IHS Blog

Outlining the Intersection between Health Care and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

May 2, 2024
by Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services

To my fellow colleagues – violence is and will remain a health care issue. Alarmingly, an average of 40 percent of women involved in sex trafficking are identified as American Indian and Alaska Native. The unfortunate health consequences for those engaged in sex trafficking include rape, unwanted ... Continue reading

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Power to Protect: National Infant Immunization Week

April 22, 2024
by Elise Balzer, Public Health Advisor in the Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, Office of Public Health Support

National Infant Immunization Week is a yearly observance, highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. This year, NIIW is from April 22 - 29. During this time, and throughout the year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ... Continue reading

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Building Strength in Community for National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April 17, 2024
by Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services

During April, we highlight and recognize the importance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Prevention of child abuse and maltreatment is not singular. It takes the collective strength, motivation, and connection of entire communities nationwide to drive change.  

According to the Administration ... Continue reading

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Raising Sexual Assault Awareness to Strengthen Unity in Indian Country

April 11, 2024
by Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services

Embracing culture, language, family, and community strengthens one's awareness. In its simplest form, awareness equates to knowledge or understanding of something. Awareness empowers and strengthens one's drive to unite and create change, to build a community, promote cultural norms and values, and ... Continue reading

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IHS Celebrates World Autism Acceptance Month

April 2, 2024
by Barbara Roland, Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Branch Chief, Division of Behavioral Health, IHS Headquarters

The Indian Health Service is committed to supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and we are dedicated to improving our efforts to support and educate providers and caregivers of individuals with ASD. To support our efforts, we are pleased to recognize April 2 as World Autism Acceptance ... Continue reading