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.

Site Visits to Portland Area

In early August, IHS Director Roselyn Tso visited the Portland Area as she continues her pledge to spend more time in Indian Country hearing directly from tribal leaders and health care staff. Her site visits included visits with the Colville Service Unit and the Colville Tribes, Wellpinit Service Unit, and the Spokane Tribe.

The Colville Service Unit includes the 40,000-sqare-foot Nespelem Clinic that offers comprehensive services and the smaller Omak Clinic, which primarily serves the large population of Colville tribal members in the Omak District. Wellpinit is an ambulatory clinic on the Spokane Tribe Reservation. Their friendly staff offers onsite medical, dental, and pharmacy services and serves nearly 3,000 patients annually.

Director Tso expressed her joy in having opportunities to visit so many incredible facilities throughout the IHS system. She extends her gratitude for the tremendous work that each person does in the IHS system, every day. The director also appreciates getting to hear from the tribes and Native communities we serve to learn what the IHS is doing well and how we can improve our delivery of health care services.

Director Tso wrapped up her travels in the Portland Area by having the honor to attend the Portland Area Director’s Awards Ceremony. Held on August 2, Portland Area Director Rear Adm. Marcus Martinez and his leadership team recognized 60 award recipients. The director says the joy she receives at these events fills her cup and fuels her desire to continue with visits across Indian Country. She congratulated the many award recipients and said the great work we do at the IHS happens because of talented, caring team members like you.

Nashville Area Site Visits

In late July, Director Tso traveled throughout New York State with Nashville Area Director Dr. Beverly Cotton and Chief of Staff Capt. Carmen Clelland to visit with several Haudenosaunee and Shinnecock communities, a first visit by an IHS Director to many of these tribal nations. On July 22, Director Tso toured the Seneca Nation of Indians’ health clinics on the Alleghany and Cattaraugus territories, including their expansive new clinic which is under construction. Seneca Nation is a recent recipient of a Small Ambulatory Program award. She also met with leadership, clan mothers, and staff from the Tuscarora Nation. Director Tso learned about the challenges the Nation is facing with bringing safe drinking water to its citizens. Her group was joined by the new Nashville OEHE Director Jeremy Rains.

(Photos 1-2) Visit to Seneca Nation of Indians
(Photo 3) Visit to Tuscarora Nation

On July 23, Director Tso visited with the Lockport Service Unit and met with the CEO, new clinical director, and rest of the team to learn how they are serving patients in a renovated clinic located outside of Buffalo, New York. She was joined by Nashville Area Behavioral Health Consultant Jennifer Downs. She was also able to stop by the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference in Niagara Falls. While there, she met with the Cayuga Nation and discussed their unique delivery of health care in partnership with another tribal nation.

(Photo 1) With Lockport Service Unit staff
(Photo 2) Meeting with the Cayuga Nation

Director Tso was also able to visit with the Manlius Field Office on July 24. She was inspired by the OEHE and PRC teams who are committed to the IHS mission and ensuring that they have built strong government-to-government relationships to deliver critical services to tribal nations. In the afternoon, the director was able to participate in a traditional meeting with the Onondaga Nation at their longhouse with the Nation’s leaders, clan mothers, Manlius PRC Technician Blanche Jones, and local partners who are delivering health care services to Onondaga citizens. The director expressed her optimism about our government-to-government relationship and partnership to deliver health services to Onondaga Nation.

(Photo 1) Visit to Manlius Field Office
(Photo 2) Visit to Onondaga Nation

On July 25, Director Tso visited the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. She met with the tribal council, executive director, health services director and assistant director, medical director, outreach team, and others to tour the community's health facilities, treatment program, and learn about the tribe’s best practices for providing quality services in a remote border community. She concluded her week in New York by visiting the Shinnecock Nation in Southampton, noting her commitment to ensuring the agency remains an active partner with their unique health delivery system that includes the State of New York, Stonybrook Hospital, and IHS.

(Photo 1) With St. Regis Mohawk Tribe leaders and executive staff
(Photo 2) With the Nursing Outreach team
(Photo 3) Bottom: Visiting the Shinnecock Nation

IHS and Bureau of Reclamation Visit Yakama Nation to Kickoff Historic Water Partnership

On July 24, representatives from IHS and the Bureau of Reclamation met with Yakama Nation leadership to discuss tribal water and sanitation infrastructure needs. It was a fantastic day, as they discussed infrastructure priorities, how best to leverage Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding from the Biden-Harris Administration, and the recent, historic Memorandum of Understanding between the two federal agencies. The agencies’ joint efforts are aimed at bringing long-overdue water and sewer infrastructure to the Yakama Nation.

As announced at the White House Water Summit in April, this is the pilot project under a new agreement between the two agencies aimed at leveraging expertise and resources. Together, they hope to speed up the completion of much-needed water and sanitation infrastructure projects throughout Indian Country. Combined, IHS and BOR will invest $1 billion in such projects this year. Director Tso thanks the residents of Georgeville and the Yakama Nation for allowing the IHS to visit, learn, and listen.

The Health IT Modernization Program Announces New EHR Name and Emblem

Indian Health Service Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations leadership is happy to announce the name of the new electronic health record: PATH EHR. PATH stands for “Patients at the Heart,” which signifies the program’s commitment to supporting individuals on their healing journeys, fostering a sense of empowerment, and promoting health and wellness in harmony with nature and community values. PATH EHR emphasizes that the program remains committed to its vision statement: “Provide the best possible EHR, managed by its users, for its users, that will drive high-quality health care through sustainable, modern, and easy-to-use tools.” Both the name and the emblem evoke important community values of guidance, connection between regions, and holistic well-being, while also setting out a clear solution for sustainable health care. Be sure to follow along with the Health IT Modernization Program on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X, as well as at www.ihs.gov/hit.

2024 Agency Work Plan Second Quarter Update

In January 2024, IHS leadership implemented the new 2024 Agency Work Plan. The work plan outlines critical actions the IHS has taken and will take over the current year to address risk priorities. We encourage you to read the second quarter update on the work plan in our latest fact sheet. A workgroup has led each activity to identify root causes and work toward sustainable improvement to demonstrate a measurable impact on the agency. The goal is to complete the actions in the 2024 Agency Work Plan by December 31, 2024. The IHS remains committed to mitigating programmatic and operational risks before they arise. IHS leadership is focused on increased and effective communication with tribal and urban Indian organization partners on this work while developing sustainable actions.

Workgroup on Improving Purchased/Referred Care Convenes in Denver

Last week, Director Tso met with members of the Director’s Workgroup on Improving Purchased/Referred Care in Denver, Colorado. The purpose of the workgroup is to provide recommendations to the IHS director on strategies to improve and reform the PRC program. The meeting provided opportunities to discuss updates on agency priorities, including PRC carryover and unobligated balances, PRCDA expansion, IHS medical priorities, Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund, No Patient Liability, and more. The workgroup recognized the positive efforts put forth by IHS as we implement and carry out agency priorities.

Contract Support Cost Advisory Group Meeting

On July 24, Director Tso delivered the opening remarks during the IHS Contract Support Cost Advisory Group meeting held in Washington, D.C., which focused on the agency’s approach to the recent Supreme Court of the United States decision in Becerra v San Carlos Apache Tribe. This is the first of many tribal engagements that will occur as the IHS work towards implementation of this decision. The goal of the meeting was to gather input and recommendations from the CSCAG that will be included in the ongoing tribal consultations with tribal leaders. A “Dear Tribal Leader Letter” will be released soon after final recommendations are received, and tribes will be able to join the in-person sessions or provide written comments in the coming 30-60 days. Broad engagement ensures that we move forward in a manner that truly reflects the needs and priorities of all the communities we serve. 

Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee Meeting

Last month, IHS Deputy Director Benjamin Smith and other agency leaders met with the IHS Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee to discuss important issues and priorities for self-governance tribes. The TSGAC heard updates on the IHS Strategic Plan FY 2024 – 2028; the One IHS and One HR initiatives; the IHS Joint Venture Construction Program; the IHS budget, including the implementation of the U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe and Becerra v. Northern Arapaho Tribe case pertaining to contract support costs; and self-governance expansion across HHS agencies. IHS leadership also engaged in discussion with the TSGAC on IHS priorities for the remainder of the Biden-Harris Administration; transitioning of behavioral health grants to formula funding that can be delivered through self-determination and self-government agreements; the reimbursement agreement between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the IHS; and completing the guidance for section 105(l) lease agreements. We appreciate our continued partnership with the committee, as we work together to enhance the health and wellness of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

National Council of Urban Indian Health Board Meeting

In July, Director Tso joined Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christiansen and Office of Urban Indian Health Programs Acting Director Rick Mueller at the virtual National Council of Urban Indian Health Board of Directors meeting to hear about and discuss the current priorities for urban Indian health programs. MThe director emphasized the agency’s commitment to urban Indian health programs and the continued partnership between the IHS and the NCUIH.

White House Native Voting Rights Convening

On July 31, Senior Advisor to the IHS Director Joshuah Marshall participated in a panel at the White House for the Native American Voting Rights Convening. Hosted by the White House Domestic Policy Council and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, the panel included Marshall and other members of the Biden-Harris Administration, tribal leaders, and Native nonprofit leaders and attorneys to discuss voting rights in Indian Country and Executive Order 14019 Promoting Access to Voting.

This convening highlighted the on-the-ground efforts being done to improve access to the ballot box for Native American voters. Marshall spoke about the important role the IHS plays in designating National Voter Registration Act sites. Currently, NATIVE HEALTH Phoenix, Crownpoint Health Care Facility, and the Santa Fe Indian Health Center have received designation. Several other facilities are in various stages of development and should be announced soon.

Marshall was joined by panelists Justin Vail, special assistant to the President for democracy and civic participation, White House; Jacqueline De Leon, senior attorney, Native American Rights Fund; Crystal Echo Hawk, founder and CEO, Illuminative; Stephen Roe Lewis, governor, Gila River Indian Community; and Heidi Todacheene, senior advisor to the Secretary, Department of the Interior.

National Pharmacy Council Monthly Spotlight for July

The National Pharmacy Council Spotlight for July features Dr. Amber Walks Over Ice, acting director of pharmacy for the Crow Service Unit in the IHS Billings Area. She is the first pharmacy supervisor in the Billings Area to become a nationally certified pharmacy specialist and serves as the sole patient-centered medical home pharmacist provider at the Lodge Grass Clinic, creating the foundation for future pharmacists to transition into that role. Dr. Walks Over Ice exhibits exemplary leadership by setting an example of selfless service, always putting patient and staff needs above her own. Her transformational leadership within CSU has been instrumental in advancing pharmacy practice and patient care. Dr. Walks Over Ice’s dedication and compassion towards providing the highest quality services to American Indians and Alaska Natives cannot be overstated. She is a leader, a mentor, and an advocate for the pharmacy profession, her staff, and for the patients she serves.

Suicide Prevention Conference Hosted at Chinle Service Unit

On July 24, Division of Nursing Services Director Dr. Johanna Gorman Bahe and Deputy Director Dr. Shavonna White attended the Suicide Prevention Conference (Sihasin Beeiina') hosted by the Chinle Service Unit's Health Promotion Disease Prevention and Counseling Services departments in Chinle, Arizona. The conference was open to the community, bringing awareness to suicide and available resources. The conference offered a wellness room for those who needed on-site support, as well as art therapy and massages for attendees.

National Nurse Leadership Council Hosts In-Person Meeting

From July 17 – 19, the National Nurse Leadership Council hosted an in-person meeting in Rockville, Maryland. The council's primary focus was planning the upcoming Leadership Summit in October, which will be the first in-person conference/meeting geared for IHS nurse leaders since the COVID pandemic. The 2024 IHS Leadership Summit: Nursing Leadership: Excel, Empower, Engage aims to elevate leadership capabilities and drive positive change across Indian Country. Registration for this event will be open soon.

IHS Nursing Attends Advanced Practice Provider Consortium

From July 21 – 23, nursing representatives from IHS Headquarters and the Bemidji and California Areas attended the Advanced Practice Provider Consortium on Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Residency and Fellowship Programs. The consortium provided valuable evidence-based guidance and collaborations with established programs from across the country. This will enhance the current road map development for future IHS APP residency programs. APP residency programs are on the rise across the country and aim to improve recruitment of new graduate advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants/associates in rural and complex work environments.

(Left to Right) Anna Knight, MS, FNP-C, PHN; Kari Josefson, DNP, FNP-BC; and Patricia Sullivan, DNP, FNP-BC

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:

• Pain and Opioid Disorder Webinar Series: “Advancing Opioid Stewardship — Leveraging Local Strategies to Save Lives” on August 5 at 2:00 p.m. ET. | Register here
• TBHCE Webinar Series: “Youth Social Media, Suicidality and the LGBTQ Community” on August 13 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: “Evaluation Approaches and Sample Findings: Integrated Care in AI/AN Communities” on August 15 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: “Partnerships for Children and Adolescents in Integrated Care Settings” on August 27 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: “Partnerships for Children and Adolescents in Integrated Care Settings” on September 5 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here

IHS & Texas A&M Universities Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing Webinar Series

The IHS and Texas A&M University’s Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing are hosting the following trainings for health care providers:

• “The Power of Partnership: Enhancing Forensic Care through Community Collaboration on August 27 at 11:00 a.m. ET | 1.5-CE/CMEs | Registration link and related information here
• “Nurse-Family Partnership: A Community-Based Intervention for At-Risk Mothers, Children, and Families on August 29 at 10:30 a.m. ET | 1.5-CE/CMEs | Registration link and related information here

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• IHS Recognizes Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
• Looking Ahead to the Modernization Program's Breakout Sessions at the IHS Partnership Conference

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