March 31, 2025: 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.

Albuquerque Area Consultation and Urban Confer

On March 26, IHS Acting Director Benjamin Smith had the opportunity to participate in the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Service’s quarterly tribal consultation and urban confer, where representatives from across the region gathered to discuss key health issues. He delivered remarks to the group and responded to questions concerning agency operations. Representatives from the New Mexico Health Care Authority provided an update on Medicaid and the Management Care Organizations, while agency staff from headquarters and the area office gave presentations on fiscal year 2025 IHS appropriations and a clinical update that included the measles outbreak in southeast New Mexico and western Texas. The meeting concluded with reports and updates from tribal representatives assigned to represent area tribes on national federal-tribal workgroups and advisory committees, who continue to advocate for area-wide health priorities.

Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee Meeting

During the week of March 16, Acting Director Smith and senior IHS leaders had the privilege of participating in the Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee Meeting. The guidance and advocacy of this esteemed committee are invaluable, as they amplify the voices of self-governance tribes and ensure our efforts remain aligned with the priorities and needs of the communities we serve.

During discussions, IHS leadership addressed concerns regarding recent executive orders issued by the President and their potential implications for the Indian health system. Additionally, they provided an overview of the IHS Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2025–2029, a roadmap designed to strengthen health care service delivery for American Indians and Alaska Natives nationwide. Developed with input from key stakeholders, including TSGAC, this plan reflects the shared commitment to advancing health equity, enhancing service access, and upholding the federal government’s trust responsibility to tribal nations.

Annual California Tribal Listening Session & Urban Confer

The California Tribal Leaders Listening Session and the California Urban Confer Session were held March 11–13 in Buellton, California. More than 200 California tribal officials, health board members, and tribal and urban Indian health care program leaders were in attendance. The event included presentations on environmental health and disaster preparedness, valley fever, and traditional healing, to name a few. It also provided an opportunity to listen to reports from California representatives and national IHS and HHS workgroups. Thank you to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians for hosting these important meetings and the IHS looks forward to working with them in the future. 

IHS Acting Director Benjamin Smith also had the pleasure of visiting two health care programs in California. The Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic in Santa Ynez, California, and the American Indian Health & Services Corporation in Santa Barbara, California. At Santa Ynez, he met with clinic leadership and one of the tribal council members. We discussed future needs of the clinic and the patients whom they serve. At AIHSC, he was briefed on clinic staffing, as well as patient demographics and patient volumes. Acting Director Smith was also given an update on their exciting plans for expansion at their newly acquired site. IHS leaders enjoyed touring both facilities, meeting the dedicated staff at these programs, and learning about their operations and current initiatives.

(Top) Visiting with Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic staff
(Bottom) Visit with the American Indian Health & Services Corporation

IHS Awards Tribal Management Grants to Support Tribal Self-Determination

This week, IHS announced the award of over $600,000 in tribal management grants to five tribes and tribal organizations as part of a competitive program to develop and improve tribal capacity to manage health programs under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The Tribal Management Grant Program is designed to prepare tribes and tribal organizations for assuming all or part of existing IHS programs, functions, services, and activities, and to further develop and improve their health management capabilities. These awards highlight the agency’s commitment to supporting tribal self-determination. The IHS will continue to work with tribes or tribal organizations interested in assuming part or all of existing IHS programs to support the shared goal of providing quality health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives across Indian Country.

Denver Indian Health & Family Services Groundbreaking Ceremony

Acting Director of Urban Indian Health Programs Rick Mueller and Albuquerque Area Director Dr. Leonard Thomas celebrated with Denver Indian Health and Family Services, Inc. in the groundbreaking of their new clinic. DIHFS, in partnership with Mercy Housing, are building a new housing development that includes 190 homes in addition to the new 18,000 square-foot clinic that will focus on serving the American Indians and Alaska Natives and families in the Denver area. The project is expected to be completed in late 2026.

IHS Native Hearts Initiative Welcomes Bad River Health and Wellness Center as Pilot Team

The IHS is pleased to recognize the Bad River Health and Wellness Center as the third designated IHS Native Hearts Advocates pilot team.

American Indian and Alaska Native people have higher rates of cardiovascular disease and CVD-related premature death than any other racial or ethnic group, with mortality rates 20 percent higher than the general population. Evidence-based CVD care has been shown to improve diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes as part of a strategy of quality clinical performance.

Through our contemporary clinical strategic initiatives program, IHS seeks to support our federal, tribal, and urban Indian organization partners as we work together to mitigate health disparities in Indian Country. As announced by IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen in December 2024, the IHS National Native Hearts Initiative is a “get-with-the-guidelines approach” to support evidence-based clinical care for CVD, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. Since the roll-out of the IHS Native Hearts Initiative, we now have pilot teams serving seven tribal communities in Indian Country! As we seek to mitigate the impacts of heart-disease among our communities, I want to encourage each of our programs to join the Bad River Health and Wellness Center in becoming a Native Hearts Advocate pilot site.

Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation Hosts Site Visit for Alzheimer’s Models of Care Grant Program

On March 19, the IHS Elder Health Team conducted a site visit with the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation to foster collaboration and explore the impact of the IHS Alzheimer’s grant. TCHRCC is a 73-bed referral medical center that serves a vast area, including the Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Paiute Reservations. Located in the western Navajo Nation, Tuba City welcomed the IHS team and showcased its expanding hospital. The team was impressed by their initiatives, such as dedicated nurses developing clinical pathways for dementia care and telehealth options for diagnosing dementia. The TCHRCC project team is co-led by a neurologist and their Ambulatory Care Program director, who have a special interest in enhancing access to specialized care and services. The Elder Health Team provided technical assistance and discussed Tuba City’s plans for its innovative dementia care model.

Successful CHR Mini-Cog Dementia Screening Pilot Training in Phoenix 

The Indian Health Service Alzheimer’s and Community Health Representative (CHR) Programs hosted a successful launch meeting for the second cohort of the CHR Mini-Cog Screening Pilot, which brought together 40 participants from 20 tribal and urban communities. The three-day training at the Phoenix Area office, conducted in partnership with the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center’s dementia program, covered:

• Dementia basics
• CHR roles and competencies in addressing dementia 
• Train-the-trainer activities 
• Mini-Cog skills practice 
• Tips for engaging clinical systems and providers
• Local work planning

This pilot aims to improve dementia care and raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Visit the CHR website for more information on the Mini-Cog screening pilot. To watch Mini-Cog training videos, visit the IHS Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Program website. 

Two Tribes, Tribal Organization Transition to Self-Governance Status

We are happy to announce the transition from Title I to self-governance for two tribes and a tribal organization. This includes the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians (Tribe) and Sonoma Country Indian Health Project from the California Area, and the Spokane Tribe of Indians from the Portland Area. They join 395 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes that have entered into a tribal self-governance compact and funding agreements under the authority of Title V under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

The Tribal Self-Governance Program is more than just an IHS program; it is an expression of the nation-to-nation relationship between the United States and each Indian tribe. We thank all the staff at the headquarters, area, and service unit levels that worked together to support these tribes and organizations in exercising their right to self-determination.

The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians is one of three tribes and tribal organizations that transition to self-governance status in April. Photo: mewuk.com

Tribal Management Grants Available for Tribes and Tribal Organizations – Deadline April 28

The IHS is accepting applications for grants under the Tribal Management Grant Program, a competitive grant for federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations that is administered by the Office of Tribal and Urban Affairs. The program is designed to enhance and develop health management infrastructure. It works to assist tribes and tribal organizations in assuming all or part of existing IHS programs, functions, services, and activities through agreements under the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act. It also assists tribes and tribal organizations with existing agreements to further develop and improve their management capabilities. Applications are due by April 28. Find more information about the application here or contact Kenneth Coriz at kenneth.coriz@ihs.gov.

IT Modernization Program Hosts Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer – May 15

Be sure to save the date for the Health IT Modernization Program’s upcoming tribal consultation and urban confer session on May 15. This session will provide an update on the Four Directions Warehouse (4DW) and data migration into PATH EHR. Join us for an open dialogue with program leadership following the 4DW update. Register here.

Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention Webinar Series

The IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention: Advancements in Diabetes Webinar Series is hosting the following webinar for health care providers:

• “Cancer Risk in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes & the Collaborative Development of the Living” on April 9 at 3:00 p.m. ET | Click here to attend. 

Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Webinar Series

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

• TBHCE Webinar Series: "Helping People Focus on Solutions (Solution-Focused) and Tell a Story of Surviving and Thriving (Narrative Therapy)” on March 25 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• “Perspectives from Nutrition Educators on What Can I Eat? Healthy Choices for American Indians and Alaska Natives with Type 2 Diabetes: A Diabetes Nutrition Education Curriculum” on March 26 at 3:00 p.m. ET | Click here to attend. 
• TBHCE Webinar Series: "Helping People Identify what they Wish to Change and Enhancing their Motivation to Do So” on April 1 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: "Developing Patients’ Trust in Managing Opioid Use Disorder in Integrated Care Settings” on April 3 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• TBHCE Webinar Series: "Helping People Manage Problematic Thinking” on April 8 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Webinar Series: "Understanding Emotional and Behavioral Dysregulation in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders” on April 10 at 2:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• TBHCE Webinar Series: "Risk Assessment and Safety Planning for People at Risk” on April 15 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here 
• TBHCE Webinar Series: "Helping People Manage Problematic Feelings” on April 22 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: "Comprehensive Case Management in an Integrated Care Setting” on April 24 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Webinar Series: "Understanding Sensory Processing Disorders in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders” on April 24 at 2:00 p.m. ET | Register here

Alaska Area Pre-Negotiations

On March 18–19, the Alaska Area senior leadership team and IHS Commissioned Corp personnel met with representatives of the Alaska Tribal Health Compact during annual Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act pre-negotiations. Final negotiations are scheduled for the week of May 12. This event supports the ongoing provision of comprehensive health services to Alaska Natives and American Indians and all 229 federally recognized tribes in Alaska. 

San Felipe Pueblo Engagement

On April 2, Albuquerque Area Director Dr. Leonard Thomas, Office of Tribal Self Determination Director Randall Morgan, and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Santa Fe Indian Health Center Capt. Keith Adcock met with San Felipe Pueblo representatives to discuss coordination of care issues and learn about the Pueblo’s Indian self-determination goals, including the potential expansion of its ISDEAA contracting authority. The site visit included a walkthrough of a potential site for a health station and the San Felipe Student Health Center. The Pueblo administers several community health programs, pharmacy services, and behavioral health care through an Indian self-determination contract with the IHS.

Community Health Representative Updates

On April 1-2, Albuquerque Area Diabetes/Community Health Representative Consultant Bill Adams presented on IHS CHR updates at the New Mexico-Southern Colorado Community Health Representative Association quarterly meeting held at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences-Rio Rancho Campus. The hybrid meeting was attended by many of the Albuquerque Area CHR program staff, New Mexico Department of Health, Office of Community Health Workers staff, and presentations from the Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center.

Infection Control Conference

On March 28, the Albuquerque Area nurse consultant, public health nurse consultant, and three nurses from the Ute Mountain Ute Health Center attended the APIC New Mexico 29^th Annual “Heart of Infection Control” Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The topics included “Infection Control for the Immunosuppressed Patient with Cancer”, “Tuberculosis for the Infection Preventionist”, and the role of the public health lab in IPC.

Denver Urban Indian Clinic Groundbreaking

On March 20, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the 9^th & Navajo Street Mixed-Use Development Project that will be the new location for the Denver Indian Health and Family Services Urban Indian Clinic. Albuquerque Area Director Dr. Leonard Thomas and Acting Director for the Office of Urban Indian Health Programs Rick Mueller participated in the event. Congratulations to DIHFS CEO Adrianne Maddux and her staff for being part of this innovative project to provide culturally appropriate health care for the urban American Indian and Alaska Native community in the greater Denver area.

(Top photo, left to right) Leonard Thomas, MD, Albuquerque Area director; Adrianne Maddux, DIHFS CEO; Jenn Russell, chair of DIHFS Board of Directors; and Rick Mueller, acting director Urban Indian Health Programs

(Botton photo) Groundbreaking for the 9^th and Navajo Street Mixed-Use Development Project

Celebrating a Career of Service: Jacque Candelaria Retires

Jacqueline (Jacque) L. Candelaria is retiring after more than 38 years of federal service. She is an enrolled member of the Pueblos of San Felipe and Laguna and the Albuquerque Area statistician, GPRA and QPP coordinator, and HIM consultant. She started her IHS career at the Santa Fe Indian Hospital as a medical transcriptionist. Previously, she served in the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard. During her retirement, Candelaria plans on reading, traveling, and volunteering with the Red Star. More importantly, she looks forward to spending time with family and her dogs — Max, JonJon, and grand dog Hachi. Jacque will be greatly missed by her colleagues and friends across the Albuquerque Area. Wishing her the very best in retirement.

Bemidji Area Focuses on Staff Resilience

The Bemidji Area is investing in employee wellbeing. On March 10, 70 Bemidji Area staff participated in a virtual program presented by D.J. Vanas titled, “The Warrior’s Guide.” Vanas reminded participants that a true warrior is not the toughest or bravest person in the room, but a true warrior is committed to navigating through change. He shared the 8 Native American Principles to Create Enduring Strength, designed to improve resilience so we can better handle stress and improve our coping skills when faced with challenges. Staff were thankful for the presentation and learned a new description of being a warrior.

Cass Lake Community Engagement

Cass Lake Hospital hosted a mini-health fair to share information and promote colorectal cancer awareness. This gave patients the opportunity to talk to health care team members about the importance of colorectal cancer screening, including signing up for a home stool kit. Most importantly was to remind patients to get screened at the age of 45, or earlier if family members have been diagnosed with colon cancer. Additional educational booths were set up within the hospital and shared information on diabetes, dementia, home health care, and maternal child health. Thank you to our tribal partners for hosting an educational booth, including Leech Lake Home Care, Northwood Caregivers, Leech Lake Diabetes Center, and Maternal Child Health.

The Cass Lake Dental Outreach team works to provide services for students of the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School, local Head Starts, and Cass Lake-Bena Schools. So far, during the 2024–2025 school year, the team completed 356 exams, placed 609 sealants, applied 505 topical fluoride varnishes, and completed 128 restorations during 540 patient visits. The team makes every attempt to complete a student's treatment plan at the school. The team also works to coordinate in-clinic treatment if needed. The ability to provide dental care onsite at the local schools eliminates the need for transportation to our clinic and has helped bridge a major access to care gap. A special thank you to all those in involved in making this a possibility!

(Left to right) Sydney Netland, CDA, outreach assistant; McKenzie Verbout, DDS, outreach director; Jamie Miller, LSW; Julie Nason, Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig social worker assistant

Billings Area Contracting Training

The Billings Area hosted its first in-person Federal Contract Management (FCR 201) training in Billings, Montana, that brought together 30 employees from all six service units and the area office. This high-impact training was designed to enhance federal contracting knowledge across the area and represents a major step forward in our ongoing effort to strengthen program-side contract readiness, accountability, and alignment with federal acquisition policy. Over the course of five days, participants engaged in hands-on instruction tailored specifically to IHS contracts and operational realities. This training effort reflects the commitment of the Billings Area to strengthening acquisition capabilities, supporting service units with contract oversight responsibilities, and improving the quality and timeliness of procurement activities.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Efforts: Cass Lake

Let’s talk about colorectal cancer screenings. Throughout March, Cass Lake Service Unit engaged staff to provide colon cancer screening information to their patients to increase awareness. The primary messaging includes, “We recommend screening if you are 40 to 75-years old and live in the Cass Lake IHS Area. Let’s prevent colorectal cancer in your family.” Our messaging champion is Mary Torres, an RN serving as a nurse educator. Her efforts include monitoring the fecal occult blood kits for return rates and results at her service unit. Currently in its second year of the Colorectal Cancer Pilot Project, Cass Lake is striving to build an informed community to prevent colorectal cancer, one patient at a time.

Thank you to Mary and her team: Daisy Mundt, Justin Beldo, Eleanor Morin, Stormy Campbell, Elizabeth Yarbrough, Kourtney Harkness, and the maintenance crew who are ready to provide educational information and set up for educational events.

Cass Lake Service Unit Nurse Educator Mary Torres

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Efforts: California Area

In celebration of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, California tribal officials were treated to one-on-one education on the benefits of screening for colorectal cancer either through a colonoscopy, the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, or via an at-home mail-in stool test. The debut of the California Area IHS inflatable colon created a light-hearted atmosphere of learning and laughter. Tribal officials and community members had the opportunity to walk through the inflatable colon and learn about the stages of colorectal cancer, as well as prevention strategies. California tribal and urban Indian health care programs now can borrow the inflatable colon to utilize at community health fairs to promote awareness of colorectal cancer.

Staff Highlights: California Area

On March 20, the California Area IHS convened all staff for a welcome back meeting after employees returned to their workstations in the federal building in downtown Sacramento on March 17. During the meeting, staff were reoriented to the building's fire/evacuation plan, policies and procedures for requesting and utilizing government-furnished equipment, and information about the employee assistance program.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Efforts: Standing Rock Service Unit

The Standing Rock Service Unit observed Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month with several events and activities. They are excited for all the participation from the various departments for the poster contest, which had many great entries. We also appreciate everyone who wore blue on March 20 to support the cause. Thank you to our staff for the enthusiasm they always demonstrate on event days such as this.

(Top) Standing Rock Service Unit staff wear blue on March 20 for colorectal cancer awareness

(Bottom) Poster contest winners Case Management Department (left) and McLaughlin Pharmacy Department (right)

Pine Ridge Service Unit Celebrates National Billers Day

March 27 was National Billers Day! Thank you to billing teams across the IHS for your dedication, including the team at Pine Ridge Service Unit. They work hard every day to maximize revenue to meet the needs of Oyate. We are very fortunate they are there —a major resource to the IHS billing world. Please join us in congratulating our outstanding billing team for a job well done. The Pine Ridge team includes Brenda Bad Milk, Mary Sue Big Crow, Robyn Crow, Deanna Marshall, Shira Bettelyoun, Kristie Tapio, Nicole Johnson, Johna Clifford, Thomas Pulliam, Jessie Running Eagle, Catalina Hernandez, Marjorie Whirlwind Horse, Emmaline Ferguson, and Nathaniel Red Owl.

Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board

On March 19, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe hosted the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board’s Board of Directors in Flandreau, South Dakota. This was an invaluable opportunity to foster collaboration and strengthen their commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of tribal communities. Engaging in these conversations is vital for ensuring that the voices of Indigenous communities are heard and that culturally competent care continues to be a priority.

Members of the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board’s Board of Directors tour the Flandreau Santee Sioux Long Term Care Center

United South and Eastern Tribes

Recently, the Nashville Area office partnered with United South and Eastern Tribes to host Spring Fling Day. This combined event, held during the return to office week, promoted an atmosphere for employees of both agencies to become re-acquainted. An onsite pictorial scavenger hunt encouraged participants to meet new people and explore the layout of the building. This was a great way to celebrate our return to office.

IHS Leaders Attend United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. Impact Week

On May 12, Acting Deputy Director Darrell LaRoche, Deputy of Field Operations Rear Adm. Chris Buchanan, Nashville Area Acting Director Joni Lyon, and Nashville Director of Tribal Affairs Ashley Metcalf attended United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. Impact Week conference to provide national and regional updates to area tribal leadership. 

Tohatchi High School Wellness Health Fair

Recently, dental assistants from the Tohatchi Health Care Center Dental Department were onsite to provide preventative oral care instructions at the Tohatchi High School Wellness Health Fair for high school-aged students. Toothbrush kits were given out and students were asked simple questions on importance of brushing and were given demonstrations on brushing.

Jennifer Kercheva, DA, and Jeanene Jones, EFDA

Chinle Service Unit Division of Public Health Conducts Table Top Exercise

On May 6, Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility conducted a tabletop exercise using the scenario of a young patient brought to the emergency room with suspected measles. The exercise sought to identify gaps in our preparedness efforts to manage an unexpected presence of a highly contagious disease inside the hospital. Numerous departments were presented with questions as to what their responses would be in safely managing the incident. Further exercises will be conducted with different modes of presentation scenarios. The Chinle Service Unit Division of Public Health will follow up with a tabletop exercise of their own to test their readiness and ability to investigate the incident further to minimize risk and exposure to the general public.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Efforts: Claremore Indian Hospital

Recently, Claremore Indian Hospital Health Protection and Disease Prevention Department partnered with the Adult Medicine Clinic to present information to our patients about colorectal health. Blue beads were handed out to support this initiative geared towards raising awareness about the importance of colorectal screening and colorectal cancer. The patients were able to look at models of the colon that showed examples from normal to signs of cancer. Information on colorectal tools for detecting cancer, foods good for the colon, and information about cancer in the colon was available for the patients to take home. A large-scale inflatable representation of a colon was located at the front of the hospital for the patients to walk through and see different problems that can occur within the colon. It was a great outreach activity that resulted in 80 patients visiting the lobby informational booth and learning about colorectal health. Additionally, numerous patients and visitors explored the colon representation.

Staff Highlights: Claremore Indian Hospital

Claremore Indian Hospital Diabetes Education recently partnered with the Cherokee Nation Community Health Nursing to host an event for Diabetes Alert Day to bring awareness and focus on diabetes prevention. At the event, patients were provided an opportunity to take the Diabetes Risk Assessment provided by the ADA and receive educational materials on diabetes, nutrition, physical activity, and relaxation techniques. Other groups participating include the Cherokee Nation One Fire—a victims service offering a variety of services to women who may have been victims to a crime; and Sooner SUCCESS—a community-based service promoting comprehensive, coordinated system of health, social, and education services for Oklahoma children and youth with special needs. The Rogers County Health Department provided the relaxation techniques. A total of 81 individuals were assisted at the event.

Staff Highlights: Whiteriver Service Unit

Mia Hawthorne, RN, a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, is the first Whiteriver Service Unit new graduate nurse to complete the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) residency program. Mentoring Mia over a 12-month period was WRSU Nurse Preceptor Brittany Foley, RN. Nurse Educator Terri Rieser facilitated the collaboration between AzHHA and WRSU. Mia was joined by family, colleagues and WRSU leadership during the celebration. Congratulations Mia, this is an amazing accomplishment!

(Left to right) Terri Rieser, Mia Hawthorne, and Brittnay Foley

Staff Highlights: Elko Service Unit

On March 18, team members at Southern Bands Health Center, the ambulatory clinic at the Elko Service Unit, celebrated National Nutrition Month by having a salad bar potluck. Team members also met on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week during the month for a walking group at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., as their schedules allowed.

(Photo 1) SBHC employees out for a walk
(Photo 2) A tasty salad enjoyed by one of the employees

Phoenix Indian Medical Center Holds Awards Ceremony

On February 27, the Phoenix Indian Medical Center held their annual PIMC Awards Ceremony. Congratulations to all our esteemed colleagues who were nominated and became recipients of these prestigious awards. Your dedication, hard work, and exceptional contributions have not gone unnoticed, and this recognition is truly well-deserved. Each nominee has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to our organization's mission and core values. It is inspiring to witness such exemplary performance within our team. Your achievements highlight the incredible talent and dedication that exists within our organization, and we are proud to have you as part of our team!

Dance of the Two Moons Fundraiser

Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa's 33rd annual Dance of the Two Moons fundraiser was a tremendous success, hosting nearly 500 attendees and raising more than $200,000. IHCRC CEO Carmelita Skeeter became the first recipient of the Firekeeper Award, while Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. served as the event's honorary chair. The evening offered a celebration of culture through a native fashion show and auction showcasing native artists, all in support of the vital services offered at IHCRC.

The NATIVE Project Hosts Native Youth Leadership Camp

On April 25–27, The NATIVE Project in Spokane, Washington, will hold a Native Youth Leadership camp for students in grades 6–12. The leadership camp will include education on healthy lifestyles, culturation revitalization and immersion, suicide, alcohol/drug prevention, and other sports activities. The goal of the camp is to unify the tribal youth while having fun and equip them with essential traditional and cultural skills and experiences to foster leadership growth. We appreciate the NATIVE Project for considering the youth and promoting this program.

Screenshot of the recap video from the 2024 Native Youth Leadership camp

Nevada Urban Indians Inc.: Native Connections Program

The Nevada Urban Indians Inc., from Reno, Nevada, have a program called Native Connections, a suicide prevention program for the community. The program also has activities for youth, such as rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, and movie nights. The program is a safe space for veterans and any Native Americans contemplating suicide. The program trains and educates the participants about suicide prevention using cultural, traditional practices. Thank you, Nevada Urban Indians, for providing this community-based resource for our relatives.

Journal Record’s 2025 Health Care Heroes

Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa Medical Director Dr. Ashley Hopkins Parnian is among The Journal Record’s 2025 Health Care Heroes honorees last week. Dr. Hopkins is a tireless advocate for the well-being of future generations of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Beyond IHCRC, she also serves as vice-chair/acting chair for the Commission on Children and Youth Eastern Regional Child Death Review Board, which ensures accountability in deaths of Oklahomans under age 17.

Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa Hosts Youth Camp

This month, the Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa hosted 15 youth, ages 6-11, for an annual Spring Break Camp. Activities connected the American Indian youth to their culture through creating glass artwork, learning about cooking, gardening, and agriculture, and team building through a rope swing and zipline. Each of the four days provided youth with an opportunity to stay active, while on break from school.

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