IHS and VA Launch a New Interagency Map Application for Native Veterans

The Indian Health Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  have launched a new interagency map application, Find Health Care & Resources for Native Veterans Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , to increase access to health care, community-based resources, and other essential services for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans.

The interactive map application is housed on the IHS website and integrates location-based data from 41 urban Indian organizations with 82 locations and 1,500 VA health care facilities. The application creates an immersive one-stop platform for Native veterans to search and explore health care and other supportive services by clicking on the map to gain additional details and driving directions within specified areas of interest.

“American Indians and Alaska Natives have a long history of exceptional service in our nation’s military,” said IHS Director Roselyn Tso. “At the IHS, we believe that we owe veterans all our heartfelt gratitude and dedication to serving their medical needs. I am grateful for our partnership with the VA in serving veterans across Indian Country.”

“American Indian and Alaska Native veterans deserve access to world-class health care, no matter where they live,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov . “Through this new tool, VA and IHS are making health care more accessible for these heroes – which will lead to better health outcomes and better lives.”

The development of the map application is a part of the Native American Veteran Homelessness Initiative, a multi-agency effort led by the White House Council on Native American Affairs Health Committee Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , including VA, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Housing and Urban Development. This initiative’s overall goal is to develop relationships between VA, IHS, and other organizations serving Native Americans to provide education on VA and IHS resources and encourage Native veterans to access these services. These organizations include federal, tribal, and urban Indian organization partnerships.

“This interagency map is another step forward connecting American Indian and Alaska Native veterans to various health and support services,” said White House Council on Native American Affairs Executive Director Anthony Morgan Rodman Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov . “Through its whole-of-government approach, the White House Council on Native American Affairs will continue working with IHS, VA, and other agencies to offer innovative programs and accessible resources for Native veterans.”

Along with helping American Indian and Alaska Native veterans find health care, this tool also identifies resources to address homelessness and houselessness. Ending veteran homelessness is a top priority of VA, IHS, and the entire Biden administration Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov . VA offers a wide array of services to help veterans – Native and non-Native – who are at-risk of or experiencing homelessness, including emergency and transitional housing services, permanent housing services, case management, employment programs and more. Read more in VA’s brochure on homelessness assistance resources available to Native American veterans Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov .

This tool will also help eligible American Indian and Alaska Native veterans access VA health care, where they are no longer required Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  to make copayments for health care and urgent care. To receive this financial relief, eligible veterans should mail 1) a completed VA Tribal Documentation Form (VA Form 10-334),  Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  and 2) a copy of official tribal documentation demonstrating that they meet the definitions of “Indian” or “urban Indian”  Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  to PO Box 5100, Janesville, WI 53547. For more information on applying for copayment waivers for Native American and Alaska Native veterans, visit here.  Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

The IHS, an agency in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 2.7 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who belong to 574 federally recognized tribes Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  in 37 states. Follow the agency via social media on Facebook Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , Twitter Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , and LinkedIn Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov .