event

On March 5, Deputy Director Benjamin Smith delivered remarks at the Alaska Federation of Natives 2026 Alaska Day held in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme, “Local Leadership, National Partnership: Advancing Self-Determination and Economic Opportunity,” emphasized how contracting and compacting under federal programs can streamline service delivery, strengthen tribal sovereignty, and advance self-determination. The event highlighted the critical role Alaska Native communities play in leading governance efforts and driving sustainable economic development through strong federal partnerships.

IHS Celebrates Patient Safety Awareness Week

As we recognize Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 8–14, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued commitment to protecting the health and well-being of our patients. This year’s theme, “Team Up for Patient Safety,” highlighted the power of collaboration across clinical teams, support services, leadership, and our patients and families.

Patient safety remains central to our mission, and this week emphasizes the vital role each of you plays in delivering safe, high-quality care every day. Your attention to detail, thoughtful decision-making, and dedication to clear communication all contribute to a culture where safety comes first. From preventing errors to speaking up about concerns and learning from near misses, your efforts strengthen our systems and improve outcomes for our patients.

We encourage you to use this week as an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to improve, individually and collectively. By working together, we reduce risks, enhance trust, and ensure that every patient feels safe, respected, and cared for. Together, we continue to strengthen a culture grounded in transparency, accountability, and continuous learning.

Check out the full Patient Safety Awareness Week blog post to learn more about the program accomplishments and measurable progress. Thank you to all who continue to team up for patient safety — not just during Patient Safety Awareness Week, but every day.

Chief of Staff Meets with United South and Eastern Tribes

On March 10, Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton attended the United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund Impact Week to provide national and regional updates to tribal leadership. Improving health outcomes in Indian Country is not work the IHS does alone; it is rooted in strong tribal partnerships. Opportunities like this to hear directly from tribal leaders are invaluable. These conversations help ensure that IHS’s work remains grounded in tribal priorities and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.

Rosebud Sioux Tribe Health Administration Joins Hepatitis C Elimination Pilot Program

The IHS is pleased to recognize the designation of Rosebud Sioux Tribe Health Administration as the 21st 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 United States and represents a major health disparity resulting in premature death among American Indian and Alaska Native people. IHS advocates for a comprehensive strategy to reduce CLD-related morbidity and mortality among AI/AN people.

Announced by IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen in October 2025, the IHS National Chronic Liver Disease Initiative is a proactive approach that 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 among AI/AN people, we encourage each of our programs to join our Hepatitis C Elimination exemplars as a Hepatitis C Elimination Pilot site.

Health IT Modernization Program Recaps 2025

2025 marked significant progress for the IHS Health IT Modernization Program as teams across the program worked together to strengthen the foundation for a more connected, efficient, and patient-centered EHR system. Throughout 2025, collaboration with the Lawton Service Unit, tribal and urban Indian organization partners, and subject matter experts helped guide system design and prepare for the next phase of PATH EHR implementation. Together, these efforts have refined core workflows, strengthened governance, and prepared PATH EHR for continued system build and operational readiness. Check out the 2025 Modernization Program Recap blog post to learn more!

IHS Celebrates Success of the 17^th IHS Pharmacy Leadership Training Program

We are pleased to share the successful completion of the 17th session of the IHS Pharmacy Leadership Training (PLT) Program, held virtually from March 2–6. This session welcomed a record-breaking 45 pharmacists from federal, tribal, and urban Indian health programs — the largest cohort since the program’s inception. Since its establishment in 2017, the PLT Program has provided comprehensive training in pharmacy management and operations to pharmacists serving in or preparing for leadership roles.

Through a dynamic curriculum and interactive learning environment, the program strengthens leadership competencies, supports operational excellence, and fosters a connected network of pharmacy leaders dedicated to ensuring the continuity and advancement of pharmacy services across IHS and beyond. With two sessions offered annually, the program has now trained 381 pharmacy leaders across all 12 IHS Areas, strengthening our network of well-prepared leaders committed to operational excellence and continuity of care.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the IHS headquarters pharmacists, IHS Area pharmacy consultants, and pharmacy leaders whose continued support makes this program possible. We look forward to continued growth and participation in future PLT cohorts.

Rear Adm. Kelly Battese, PLT Coordinators, and attendees at the March 2026 Virtual PLT Course

2026 National Pharmacy Meeting Convened in Oklahoma City Area

The IHS recently convened the 2026 National Pharmacy Meeting in Oklahoma City, drawing together 178 pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and retired pharmacists from across the agency. This year’s meeting brought federal, tribal, and urban partners into one collaborative space to advance pharmacy practice, strengthen leadership development, and enhance networking across the IHS pharmacy community.

Over three days, attendees participated in leadership workshops, educational sessions, and discussions focused on improving patient care delivery and expanding the impact of pharmacy services across Indian Country. The meeting served as an important platform for sharing innovative approaches, celebrating achievements, and fostering a strong and connected pharmacy workforce. The meeting also featured participation from distinguished Public Health Service leaders, including Rear Admirals and retired officers who continue to support the advancement of pharmacy practice.

The success of the 2026 National Pharmacy Meeting reflects the dedication, innovation, and collaboration that define the IHS pharmacy profession, and it reaffirms the agency’s commitment to improving the health and wellness of the communities we serve.

National Pharmacy Meeting Awards Outstanding Pharmacists

During the National Pharmacy Meeting, several outstanding pharmacy professionals and teams were recognized for their contributions:

Cmdr. Abigail Petrulis – National Junior Pharmacist of the Year
Shealynn Pierce – National Pharmacy Technician of the Year (not pictured)
Kaileen Skidgel – OCA Senior Administrative Pharmacist of the Year
Emily Collins – OCA Junior Administrative Pharmacist of the Year
Cmdr. Kyrsten Smith – OCA Junior Clinical Pharmacist of the Year
Jaelyn Jestes – OCA Pharmacy Technician of the Year (not pictured)
Nelson Edgeman – OCA Kris D. Hunley Customer Service Award
Haskell Indian Health Clinic Pharmacy – OCA Small Pharmacy of the Year
Chickasaw Nation Department of Health – Pharmacy Services – OCA Large Pharmacy of the Year

Congratulations to all the award winners.

2026 Agency Federal Engineer of the Year Award Top 10 Finalist

Congratulations to Cmdr. Juliane Junes-Harvey, who was named as a Top Ten Finalist for the 2026 Agency Federal Engineer of the Year. She began her career with the IHS in 2011 as a civilian within the Phoenix Area Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction (SFC) as a field engineer. Prior to coming to IHS, Junes-Harvey worked in the private engineering consulting field. She has been a USPHS officer since 2013 and currently serves as the SFC deputy director-project support for the Phoenix Area. Her IHS career has been in the IHS Phoenix Area serving in the Western Arizona District Office and the Area Office that included duties as a field engineer, senior field engineer, engineer consultant, acting district engineer and deputy director. Junes-Harvey has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Arizona State University, and she obtained her Master of Engineering in Engineering Management from the University of Idaho. She is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and is part Hopi. Finalists were recognized in an event at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on February 27.

DBH Director Attends Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Council Meeting

During the recent Tribal Self Governance Advisory Council Meeting in Washington, D.C., Division of Behavioral Health Director Dr. Glorinda Segay presented an update on the status of seven behavioral health initiatives to tribal leaders. In 2026, seven grant programs are entering the fifth and final year of programming for the current cohorts. The IHS is collecting national evaluation data on program accomplishments, successes and challenges, and gathering feedback on how to provide better and more accurate technical assistance to grantees to ensure success. Questions during the meeting focused on defining next steps for future funding distribution and the importance of providing regular updates to tribes on the status as we come to an end of the five-year funding cycles in 2027.

Dr. Glorinda Segay and Jillian Curtis at the Tribal Self Governance Advisory Council Meeting

P4 Support Team Visits Sage Memorial Hospital

On February 11, the IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4) support team conducted its second site visit to Navajo Health Foundation – Sage Memorial Hospital since the program’s launch in July 2023. The visit focused on assessing implementation progress, identifying opportunities for ongoing technical assistance, and gathering direct feedback from program participants regarding their experiences.

The support team toured the new Sage Memorial Hospital campus that opened in August 2024. The team also attended a nutrition education class for P4 participants, where attendees shared positive feedback on how the program supports healthier food choices and improved access to traditional foods and fresh produce. Sage Memorial P4 staff highlighted their strong partnership with Bashas Grocery Store and provided a hands-on demonstration of the voucher system at the Window Rock Bashas location, showcasing program operations and community collaboration.

IHS Congratulates 70 Employees for Earning Lean Six Sigma Belts

70 IHS employees earned their Lean Six Sigma yellow belt, recognizing their foundational learning and application of continuous process improvement methods related to identifying and eliminating waste, structured problem-solving, and contributing effectively to team-based improvement projects. Each candidate successfully briefed the designated training provider on a problem statement and root cause analysis assignment. This accomplishment brings the fiscal year 2026 total to 121 staff who have attained their Lean Six Sigma white and yellow belts. Several of the newly certified yellow belts will be moving on to the more rigorous green belt certification, which requires project-based work and demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement across the agency. For more information on this training opportunity, contact Shaun Hurtado with the Division of Innovation and Improvement.

IEH Program Announces Field-Based Resident for Long-Term Training Opportunity

The Division of Environmental Health Services Institutional Environmental Health (IEH) Program announces the selection of Lt. Kimberly Pierre, MSc, RN, CPH, for its field-based residency long-term training program. She currently serves as acting safety officer at Parker Indian Hospital in the Colorado River Service Unit and brings more than 14 years of nursing and public health experience spanning critical care, international health systems strengthening, and highly infectious disease preparedness coordination.

As part of the program, Pierre will pursue her Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene through Montana Technological University as part of the 2026-2028 IEH Field-Based Residency. Upon completion, Pierre will serve as an IHS institutional environmental health officer, applying her enhanced expertise to protect IHS employees, patients, and visitors in institutions served and supported by the IHS. Congratulations to Pierre — the first IEH field-based resident.

Lt. Kimberly Pierre

FOIA Office Celebrates National Freedom of Information Day

The IHS FOIA Office is excited to celebrate National Freedom of Information Day on March 16 and Sunshine Week from March 15–21. These observances shine a spotlight on the value of open government and the power of transparency. They remind us that public access to information builds trust, strengthens accountability, and supports meaningful civic engagement. Each of us plays an important role in advancing transparency across IHS.

Want to learn more about how FOIA supports open government at IHS? Visit the IHS FOIA website to explore resources and information. IHS employees are also encouraged to take advantage of the following FOIA training opportunities:

HHS Learning Management System (LMS):

Search for “Freedom of Information Act” or “FOIA”

U.S. Department of Justice – FOIA Training Resources:

FOIA Training for Executives, FOIA Training for Executives
FOIA Training for Federal Employees (v4), FOIA Training for Federal Employees v4

Thank you for helping promote transparency and open government at IHS — and happy Sunshine Week!

IHS Clinical and Community Workforce Summit

On March 11, Albuquerque Area Director Dr. Leonard Thomas provided opening remarks for the IHS Clinical and Community Workforce Summit held in Denver, Colorado. The morning started with posting of colors and an opening prayer by the Denver Indian Health and Family Services (DIHFS), a heartfelt welcome by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen, a cultural presentation by Doug Good Feather from DIHFS, an open plenary session by Dr. Gary Ferguson, and continued with concurrent training sessions over the two-day event.

Wind River Family & Community Health Care Dialysis Center Receives NDAC Accreditation

The Billings Area extends its congratulations to the Wind River Family & Community Health Care Dialysis Center who recently received accreditation from the National Dialysis Accreditation Commission (NDAC). This achievement reflects the Northern Arapaho Tribe’s commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered dialysis services close to home. The Dialysis Center offers comprehensive outpatient hemodialysis that is delivered by a dedicated multidisciplinary team.

Achieving NDAC accreditation confirms that the program meets rigorous national standards for patient safety, infection control, clinical outcomes, and continuous quality improvement. This milestone represents the hard work of tribal clinical staff, patient care technicians, leadership, and support teams. The program is operated by the Northern Arapaho Tribe under a Title V compact, further demonstrating tribal leadership and self-governance in delivering essential health care services to their community.

(Photo 1) Wind River Family & Community Health Care Chief Executive Officer Richard Brannan (Photo 2) Dialysis Center leadership and staff

California UIO Parters with Lipay Nation Santa Ysabel to Offer Mobile Dialysis Services

California Area Office facilities engineers Cmdr. Ali Ali and Kshene McFarlane met with Indian Health Council (IHC) leadership and Chairman Osuna on March 3. The IHC is partnering with the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel and Sanderling Renal Services to bring mobile dialysis services to their frontier community through telehealth service and a portable technological innovation in hemodialysis systems —Tablo. Currently in the initial planning phases, they plan to transform a single wide mobile trailer, located across the street from the Santa Ysabel Health Center, into an accessible site where patients will not have to travel far for dialysis treatment.

Oglala Sioux Tribe Hosts Open House for New Residential Treatment & Detoxification Center

On March 10, Pine Ridge Service Unit leadership attended the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Open House for its new Residential Treatment & Detoxification Center on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The center will provide residential detoxification under medical supervision, medication-assisted treatment in residential and outpatient settings, intensive treatment services, targeted case management, and transitional living skills development. This new resource strengthens efforts to connect community members with appropriate levels of behavioral health care. The IHS looks forward to continued collaboration with the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Oglala Lakota Division of Behavioral Health to support access to quality, culturally responsive treatment services for the community.

(Photo 1) Pine Ridge Service Unit Leadership with Oglala Sioux Tribal Council and Oglala Lakota Division of Behavioral Health

(Photo 2) Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out (third from left) with tribal representatives and Pine Ridge Service Unit leaders

Navajo Area Staff Participate in Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training

Twelve individuals from Navajo Area Indian Health Service facilities, tribally operated health care facilities, state health departments, and local non-profit took part in a four-day Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor (AMHFA) Training in Gallup, New Mexico. The individuals were certified by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing as instructors to deliver the evidence-based AMHFA training to their communities. AMHFA teaches individuals how to assist and support others who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Topics covered in AMHFA are: 1) common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, 2) common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges, 3) how to interact with a person in crisis, 4) how to connect a person with help, 5) expanded content on trauma, substance use, and self-care. The newly certified instructors will be providing AMHFA training to their communities this year.

Los Angeles UIO and Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center Host Community Health Fair

On March 7, the Los Angeles American Indian Health Centers, in partnership with Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center, hosted a Community Health Fest in Pomona, California. The event provided Native families, elders, youth, and community members with free health screenings, wellness education, and information about the new urban Indian health program serving the Los Angeles area. Attendees received blood pressure and blood sugar screenings and connected with health professionals offering nutrition guidance, oral health education, and information on upcoming services. The event also featured cultural activities and a blessing ceremony for the new health center, reinforcing a shared commitment to expanding access to culturally centered care in urban Native communities.

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic Attends Community TEK Fest

Staff from Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) attended TEK Fest on March 7 at the First Americans Museum, connecting with community members and sharing information about services available at the clinic. The Public Health team brought the mobile health unit and provided STI testing and immunizations, while registration staff were on hand to answer questions and help attendees learn more about becoming patients. Events like this give OKCIC another opportunity to meet people where they are, provide important health services, and share resources that support the health and wellness of the community.

Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Webinar Series

The Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Tele-Education Program is hosting the following webinars in March for health care providers:

Pain and Opioid Use Disorder Webinar Series: "What If There’s a Brain Injury?” on March 24 at 2:00 p.m. ET | Register here
Pain and Opioid Use Disorder Webinar Series: "Neurologic Informed Care” on March 31 at 2:00 p.m. ET | Register here

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