May 11, 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 Announces Selection of Projects for Long-Term Care Joint Venture Construction Program
In late April, the IHS announced the selection of three projects for the fiscal year 2025 Long-Term Care Joint Venture Construction Program (LTC JVCP): the Coeur d’Alene Tribe in Plummer, Idaho; the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium in Sitka, Alaska; and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation in Bethel, Alaska. Long-term care services are a critical need across Indian Country, where many Tribal communities face limited access to skilled nursing and other long-term care options, particularly in rural and remote areas. This is the first time that JVCP funding will be awarded for long-term care facilities, marking an important step in expanding access to these services in Tribal communities.
Under a JVCP agreement, a federally recognized Tribe or Tribal organization uses Tribal, private, or other available non-IHS funds for the acquisition or construction of a health care facility that meets the IHS planning, environmental review, sustainability, design, and construction requirements. For the LTC JVCP, this includes construction of a long-term care, skilled nursing, or long-term home facility. In exchange, the IHS will request that Congress fund the staffing and operations of the health care facility under a no-cost, 20-year lease.
For over three decades, the IHS JVCP has strengthened partnerships with Tribes across the country and expanded access to comprehensive, culturally acceptable health services for American Indian and Alaska Native people. Since its inception in 1991, more than 30 tribes have partnered to open or expand more than 35 facilities, including health centers and hospitals, that increase access to quality health care for Tribal communities.
IHS Officials Attend National Council of Urban Indian Affairs Conference
Team members from IHS Headquarters, the Division of Urban Indian Affairs (formerly the Office of Urban Indian Health Programs), Billings and California Areas, and HHS Office of General Counsel attended the 2026 National Council of Urban Indian Health Conference this week in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme, “Celebrating 50 years of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act,” offered the opportunity to participate in the IHS listening session led by Deputy Director for Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Stacey Ecoffey, attend valuable breakout sessions on best practices, recognize and honor champions in urban health care, share resources and stories of challenges and successes, and connect with urban Indian organization colleagues and federal partners.
IHS Recognizes Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day
May 5th is recognized as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day. This is a day to help remember and honor our Indigenous relatives who have gone missing or were murdered, and a day to raise awareness to offer prevention efforts within our communities. On this day, we wear red to help raise awareness to support an end to this crisis.
The IHS, Tribal, and urban Indian organizations are working to build a holistic and comprehensive health care approach to care for patients following violent crimes. At this time, there are 37 facilities that offer medical forensic examinations by trained health care providers. Each of these Indian health system facilities have trained health care providers who have gone through more than 40 hours of specialized forensic health care training and education. They also receive numerous hours of ongoing training and education to provide culturally responsive, patient-centered, trauma-informed health care to patients, families, and Tribal communities impacted by violent crimes. Read more in the IHS Blog.
IHS Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week
During Public Service Recognition Week, May 3–9, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. thanked HHS employees for their service and the impact of their work across research, care delivery, and community support. He reaffirmed the Department’s focus on prevention and improving health outcomes for all Americans. Watch his message here. IHS leadership shares this appreciation and thanks all IHS staff for your continued dedication to advancing the IHS mission and strategic priorities, delivering quality care, strengthening partnerships, and improving the health of American Indian and Alaska Native communities across the Nation. Thank you!
Celebrating Health Care Heroes During Nurses Week
The IHS expresses its appreciation to all the incredible nursing staff across the Indian health system during Nurses Week, May 6–12! Your compassion, care, and dedication continue to make a difference in the lives of the patients, families, and communities you serve. We are grateful for all that you do, today and every day.
Santo Domingo Pueblo Celebrates Investment to Complete Wastewater Treatment System
On May 1, Senior Advisor to the HHS Secretary Mark Cruz joined EPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator Victoria Tran and leaders from Santo Domingo Pueblo to announce a $10.7 million federal investment to support completion of the Pueblo’s wastewater treatment system. The project will expand reliable sanitation services by constructing four lift stations and force mains to carry wastewater to a new treatment facility currently under development. This investment strengthens a critical federal–Tribal partnership and advances the Pueblo’s broader infrastructure goals.
The announcement builds on the Indian Health Service’s recent allocation of $700 million in fiscal year 2026 funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs for water and sanitation projects across Indian Country. While progress continues, significant needs remain. About 41,000 American Indian and Alaska Native homes still lack adequate sanitation, including more than 4,300 without safe water or waste disposal services. Through the IHS Sanitation Facilities Construction Program and partnerships with agencies like EPA, the federal government continues to make targeted investments to close these gaps. The event included remarks from federal and Tribal leaders, a symbolic funding presentation, and recognition of the partnership between the Pueblo and federal agencies working to improve community infrastructure.
IHS Leaders Visit Great Plains Area for Site Visit
In May, Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton and other IHS leaders visited the IHS Great Plains Area to connect directly with staff and leadership across multiple facilities. Stops included the Fort Thompson, Lower Brule, Pine Ridge, and Eagle Butte Service Units, providing opportunities to hear from teams on the ground, discuss priorities, and strengthen support for the communities they serve. They also had the opportunity to attend the Crow Creek Tribal Inauguration at the Crow Creek Tribal School. These visits are an important part of staying connected, listening, and ensuring our work continues to meet the needs of patients and staff across the area.
National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Holds Quarterly Meeting
The IHS National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (NPTC) held its Spring 2026 quarterly meeting at the California Area Office this week. The NPTC is a standing committee of the IHS that works to promote quality, access, and value in formulary management through maintenance of the IHS National Core Formulary (NCF) and the provision of clinical expertise related to pharmacotherapy and pharmacovigilance. NPTC membership includes physicians and pharmacists and consists of two officers, voting members representing each of the IHS Areas, and adjunct members from the IHS National Supply Service Center. During the meeting, the committee reviewed a range of topics including hypertension guidelines, beta-blockers, obstructive sleep apnea, autism spectrum disorder, HIV treatment, and oral health.
Further information from the NPTC, including clinical guidance documents and the NCF can be accessed on their website at https://www.ihs.gov/nptc/. To receive NPTC correspondence and clinical updates, IHS, Tribal, and urban Indian organization staff can also self-enroll to the NPTC Listserv.
Division of Nursing Services Provides Public Health Nurse Training
On May 4-8, the Division of Nursing Services Public Health Nursing (PHN) Program hosted the first of three training sessions in Albuquerque, N.M., to strengthen core competencies and enhance program management skills to improve practice outcomes. The training event also emphasizes collaboration with community organizations to implement interventions addressing health disparities identified through community assessments to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities. This session was attended by 63 PHN staff members and opened with a welcome by IHS Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Matthew Clark. LEAD Training, LLC is providing the training on behalf of the IHS PHN program, made possible due to the partnership with the Division of Acquisitions and the use of Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises to support the IHS mission.
Division of Environmental Health Services Conducts Annual Meeting
The IHS Division of Environmental Health Services conducted their annual DEHS Directors’ Meeting in Denver, Colo., and virtually, where they discussed program updates and pertinent program topics such as the launch of their latest program evaluation process and data quality. DEHS is one of five divisions of the Office of Environmental Health and Engineering and are leaders in the environmental health profession, providing a broad scope of services regarding water quality, waste disposal, hazardous materials management, food safety, community injury prevention, vector control, occupational safety and health, and other environmental health issues.
IHS Division of Environmental Health Services annual Area Directors’ Meeting in Denver, Colo.
2026 Northern Tier Pharmacy Continuing Education Gathering
On April 17-18, the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy hosted the 2026 Northern Tier Pharmacy Continuing Education Program, welcoming 40 participants from five IHS Areas, headquarters, and the FDA. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration, innovation, and leadership within IHS pharmacy practice through keynote presentations, clinical updates, roundtables, and residency project reviews. It emphasized improving patient-centered care, workforce engagement, and chronic disease management, while fostering professional development, wellness, and knowledge sharingacross pharmacy teams. During the gathering, Northern Tier Awardees were announced. They include:
- Senior Pharmacist of the Year: Lt. Cmdr. Maviann Krause, PharmD Woodrow Wilson Keeble Memorial Health Center
- Junior Pharmacist of the Year: Chad Kumm, PharmD, Cass Lake Hospital
- Clinical Pharmacist of the Year: Lt. Cmdr. Jason Kinyon, PharmD, Twelve Clans Hospital
- Pharmacy Technician of the Year: Aurora Grund, Fond du Lac Clinic
- Preceptor of the Year: Haylee Sirjord, PharmD, White Earth Service Unit
- Ambulatory Pharmacy Program of the Year: White Earth Service Unit
- Hospital Pharmacy Program of the Year: Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital
- Poster of the Year: Lt. Cmdr. Maria Beddow, Red Lake Hospital
- 2026 Fitness Team Challenge: Cass Lake Indian Health Service
Congratulations to all of the award winners.
Emergency Medicine with Rural and Indigenous Communities Gathering
The IHS Office of Clinical Performance and Health Impact (OCPHI) and Office of Clinical and Preventive Services teams presented at the Emergency Medicine with Rural and Indigenous Communities (emRIC) Gathering in Portland, Ore., from April 27–30. The IHS forensic nurse consultant and Whiteriver Service Unit SANE coordinatorpresented “Actions to Improve Trauma-Informed Care” on practical approaches to forensic health care program development. The OCPHI team presented the “IHS Acute Care Registry”, a database to inform national, regional, and site leadership teams on clinical performance. The Maternal Child Health team also provided Obstetric Readiness in the Emergency Department and neonatal training for 27 staff from several IHS Areas. Staff reported improved knowledge in management of obstetric emergencies and requested ongoing education and readiness training. Attendees included emergency medicine providers, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, emergency medical services teams, and administrative leadership. Thank you to the participants and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board for their advocacy and support.
IHS Advances High-Risk Action Plan with Communication Cascade
The IHS is advancing the High-Risk Action Plan through an agency-wide communication cascade that engages staff in understanding the agency’s path forward and their role in supporting measurable progress. Supported by a standardized briefing deck and leadership discussion guide, the effort promotes consistent messaging on governance, proactive risk management, Just Culture, internal communication, and data-informed oversight. Through recurring updates in leadership forums and staff communications, the IHS is strengthening awareness, reinforcing accountability, and supporting culture change across the organization. This coordinated effort reflects continued progress to improve oversight, strengthen performance, and advance a more transparent and reliable health system for the communities the agency serves.
Muscogee Creek Nation Produces Prescription Pilot Program Site Visit
On April 30, the IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4) support team conducted its second site visit to the Muscogee Creek Nation’s Healthy Root P4 program, which launched in July 2023. The visit was held at the Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare Center in Tulsa, Okla., and focused on evaluating implementation progress, identifying opportunities for continued technical assistance, and gaining insight into plans to expand the program’s reach. The team also traveled to the Okmulgee County Community Garden, where they learned about a new partnership aimed at increasing access to locally grown produce. While visiting Okmulgee, they attended a community nutrition education class that featured a food demonstration for Muscogee Creek community members.
Knowledge Management System Gets New Name — QI Hub
The Division of Innovation and Improvement, a division of the Office of Quality, is excited to announce the renaming of its Knowledge Management System (KMS) to the QI Hub— a centralized platform where IHS employees can initiate, manage, share,and search quality improvement and process improvement projects across the agency. Launched in June 2025 and shaped by feedback from quality professionals at federally operated facilities and area offices nationwide, the QI Hub supports methodologies including the Model for Improvement and Lean Six Sigma. All IHS employees are encouraged to log in, register,and enter their current or completed projects at theQI Hub today.
PATH EHR Progress Shared at IHS Town Hall
On April 9, the IHS Health Information Technology Modernization Program hosted a Modernization Town Hall. This session provided IHS staff with updates regarding the program and PATH EHR implementation progress. During the session, program leaders highlighted the PATH EHR build and configuration progress, provided an overview of training and readiness, and shared pilot site updates. Participants asked questions about PATH EHR capabilities, pilot site implementation, and how sites can prepare for PATH EHR. Thank you to everyone who attended the first Modernization Town Hall of 2026. The presentation is available on the PATH EHR SharePoint. For more information about the Health IT Modernization Program or topics covered, please email modernization@ihs.gov.
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, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. 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 issues in Indian health.
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
2026 National Council for Mental Wellbeing
On April 27–28, staff from the headquarters Office of Human Resources and the Portland Area recruited at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in Denver, Colo. The event is designed for mental health care professionals and students from across the United States. The attendees expressed a strong interest in IHS career opportunities, scholarships, and the Loan Repayment Program.
Portland Area Clinical Office Support Director Ashley Tuomi and HQ Recruitment and Outreach Program Coordinator Keith Bohanan
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