IHS Blog

Honoring the Work of Tribal Emergency Medical Services

May 22, 2025
by Ardith Aspaas, BSN, RN, Nurse Consultant, Indian Health Service Emergency Medical Services for Children Program

As we observe National EMS Week 2025, the Indian Health Service is proud to highlight the work of the Navajo Nation EMS and White Mountain Apache Tribe EMS. Their dedication reflects the true spirit of this year's theme, “We Care. For Everyone.” These features, written by the programs themselves, ... Continue reading

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The IHS Agrees that Every Day is a "Take-Back" Day

May 2, 2025
by Cmdr. Kristin Allmaras, PharmD, MS-HSA, BCACP, Director of Pharmacy, Cass Lake Hospital, Bemidji Area

The Indian Health Service remains committed to expanding access to safe medication disposal services in its hospitals and health centers to ensure unwanted and unused medications are promptly removed from the home and community. Currently, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts National ... Continue reading

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Empowering American Indian and Alaska Native Communities during Alcohol Awareness Month

April 24, 2025
by Alleyne Toya, M.S., Public Health Advisor, Indian Health Service

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about alcohol use, misuse, and its impact, particularly in Indian Country. This observance promotes education, healthier lifestyles, and reducing the stigma around alcohol use disorder. American Indian and Alaska Native ... Continue reading

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Community Health Representatives: True Health Care Partners in Public Health

April 17, 2025
by Michelle Archuleta, MA, MS, IHS Community Health Representative Consultant/Program Lead

The Indian Health Service Community Health Representative (CHR) Program supports a nationwide workforce of CHRs serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. These frontline public health workers provide guidance and improve access to health care, ensuring culturally appropriate support for ... Continue reading

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Governance Drives IHS Modernization Program

April 14, 2025
by Mitchell Thornbrugh, Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service

One of the central principles of the Indian Health Service Health Information Technology (IT) Modernization Program is to build and operate the new enterprise electronic health record (EHR) solution, PATH EHR, with our partners, not for them. We are committed to partnership in the journey to ... Continue reading