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February 29, 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.

IHS Announces 2024 Agency Work Plan, Closes Out 2023 Plan

Last week, the IHS announced the 2024 Agency Work Plan and closed out the 2023 Agency Work Plan, which completed the fourth quarter and demonstrated remarkable achievements across IHS during the past year. The 2024 Agency Work Plan outlines critical actions the IHS has taken and will continue to take this year to address risk priorities. A workgroup has led each activity to identify root causes and will work towards making sustainable improvements that will have a measurable impact on the agency. The goal is to complete the actions in the 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.

The IHS is providing regular updates on the progress of the Work Plan through the IHS Work Plan Status Report. IHS leadership is committed to providing improved transparency and clarity on information and initiatives that are being undertaken by the IHS, as well as in coordination with our partnering agencies.

Administration for Children & Families Announces Major Change to Child Support Program

In an announcement on February 15, the Administration for Children & Families said for more than 20 years it has heard from tribes that the requirement to provide 10 percent or 20 percent of program costs to operate a child support program was a barrier to full delivery of services. As a result, ACF is excited to share a new rule that allows tribes to run their own child support programs without having to contribute to operational costs. Starting October 1, the federal government will fully fund new and existing tribal child support programs. Read more about the rule: Elimination of the Tribal Non-Federal Share Requirement.

IHS Director Attends Groundbreaking for Echo Cliffs Health Center in Arizona

On February 16, Director Roselyn Tso had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking for the Echo Cliffs Health Center in Gap/Bodaway, Arizona. She gave thanks to everyone involved in marking the historic event. The center symbolizes a critical step forward in the partnership between the Navajo Nation and the Indian Health Service, reflecting our shared commitment to delivering comprehensive, culturally sensitive health care. Strengthening tribal relationships is a cornerstone of the Director’s tenure, with an emphasis on meaningful engagement to navigate our shared challenges. This occasion is a testament to our collective efforts and the Biden Administration's commitment to honoring treaties, building strong nation-to-nation relations, and enhancing healthcare for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Director Tso is extremely grateful to all leaders, visionaries, and community members, especially the collaborators at the Tuba City Regional Healthcare Corporation, for making this vision a reality.

IHS Director Meets with Oglala Sioux Tribe

On February 14, Director Tso met with Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out and Vice-President Alicia Mousseau to discuss recruitment and retention and Purchased/Referred Care at the Pine Ridge Service Unit. The Oglala Sioux Tribe is also implementing broadband initiatives through the Chairman’s Health Board in the Great Plains Area. The IHS and the Tribe plan to continue collaboration and discussion to assist the Pine Ridge Service Unit, which is located in a remote location.

Modernization Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer Focuses on Enterprise Collaboration Group Updates

IHS leadership continued to prioritize collaboration during a tribal consultation and urban confer hosted by the Health Information Technology Modernization Program on February 8. The session focused on the program’s Enterprise Collaboration Group. Program updates were shared by the Director of the Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations Jeanette Kompkoff. Chief Medical Information Officer Dr. Howard Hays provided governance updates on the ECG, a user-focused body that will review preferred, evidence-based practices and provide recommendations for the Electronic Health Record solution’s design and configuration. Deputy Chief Information Officer Andrea Scott facilitated the open dialogue, which provided an opportunity for Tribes and UIOs to ask questions regarding the Health IT Modernization Program. Attendees were also encouraged to complete the non-binding Statement of Interest and volunteer to participate in initial focus groups. For any questions about the program or how to get involved, please email modernization@ihs.gov.

Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee Meeting

Last week, IHS senior leadership met with the IHS Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee (TSGAC) to discuss important issues and priorities for self-governance Tribes. Gene Dodaro, comptroller general of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, attended the meeting to discuss the GAO High Risk List with the IHS and TSGAC. The TSGAC also heard updates on Executive Order 14112, Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination, and the reimbursement agreement between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the IHS. Additionally, the IHS provided updates on the work it is doing on health information technology modernization, IHS budget, purchased/referred care, human resources and other topics. Director Tso appreciated the opportunity to engage with committee members and expressed her gratitude for their continuous partnership and dedication in making an impact on health and wellness of American Indian and Alaska Native people.

IT Leaders to Deliver Keynote Address at Global Health Conference

On March 11, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems is hosting a Native American Health IT Symposium during the HIMSS24 Global Conference. This half-day session will be a forum to educate the health IT community at large on how federal and tribal partners are improving health through policy and health care innovation that support Indigenous communities. IHS Office of Information Technology Deputy Director and Deputy Chief Information Officer Andrea Scott and OIT Division of Health Information Technology Modernization Director Jeanette Kompkoff will deliver a keynote address at the symposium to provide an update on the current IHS Health IT Modernization Initiative.

IHS Celebrates National Engineers Week, Fehrman Recognized as Engineer of the Year

The Indian Health Service celebrated the 73rd National Engineers Week February 18 – 24, which recognizes the important role that engineers serve in creating safer, healthier, and more productive environments. The work of the IHS would not be possible without its fine team of public health service, civil, environmental, and other engineers. All are deserving of recognition. The agency relies upon their special expertise and rigorous training to create the infrastructure and support the operations necessary to provide our communities with the quality of care they deserve. Advancing the mission of the IHS would not be possible without their many contributions.

Additionally, congratulations to Cmdr. Christopher Fehrman, P.E., director of the Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction in the Alaska Area, who was recognized as a top 10 finalist for the 2024 Federal Engineer of the Year from the National Society of Professional Engineers. As director, Fehrman is responsible for the coordination of projects with the largest Tribal consortium in the United States in terms of geographical size and funding. Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in preparation for fiscal 2023 funding, Fehrman provided guidance, mentoring, and comprehensive technical reviews for 290 sanitation proposals, yielding 50 ready-for-procurement projects totaling $515 million. Thank you to Cmdr. Fehrman and all of the engineers across the IHS for their service.

IHS Chief Medical Officer Issues Alert on Tianeptine

On February 21, IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen sent an all-IHS alert regarding tianeptine, an atypical tricyclic antidepressant which is used mainly in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, tianeptine is sold over the counter and is a possible risk to the health of those who use it. Despite not being approved, some companies are illegally marketing and selling products containing tianeptine to consumers. They are also making dangerous and unproven claims that tianeptine can improve brain function and treat anxiety, depression, pain, opioid use disorder, and other conditions. Please share this information with friends, family, and members of your communities.

Hope in Healing Native Opioid Summit is March 12 – 14

The IHS Community Health Education and Resiliency Program will host the 2024 Hope in Healing Native Opioid Summit from March 12 – 14 at The Clyde Hotel in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. In its second year, the summit will address the opioid epidemic and share information on best practices, successful interventions, and community-driven solutions to prevention and treatment with professionals working in tribal communities. The summit offers free registration for all participants and online registration is currently open. Additional information, including registration and lodging, can be found on the summit website. This event is funded through the Community Opioid Intervention Pilot Project grant from the IHS.

Alzheimer’s Grant Program Team Conducts Site Visits

Team members from the IHS Alzheimer's Grant Program recently conducted two site visits. The team, which operates under the Division of Clinical and Community Services, visited the Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on February 6 and the Fallon Tribal Health Center in Fallon, Nevada, on February 8. During the visits, the team engaged in tours and discussions about the vibrant cultures of the local communities. The visits aimed to enhance understanding and recognition of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias within IHS, tribal, and urban Indian communities by empowering health care providers, family caregivers, and tribal leaders with the essential knowledge and resources for early detection. diagnosis, and effective management.

(Photo 1) IHS Elder Care Data Coordinator Valerie Jones (left) and IHS Management Analyst Jamie Olsen (right) with Cherokee Nation Health Services Patient Experience Manager Jessica Lewandowski
(Photo 2) Jones and Olsen with Fallon Tribal Health Center Associate Director of Clinical Services Susan Bracamontes

National Combined Council Meeting Set for March 19 – 21

The 2024 National Combined Council Virtual Meeting is set for March 19 – 21. This three-day meeting is designed for NCC members, federal, tribal, and urban Indian organization personnel throughout the IHS system. The meeting allows participants to engage in thought-provoking, innovative, cross-council discussions about current issues in Indian health, generate innovative strategies to improve patient outcomes and address health disparities, design quality and safety initiatives through collaborative recommendations with senior leadership, and support adequately trained, competent healthcare teams to ensure the safest quality care.

Zoom Registration Links: March 19 | March 20 | March 21

IHS to Participate in HHS/DOI Indian Small Business Day – May 15

The IHS is excited to partner with HHS and the Department of the Interior to sponsor the second annual HHS/DOI Buy Indian Small Business Industry Day on May 15 in Phoenix, Arizona. There is also an opportunity for IHS contracting officer’s representatives, program staff, and contracting staff to participate in virtual matchmaking. Please share this announcement broadly with colleagues near and far, as well as tribal partners and businesses that may be interested in participating. This event earns continuous learning point credit. Pre-registration is required.

Loan Repayment Program Begins Award Cycle for Fiscal Year 2024

The IHS Loan Repayment Program kicked off its 2024 award season recently. The LRP offers up to $25,000 per year in student loan repayment for full-time clinical health professionals working at Indian health facilities and helps dedicated health professionals to chart a course for a long-lasting and successful health care career. This is in exchange for an initial two-year service commitment to practice in health facilities serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Opportunities are based on Indian health program facilities with the greatest staffing needs in specific health profession disciplines. To apply, please visit the Loan Repayment Program website.

Applications for Tribal Management Grant Program — Due March 14

The Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes is still accepting applications for grants under the Tribal Management Grant Program. The program is designed to enhance and develop health management infrastructure and assist tribes and tribal organizations in assuming all or part of existing IHS programs, functions, services, and activities through agreements under the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act, and to assist with existing agreements to further develop and improve their management capability. Applications are due by March 14. For more information, please contact Kenneth Coriz.

National Pharmacy Council Monthly Spotlight Recognizes the Yakama Pharmacy

The National Pharmacy Council Awards Committee is recognizing federal, tribal, and urban Indian pharmacy staff and programs through a “Monthly Spotlight” program that features innovation, accomplishments, exceptional initiative, leadership, or outstanding efforts across Indian Country. Our February National Pharmacy Council Spotlight is the Yakama Pharmacy of the IHS Portland Area.

The Yakama Pharmacy Immunization Clinic is being recognized for their immunization efforts over the last three years. In 2020, the Yakama Pharmacy began offering COVID-19 vaccines and transitioned to offering all vaccines to all ages the following year, which improved access to care due to provider and nursing shortages. The clinic has provided nearly 25,000 immunizations to-date and currently offers all immunizations by appointment or on a walk-in basis. Patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and the current set-up allows entire families to get vaccinated together, which has been an unexpected benefit. Clinic staff decorated a room for children and donated snacks and toys as incentives to help improve pediatric vaccination rates. These efforts have been very successful. Currently, 57 percent of the pediatric vaccinations at the Yakama Indian Health Center are administered in the immunization clinic.

(Photo 1) Yakama Pharmacy staff
(Photo 2) Staff member Lindsey Fulton administers nirsevimab to a patient

IHS and Pueblo of Picuris Hosts Training on Title I Authorities of ISDEAA

On February 9, the Office of Tribal Self Determination in the Albuquerque Area IHS partnered with the Pueblo of Picuris to provide training to tribal personnel on Title I authorities of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. Training was held at the Native American-owned Hotel Santa Fe in New Mexico and more than 70 tribal representatives attended. Nineteen tribes and 9 authorized tribal organizations administer one or more of the 48 Title I Tribal Self-Determination ISDEAA Agreements in the Albuquerque Area. The ISDEAA training also represented the efforts of the Albuquerque Area to implement two priorities in the Agency’s 2023 Work Plan: expand ISDEAA training (operational); and enhance partnerships with tribes and urban Indian organizations (strategic). Tribal attendees provided positive feedback to the OTSD director and requested more training. Staff from the Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes also provided support to the Albuquerque Area.

(Left to Right) Chris Poole, acting director, Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; Dr. Leonard Thomas, director, Albuquerque Area; Craig Quanchello, governor, Pueblo of Picuris; Randall Morgan, director, Office of Tribal Self Determination, Albuquerque Area; and Anthony Knitter, lieutenant governor, Pueblo of Picuris

IHS Leaders Get Preview of Enhanced Services to Urban Indians in California

Recently, IHS Chief Performance Officer Dr. Rose Weahkee and California Area Director Beverly Miller visited the American Indian Health & Services, an urban Indian organization in Santa Barbara, California. Highlights from the visit include the unveiling of plans to enhance the provision of services to urban Indians in Santa Barbara, which is the result of a recent surplus federal real property acquisition. AIHS has been working in concert with the IHS, General Service Administration, and other legal partners to transfer the former-U.S. Army Reserve Center, which totals approximately 2.5 acres, to AIHS. During the visit, AIHS also shared their plans for facility improvement that will undoubtedly benefit the community and staff for years to come. Congratulations to everyone involved and for continuing to provide health care services to our urban Indian populations!

(Photo 1) IHS Chief Performance Officer Dr. Rose Weahkee (left) and IHS California Area Director Beverly Miller (fifth from left) with AIHS staff
(Photo 2) Rendering of planned facility improvements

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