April 30, 2024: IHS Updates for Tribes and Tribal and Urban Indian Organizations
This 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, email IHSPublicAffairsStaff@ihs.gov.
Director Tso Provides Closing Remarks at Tribal Public Health Conference, Visits Childcare Facilities in Cherokee Nation
Last week, IHS Director Roselyn Tso traveled to Catoosa, Oklahoma, to join the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board at the Tribal Public Health Conference. This pivotal event, themed "Connecting Communities to Create Change," emphasized the essential role of community in driving transformation within tribal public health sectors. It showcased the profound interconnectedness of tribal communities and explored ways we can all contribute to impactful change. The IHS recognizes that tribal leaders and members are most knowledgeable about their respective health care needs and values these conferences as vital opportunities to engage and learn from these communities.
To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the President signing Executive Order 14095 – Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognized Care Week from April 18 – 25 to spotlight the significant progress made by the Biden-Harris Administration to advance investments in high-quality, affordable childcare, preschool education, and long-term care services. The Administration’s efforts include enhanced affordability in care for American families, bolstered support for family caregivers, improved compensation and working conditions for care workers, and expanded care options.
As part of Care Week, Ms. Tso visited the Cherokee Nation on April 25 and saw several facilities that highlight the tribe's commitment to nurturing early childhood development as part of its expansive health and social care policies. The newly constructed Kenwood Head Start is a beautiful building with innovative features that are designed to enhance care and learning. Coupled with the Cherokee Nation’s Childhood Development Center, these facilities demonstrate the importance of investing in the foundational years of children's lives as a pathway to fostering long-term health and well-being within communities. The director enjoyed seeing young future leaders hard at work and being a part of their classroom experience.
Director Visits Navajo Nation with Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Levine
Last week, Ms. Tso joined Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Rachel Levine for a visit to the Navajo Nation, where they spent time with Navajo Nation Department of Health Director Kim Russell, Navajo Area leadership, and tribal health care leadership. Ms. Tso and Adm. Levine visited several federal and tribal health care facilities and on April 23, Levine stopped by the Navajo Area Office to meet with leadership and learn about several public health and sanitation facilities construction initiatives occurring across the area. On April 24, the director joined Russell for a visit to the Crownpoint Health Care Facility, where CEO Cmdr. Daryl Dineyazhe-Toya provided updates regarding the Crownpoint South Housing Repair by Replacement Project, building of the new Pueblo Pintado Health Center, and the delivery of the new wellness center. The Crownpoint Service Unit and Navajo Nation Department of Health committed to meeting periodically to continue to strengthen our partnership. They expressed their appreciation for the continued support of HHS leaders and tribal partners in our efforts.
Tribal Leaders Across Indian Country Attend IHS 2024 Tribal Self-Governance Conference
Earlier in April, Director Tso had the pleasure of joining more than 100 IHS staff at the 2024 Tribal Self-Governance Conference in Chandler, Arizona. The IHS hosts this annual conference with the Department of the Interior and the Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium to promote effective Tribal-Federal partnerships and discuss health policy issues in implementing the principles and possibilities of Self-Governance as authorized under Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. On April 16, Ms. Tso was honored to join the Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland and the Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs Arlando Teller on a panel discussion that provided updates on federal initiatives and activities. In her comments, Ms. Tso reiterated her team’s ongoing commitment to leave the IHS in a better place than when she began as director in 2022.
During the conference, the IHS staff presented and participated in a number of informative breakout sessions highlighting the many programs and initiatives we are spearheading or working on with our tribal and urban Indian organization partners. In one such instance, IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen addressed a standing-room-only audience on reducing substance misuse and drug overdose deaths in Indian Country. “We are all in this together,” she said.
Additionally, IHS staff were honored to engage with our tribal partners in more than a dozen tribal delegation meetings to directly discuss tribal issues or concerns on a government-to-government basis during the course of the conference. It’s remarkable to see how this gathering has grown over the years. On behalf of the IHS, Ms. Tso voiced the agency’s pleasure to attend, listen and engage with so many people. Congratulations and thank you to all the hosts, planners, staffers, and attendees who made this Tribal Self-Governance Conference a great success.
IHS Attends White House Water Summit, Announces BIL Funding and BOR MOU
In a significant stride towards ensuring essential water and sanitation infrastructure throughout Indian Country, the IHS announced $700 million in funding allocation from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and a newly signed memorandum of understanding with the Bureau of Reclamation at the first-ever White House Clean Water Summit on April 23. Building upon the momentum set by the BIL, which provides $3.5 billion to the IHS between FY 2022 and 2026, this funding supports efforts to develop critical infrastructure, including robust drinking water sources, reliable sewage systems, and effective solid waste disposal facilities. Through a whole-of-government approach, the memorandum of understanding between IHS and BOR will allow the agencies to better collaborate to complete studies, planning, design, construction drawings, and technical specifications that can be used to construct domestic water infrastructure projects. Read more in the April 23 press release.
IHS Deputy Director Benjamin Smith speaks at the White House Clean Water Summit on April 23
IHS Recognizes National Infant Immunization Week
As the IHS recognizes National Infant Immunization Week from April 22 – 29, Ms. Tso acknowledges the invaluable contributions of IHS health care providers who have passionately worked to protect babies from vaccine-preventable diseases. This year, we embrace the theme "You have the power to protect. Your recommendation matters." It is recognition of the trust parents and other caregivers have in you and the importance of your voice in advising patients. Your strong recommendation for vaccines helps protect babies against potentially serious diseases like flu, pertussis, and hepatitis B. Trust in vaccines is built through countless conversations between parents, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and community members. This is also the perfect time to recognize the IHS E3 Vaccine Strategy, which continues to prioritize vaccination across the full spectrum of age, clinical and public health settings.
National Infant Immunization Week provides an opportunity to recognize the health impact that results from your time talking with patients and their families. Vaccination is a shared responsibility between families and health care professionals who work together to help protect the entire community. Acting Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Matthew Clark was recently a guest on Native America Calling to discuss the importance for everyone to stay on track with their appointments and routine vaccinations to provide protection against potentially life-threatening diseases. Thank you for all that you do every day to help protect some of our most vulnerable community members.
HHS Releases 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
On April 23, HHS released the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. The 2024 National Strategy is a bold new 10-year whole-of-society approach that provides concrete recommendations for addressing gaps in the suicide prevention field. It promotes a coordinated and comprehensive approach to suicide prevention in communities across the country and at the national, state, tribal, local, and territorial levels. Click here to learn how you can achieve meaningful, equitable, and measurable advancement in suicide prevention.
IHS Recognizes National Child Abuse Prevention Month
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. As we gain knowledge and understanding of child maltreatment, it is imperative for every individual, in every community across Indian Country, to take action and bring about change by identifying potential risk factors of child maltreatment. What is your call to action to positively impact and bring about change in your community for National Child Abuse Prevention Month? Read more and find helpful resources in our latest blog.
Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo Pharmacy Earns April 2024 Spotlight Recognition
The IHS National Pharmacy Council is proud to announce its April 2024 Spotlight — the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo Pharmacy from the Albuquerque Area. Opened in June 2023, it is the first tribally operated pharmacy serving the Indigenous Tigua community residing in El Paso and surrounding communities. Since opening, the pharmacy has extended services to YDSP employees and their households. Pharmacy staff have adapted to the community's needs by addressing different issues, with one of the biggest being accessibility for elders. YDSP pharmacy addressed this issue by implementing an in-home delivery program utilizing their own medical transportation program to avoid additional costs. This service has delivered over 1,000 prescriptions, improving adherence and patient outcomes.
One-Year Anniversary of the IHS ACT Initiative Launch
April marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of the IHS Strategic Initiative – Asthma Control in Tribal communities, or ACT. As a clinical and public health priority in our vulnerable service population, IHS advocates a comprehensive strategy to reduce asthma-related morbidity and mortality among American Indian and Alaska Native people. As one of our IHS National Strategic Clinical Initiatives, in collaboration with the IHS National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, we have developed an ACT Resource Toolbox, which includes public health, provider, and patient/community resources intended to facilitate improved asthma-related awareness, screening, treatment, and outcomes in tribal communities. We are also pleased to report that this initiative was recently included as a component of the 2024 – 2028 Priority Activities of the President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks for Children. Working together with our federal, tribal, and urban Indian program partners, I am confident we can continue to improve asthma-related outcomes for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Enhancing Dementia Care in the Grand Ronde Tribal Community
The stunning scenery of Grand Ronde served as the backdrop for a recent visit by the IHS Division of Clinical and Community Services Alzheimer’s Grant Program team to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde's Health & Wellness Center. The facility is in a 26-year-old building with a lobby shaped like a medicine wheel and integrates central medical departments, such as pharmacy, medical, dental, and an eye clinic. The emphasis is on a holistic, one-stop approach to health. During the visit, the tribe's comprehensive dementia care initiatives were highlighted, including educational campaigns, early diagnosis through community health screenings, culturally sensitive memory cafes, and vital caregiver support programs. These efforts are managed by a specialized dementia prevention and care specialist and demonstrates a framework for enhancing dementia care and caregiver resourcefulness within the Grand Ronde tribal community.
Chickasaw Nation Department of Health Nurse wins Gary J. Gefroh Safety and Health Award
The IHS Division of Environmental Health Services congratulates Lela Luper, infection prevention and control manager, Chickasaw Nation Department of Health, as the recipient of the Gary J. Gefroh Safety and Health Award for 2023. The award recognizes significant contributions by an individual or group resulting in improved health care safety and/or infection control conditions at an IHS or tribal health care program. Luper has achieved significant accomplishments and contributions within multiple roles, resulting in improved health care safety and infection control conditions. They are evident, not only at the local rural health care level with the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health, but also at the national level with expert contributions and leadership with the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, among others. Read more about Luper’s contributions here.
Rick Smith Injury Prevention Award 2023 Winner Selected
Congratulations to the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Opioid Response Team at the Asniyapi Clinic for receiving the 2023 Rick Smith Injury Prevention Award. The TOR team members include Jocelyn Deutsch Reints, certified nurse practitioner, Medication for Opioid Use Disorder provider; Aaron Erdrich, registered nurse; Kimberly Keeble, care connector; Joshua Max, project manager/data specialist; and Sara DeCoteau, project director. This award from the IHS Division of Environmental Health Services Injury Prevention Program is given to recognize the performance of special efforts and contributions in the field of injury prevention that have resulted in a significant impact and led to improved public health for American Indians and Alaska Natives. The TOR team was recognized for their work in addressing the overdose crisis in tribal communities by increasing access to FDA-approved medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder, as well as supporting the continuum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services for OUD.
DEHS recognizes the following nominees for their outstanding work in injury and violence prevention: Joseph Anderson, Bakersfield American Indian Health Project; Cmdr. David Bales, area injury prevention specialist, Oklahoma City Area IHS; Christy Hacker, Great Plains Injury Prevention Program; and Lisa Herritz, Ho-Chunk Nation Injury Prevention Program.
IHS Recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign intended to raise awareness about the health and social problems that excessive alcohol consumption can cause for individuals, their families, and their communities. Check out some of the helpful resources on alcohol use and misuse prevention and treatment and recovery support services that you and your community can use to support those who may be struggling.
Agency Recognizes STI Awareness Week: April 14 – 20
STI Awareness Week is April 14–20. In an email to all IHS employees, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen noted the rising rates of sexually transmitted infections in Indian Country and reminded all staff that this week is a great opportunity to turn our attention to efforts of mitigating the impact of STIs in tribal communities. In 2023, the IHS announced its National STI Initiative to address the syndemic. If you haven’t yet accessed those resources, click this link for an STI Toolkit, as well as Community & Patient Resources from the IHS National Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee, that was developed in collaboration with the IHS Chief Clinical Consultant in Infectious Disease and the IHS HIV/HCV/STI Branch. As we work together with our federal, tribal, and urban Indian partners, the success of our efforts will be dependent on a comprehensive public health and clinical approach that includes awareness, community education, prevention and harm reduction strategies, access to care (especially for our most vulnerable patients), a systematic approach to STI screening and symptomatic testing, contact tracing, and timely effective treatment.
Among other important resources, our STI Toolkit includes the following:
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:
- “Reclaiming Indigenous Health: Embracing traditional values, culture, and history to reduce cancer burden” on May 1 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Click here to attend.
Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Webinar for Physical Fitness and Sports Month
In observance of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, the IHS Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Program is hosting a virtual event on May 1 at 2:00 pm ET to share information about the benefits of exercise and offer opportunities to participate in a variety of physical activities. Register here.
CDC-IHS Host Preventing RSV in AI/AN Infants and Young Children Listening Session – May 3
The IHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Immunization Services Division and Office of Tribal Affairs and Strategic Alliances requests input and feedback from American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations on their preferences and needs for communicating information about new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization products to pregnant people and parents of infants and young children. Please share and join us for a 90-minute Zoom listening session at 1:30 p.m. ET on May 3 to learn about and provide input and feedback on RSV prevention efforts. Register here.
Division of Oral Health Hosts Management Course
On April 15 – 18, the IHS Division of Oral Health hosted a fourth dental management course in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Taught by Drs. Tim Ricks and Damon Pope from DOH and retired IHS dentist Dr. Steve Tetrev, the Concepts of Dental Clinic Management I Course included topics on transitioning from clinician to manager, dealing with patient complaints, improving clinical efficiency and effectiveness, maximizing dental staff, budget management, standards of conduct, progressive discipline, and setting performance expectations, and more. Dental directors and deputy directors from 14 IHS, tribal, and urban dental programs participated in the training. Since 2016, 180 dental directors from the 414 IHS, tribal, and urban dental programs have completed management trainings in 15 Concepts of Dental Clinic Management courses, with 5,194 continuing dental education credits awarded.
American College of Physicians Annual Conference
On April 18 – 20, IHS recruitment representatives from the Office of Human Resources Division of Health Professions Support and a recruiter for the Oklahoma City Area attended the American College of Physicians Annual Conference in Boston. The event yielded a robust presence of internal medicine physicians, residents and students from across the country, expressing interest in employment with the IHS and to provide direct patient care.
(Left to right) HQ Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator Keith Bohanan, Oklahoma City Area Recruiter Alora Wood, HQ Recruitment and Outreach Program Coordinator Meredith Hunt
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- Power to Protect: National Infant Immunization Week
- Building Strength in Community for National Child Abuse Prevention Month
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