May 26, 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 Testifies Before Senate to Discuss President’s FY27 Budget Request
On May 20, IHS Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton testified before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to discuss the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the Indian Health Service. Over the past decade, investments have helped grow the IHS budget by 60 percent and helped strengthen health care across Indian Country. The FY 2027 budget builds on that foundation, advances our mission, and fulfills the federal trust responsibility by supporting a system of over 600 facilities and 41 urban Indian organizations that serves nearly three million American Indians and Alaska Natives. It is about delivering on a fundamental commitment by ensuring that American Indian and Alaska Native communities have access to reliable, high-quality health care. You can watch the full testimony here.
Congress Reauthorizes Special Diabetes Program for Indians for FY 26
Good news for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians! Congress has reauthorized SDPI for fiscal year 2026, representing an increase of $41 million above the previous year. Congress has also provided $50 million for the first three months of FY 2027, extending authorization through December 31, 2026. The IHS will also award administrative supplements to the current 310 SDPI grant recipients for calendar year 2026. These will be 25 percent of each recipient’s annual grant award amount and will be distributed in the next few weeks.
These efforts reflect the continued recognition of the significant impact that SDPI has had in improving diabetes prevention and treatment outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The IHS is planning to conduct Tribal consultation and urban confers regarding the use of additional SDPI funds. We remain committed to supporting efforts to address diabetes-related health disparities in Indian Country.
Produce Prescription Pilot Program Now Accepting Phase 2 Applications
The Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention is now accepting applications for the IHS Phase 2 Produce Prescription Pilot Program. This funding opportunity supports efforts to strengthen food security initiatives in Native communities through partnerships between health care providers and local food systems. The program aims to increase access to fruits, vegetables, and traditional foods; improve nutrition; encourage healthier eating habits; and support overall health and well-being for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Application materials are available on Grants.gov. Proposals must be submitted by June 22. Please share this opportunity broadly with interested colleagues and partners.
Maternal Child Health Program Awards $2.2 Million
The IHS Maternal Child Health Program is funding 11 federal sites to improve maternal safety and increase access to care during pregnancy and postpartum. Funds will be used to increase maternity care coordination, support obstetric emergency readiness training, and purchase equipment and supplies. The program will award $2.2 million annually to sites across seven IHS Areas over a total of five years. The following programs have the potential to reach more than 12,000 pregnant and postpartum patients and their families through this funding opportunity:
- Billings Area Office
- Chinle Comprehensive Care Facility
- Colorado River Service Unit
- Crownpoint Service Unit
- Gallup Indian Medical Center
- Great Plains Area Office
- Lawton Indian Hospital
- Northern Navajo Medical Center
- Red Lake Hospital
- Whiteriver Service Unit
- Zuni Comprehensive Health Center
Congratulations to the federal site teams above!
2026 Indian Health Geri Scholars Program Applications Open
The IHS Alzheimer’s 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.
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 how to apply, visit the IHS Alzheimer’s Program website.
Meet and Greet with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe
On May 22, IHS Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton and headquarters staff traveled to King William, Va., for a site visit and meet-and-greet with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, followed by a visit to the IHS Mid-Atlantic Service Unit (MASU) health care facility in Charles City. The visit highlighted ongoing efforts to improve health care access and foster collaboration within the community. The tour offered a firsthand look at how the MASU provides essential primary care, behavioral health, and dental services to thousands of American Indian and Alaska Native citizens across the region. This ongoing engagement strengthens partnerships and supports the holistic needs of the Pamunkey Tribe, other Tribes in Virginia, and neighboring communities.
Alaska Area Convenes ISDEAA Negotiations
In May, the IHS Alaska Area senior leadership team, along with their Office of Tribal Programs, met with representatives of the Alaska Tribal Health Compact during annual Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) final negotiations. Participants included Acting Director of the IHS Office of Tribal Self-Governance Rena Macy, as well as the HHS Office of General Counsel with support from IHS subject matter experts.
This event, which was held May 11–15 on the campus of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in Anchorage, Alaska, supports the ongoing provision of comprehensive health services to more than 174,000 Alaska Natives and American Indians and all 228 federally recognized Tribes in Alaska. Facilities include IHS-funded, Tribal managed hospitals located in Anchorage, Barrow, Bethel, Dillingham, Kotzebue, Nome, Sitka, and Wrangell, Tribal health centers, Tribal community health aide clinics, and residential substance abuse treatment centers. The Alaska Area maintains nine Title I contracts with Alaska Tribes and Tribal organizations and negotiates one Title V compact with 26 separate Tribal funding agreements each year.
Alaska ISDEAA Final Negotiations Team meets in Anchorage
Facility Directors Convene in Seattle for Annual Meeting
Facility directors and leaders from across the IHS gathered in Seattle, Wash., from May 5–7 for the 2026 Facility Director Meeting. A focus of the meeting was strengthening an integrated approach to the planning, design, construction, and operations of new and existing health care facilities across the U.S., ensuring alignment from concept through delivery of care. The meeting emphasized leadership engagement, sharing best practices, and reinforcing a unified approach to advancing the IHS mission.
Attendees had the opportunity to connect in person, exchange ideas, and build stronger partnerships across IHS areas and headquarters. These conversations support ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes, enhance access to care, and ensure a high-performing, patient-centered health system.
Division of Grants Management Conducts Site Visits Across Alaska Area
The Division of Grants Management (DGM), in collaboration with the Division of Behavioral Health (DBH), recently conducted site visits with grant recipients across the Alaska Area as part of the Monitoring and Technical Assistance Initiative. They visited the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Southcentral Foundation, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, and Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association. Staff also met with Acting Area Director Lyle Claw.
Programs highlighted during the visits included substance abuse, suicide prevention, and domestic violence prevention initiatives. The visits provided an opportunity for DGM and DBH staff to learn about the impactful services and programs delivered within the community and efforts to strengthen partnerships with recipients, provide technical assistance, and support for both administrative and program implementation. These engagements highlighted the important work being done to improve behavioral health outcomes and enhance services for Alaska Native and Tribal populations.
44th Annual Southwest Regional Continuing Pharmacist Education Meeting
From April 30 to May 3, the IHS Phoenix and Navajo Areas hosted the 44th Annual Southwest Regional Continuing Pharmacy Education Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. Approximately 200 pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy residents from IHS headquarters and 11 area offices convened to advance professional knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and support ongoing workforce development across the agency.
The program featured presentations on key priorities in pharmacy practice, including updates from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Additional topics included antimicrobial stewardship, a residency program showcase, Indigenous cultural awareness, United States Pharmacopeia compliance, controlled substance regulatory guidance, and implementation of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act.
During the meeting, individuals were honored with national and regional awards for their outstanding service, dedication, and notable contributions to pharmacy practice within IHS.
Award Recipients:
- 2025 National Pharmacy Preceptor of the Year: Cmdr. Madison Adams (Northern Navajo Medical Center)
- 2024 Phoenix Area Pharmacist of the Year: Andrew DeMotto (River People Health Center)
- 2024 Phoenix Area Junior Pharmacist of the Year: Cmdr. Ashley Adams Score (Phoenix Indian Medical Center)
- 2024 Navajo Area Junior Pharmacist of the Year: Cmdr. Madison Adams (Northern Navajo Medical Center)
- 2024 Navajo Area Pharmacy Technician of the Year: Alberta Hayes (Northern Navajo Medical Center)
- 2025 Phoenix Area Senior Pharmacist of the Year: Mizraim Mendoza (Phoenix Indian Medical Center)
- 2025 Phoenix Area Junior Pharmacist of the Year: Amanda Huber (Phoenix Indian Medical Center)
- 2025 Phoenix Area Pharmacy Technician of the Year: Analy Guaracha (Southern Band Health Care Center)
- 2024 Navajo Area Senior Pharmacist of the Year: Ryan Buff (Northern Navajo Medical Center)
- 2024 Phoenix Area Pharmacy Technician of the Year: Melanie Honawa (Phoenix Indian Medical Center)
National Dental Challenges Course Provides Key Concepts and Standards of Care
On May 5–7, the IHS Division of Oral Health (DOH) held the 2026 IHS National Dental Challenges Course at the Phoenix Area Office. The course, taught by the IHS national dental specialty consultants, provided 26 attendees—primarily new dentists and dental health aide therapists with fewer than five years of experience in an IHS, Tribal, or urban dental program—with key concepts and standards of care for IHS dental programs. DOH thanks the Phoenix Area office staff for their assistance in hosting this course.
IHS Staff Complete Six Sigma Green Belt Program
Congratulations to Cmdr. Ryan Pett (Portland Area), Stephanie Oberst (Oklahoma City Area), Alvaro “Al” Enriquez (California Area), and Ken Franks (Headquarters) for successfully completing the IHS Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Program in May. The Green Belt certification reflects a rigorous course of study and a certification project focused on process improvement, data-driven decision-making, and enhancing operational efficiency across the organization. All four candidates received high praise from the training provider and coaches for their motivation, critical thinking, and enthusiasm throughout the program.
In fiscal year 2026, 30 IHS staff are participating in this rigorous training, which builds on Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification and equips participants with tools to improve processes, reduce inefficiencies and strengthen patient care operations. The next cohort will begin in fiscal year 2027 with 50 seats available. This work supports the IHS mission by advancing quality improvement efforts and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of health services delivered to American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Please join us in congratulating these individuals on their achievement! For more information on the IHS Lean Six Sigma Training program, please email Shaun Hurtado.
Human Resources Leader Provides Presentation on Using Artificial Intelligence at HHS Expo
On May 20, IHS Acting Division of Classification Director Orlondo “Chuck” Haven was invited to present on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Human Resources classification function at the AI Expo in Washington, D.C. Presented by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Haven was selected in recognition of the innovative work and ideas coming out of IHS’ Office of Human Resources—specifically with leveraging AI. His humorous and informative presentation was heard to be the “best in show”, according to some. Haven presented on the classification tool Machine-Integrated Review of Occupational Nexus (MIRON), which has catapulted classification operations into the 21st century and enabled the classification team to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Chuck Haven presents on the use of artificial intelligence at the HHS AI Expo
Updated Acute Dental Pain Management Guidance Released
The IHS National Guidance on Acute Dental Pain Management has been revised with multidisciplinary input from IHS dentists, oral surgeons, pharmacists, and physicians. In addition to serving as a chairside clinical reference, the guidance supports patient safety, quality of care, and opioid stewardship, with a focus on patient-specific medical risk. The guidance can be used by chief medical officers, clinical directors, and pharmacy leadership for quality assurance and performance improvement activities, chart reviews, and Focused Professional Practice Evaluation/Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations related to prescribing practices. The updated document can be found on the IHS opioids website and the Division of Oral Health website.
IHS Recognizes EMS Week
As we observe National EMS Week 2026, the Indian Health Service recognizes the dedication, skill, and service of EMS professionals across Indian Country. This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” reflects the teamwork and coordination that strengthen emergency care, improve patient outcomes, and help save lives every day. Please read more in our latest blog.
Photo credit: emsweek.org
Patient Safety Program and VHA Offer Training Opportunities for IHS Staff
The IHS Patient Safety Program partners with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Center for Patient Safety to enhance training opportunities for agency staff. Through this collaboration, IHS personnel have access to a range of VHA-administered training modules designed to strengthen patient safety practices across the system. Upcoming virtual training opportunities include:
- “Root Cause Analysis” on July 8 | 6.5 hours | Register by July 1
- “Proactive Risk Assessment” on July 28| 6.5 hours | Register by July 20
- “Executive Patient Safety Seminar” on August 18-20 | 3 days | Register by August 11
- “Foundations for Patient Safety Officers” on September 1-24 | 32 hours | Register by August 25
These training courses are an excellent opportunity for professional development and to promote a culture of safety across IHS. For more information and to register, click here.
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 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
OHR Staff Continue Recruitment Efforts
On May 16–18, staff members of the headquarters Office of Human Resources recruited at the American Academy of Physician Associates in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event was attended by physician associates, educators, and students from across the country. The team had the opportunity to meet with current IHS Scholar Nicole Whitaker to discuss her academic progress, ongoing engagement with the program, and potential recruitment opportunities.
That same week, OHR staff also recruited at the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine’s annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, which attracted academic emergency medicine professionals, residents, fellows, and medical students. At both events, attendees expressed a strong interest in IHS career opportunities, scholarships, and the Loan Repayment Program.
HQ Recruitment and Outreach Program Coordinator Keith Bohanan, IHS Scholar Nicole Whitaker, HQ Recruitment and Outreach Program Coordinator Justin McHorse at the American Academy of Physician Associates in New Orleans, Louisiana
Loan Repayment Analyst Jeremy Sheehan and Branch Chief, Recruitment and Outreach Ra’el Augare at the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine’s annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia
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