June 25, 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 Executive Leadership Team Meets to Discuss Agency Challenges and Progress

Earlier in June, IHS Director Roselyn Tso convened senior leadership from across the agency in Nashville, Tennessee, to continue their collaborative work to address the most pressing issues facing the Indian Health Service today. Executive leadership from headquarters, area directors, and other agency leaders participated in leadership training, engaged in thoughtful conversations regarding tribal sovereignty with tribal leaders and advocates, discussed progress toward our IHS 2024 Work Plan priorities, and participated in robust decision making on matters affecting the agency. This convening continues Director Tso’s commitment to bringing the agency’s top leaders together to strategically address challenges facing the IHS, as well as championing the progress made toward our strategic goals.

An educational component of this event was taking time to discover Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, located in Nashville. It serves as a poignant reminder of American history, offering a multifaceted look at the life of the seventh U.S. President and the policies — including those that had a devastating impact on Native American communities — enacted during his tenure. For the IHS team, visiting the Hermitage is an enriching experience that provides valuable historical insights, fosters cultural sensitivity, and informs our work across Indian Country.

IHS Celebrates Juneteenth National Independence Day June 19

On June 19, the IHS joined the nation in commemorating Juneteenth National Independence Day. This historical day of freedom honors the end of slavery in the United States and the beginning of America’s fulfilment and promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for African Americans. The holiday represents an opportunity to celebrate hope, courage, perseverance, healing, and progress. Juneteenth acknowledges a period in America's history that shaped, and continues to influence, our society. It marks a day of freedom, reflection, and rejoicing – a day to be sensitive to the conditions and experiences of others, as we work together to make significant and lasting improvements. Director Tso encourages everyone to use this moment to reflect on the work of those who fought, and continue to advocate for, civil rights and social justice for all people.

Thank you to every person across the IHS system for everything you do each and every day in support of the IHS mission and the people we serve.

IHS Awards Nearly $1M in Tribal Management Grants

The IHS has awarded nearly $1 million in tribal management grants to ten tribes and tribal organizations as part of a competitive program to develop and improve tribal capacity to manage health programs under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The Tribal Management Grant Program is designed to prepare tribes and tribal organizations for assuming all or part of existing IHS programs, functions, services, and activities, and to further develop and improve their health management capabilities. Check out the list of FY 2024 grant recipients here.

Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee Holds Quarterly Meeting

The Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee met on June 11 – 12 in Scottsdale, Arizona, for their quarterly meeting. The TLDC was welcomed by Yavapai-Apache Nation bird singers and dancers. The committee met to discuss and develop recommendations to the IHS director regarding funding for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. Director Tso appreciated the opportunity to meet with the TLDC to provide IHS and SDPI updates, as well as answer questions. The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for September 17 – 18 in Washington, D.C.

Opheila Tsosie and Kristina Smith Receive Nurse of the Quarter Recognition

The Division of Nursing Services (DNS) is recognizing two nurses each quarter to highlight the incredible nursing staff across Indian Country who are committed to providing quality health care to our patients. The Division of Nursing Services is pleased to announce the recipient of the Nurse of the Quarter for Exemplary Leadership in the second quarter of 2024 is Ophelia Tsosie, MSN, RN, assistant chief nurse executive over the emergency department and operating room from the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility. Tsosie has steadily made innovative changes that have resulted in greater access to care, improved patient flow, increased Government Performance Results Acts measures, and better preventive health care, as well as positive feedback from staff. Read more about Tsosie’s accomplishments here.

The Nurse of the Quarter for Excellence in Nursing Practice for the 2nd quarter of 2024 is Lt. Cmdr. Kristina Smith, MSN, RN, APHN, director of public health nursing for the Turtle Mountain Service Unit in the IHS Great Plains Area. Smith has been a dedicated team member since 2007, with experience in outpatient, emergency room, and public health nursing. Having initiated the IHS E3 Strategy at the Turtle Mountain Service Unit, her efforts have been crucial in the significant increase in immunization rates. Read more about her accomplishments here.
This Nurses of the Quarter recognition is open to nurses across the IHS, tribal, and urban Indian organization health systems. DNS invites you to nominate a deserving nurse by using nomination instructions. The deadline to submit nominations for the third quarter for 2024 is August 15.

DNS Leaders Lead Presentation at National Nursing Conference

IHS Division of Nursing Services Director Dr. Gorman Bahe and Deputy Director Dr. Shavonna White served as presenters recently at the National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association (NANAINA) Conference in Rapid City, South Dakota. Bahe and White provided critical IHS DNS updates and initiatives to various organizations and health professionals who provide care to American Indians and Alaska Natives across the U.S. The conference theme, "Being a Good Relative to Achieve Health Equity", promotes active collaboration between federal, tribal and urban Indian organization partners across the country to raise the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. The conference honored Beverly Stabber Warne, MS, RN, citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation, a respected educator who was an essential supporter and mentor of Native nursing students to complete nursing programs at Arizona State University and South Dakota State University. Many of these students continue to serve across Indian Country in both leadership and bedside nursing roles.

Division of Nursing Services Site Visit to Great Plains Area

On June 11 – 12, Dr. Johanna Bahe, Dr. Shavonna White, Dr. Patricia Sullivan, and Nicole Stahlmann from the Division of Nursing Services team conducted a site visit to the Great Plains Area. The team had the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and network with forensic health care staff, advanced practice nurses, and leadership from the Pine Ridge Hospital, Kyle Health Center, Four Directions Clinic, and the Rosebud Service Unit. They gained insight about each of the facility’s strengths in nursing and health care and brainstormed innovative ideas to further enhance services for patients across the GPA. They are thankful for the warm welcome and hospitality while visiting each of the sites and look forward to future collaborations.

(Photo 1) Staff from DNS and the Rosebud Service Unit
(Photo 2) Staff from DNS and the Four Directions Clinic

Office of Resource Access and Partnership Conducts Site Visit to Colville Service Unit

Earlier this month, staff from the Office of Resource Access and Partnerships, Portland Area Office, and the Lawton Indian Hospital conducted a site visit to the Colville Service Unit to provide support for the Purchased/Referred Care Program. Staff from the Albuquerque and Clinton Service Units also assisted virtually. The team reviewed patient referrals and provider claims and worked with PRC providers to improve business practices for this important program. The Colville staff welcomed the team to their scenic location, invited them to a staff luncheon, and worked collaboratively throughout the week. It was a productive and valuable visit for both the visiting staff and the Colville PRC Program.

Staff from the Colville Service Unit, ORAP and Lawton Indian Hospital

IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program Support Team Visits Rocky Boy Health Center

On June 11, the IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program support team conducted a site visit to the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation in Montana. This was the first visit to Rocky Boy since the five-year grant program began in 2023. The IHS P4 team, operating under the Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention, met with the P4 staff from the Rocky Boy Health Center to assess the implementation of their program and determine ways the DDTP can best support their programming efforts. The trip included visiting grocery store partners where participants redeem vouchers, as well as touring the center’s comprehensive services and facilities. 

Youth Regional Treatment Centers Directors Meeting

On May 29 – 30, Division of Behavioral Health Director Dr. Glorinda Segay and staff attended an in-person directors meeting for IHS Youth Regional Treatment Centers. Hosted by the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, Inc., the event focused on a variety of operational topics including staffing recruitment and retention, resident and staff safety, pay scales, cultural wellness, and continuums of care.

NARA provided a tour of the Txwnni Garden, a community collaboration that transformed an asphalt parking area into a healing space where youth are taught about sacred medicines, decolonized food practices, and educated on First Nations foods. The garden also plays a crucial role in destigmatizing tobacco by highlighting its ceremonial use. The youth constructed a sweat lodge in the garden to participate in ceremonies, as a part of their healing process.

The IHS currently funds 13 YRTCs to provide a range of clinical services rooted in culturally relevant holistic models-of-care. For more information, visit the YRTC website.

(Photo 1) Dr. Glorinda Segay with attendees at the YRTC directors meeting
(Photo 2) NARA sweat lodge and healing garden

Enhancing Elder Care in Kenai, Alaska: A Collaborative Initiative

On June 4, the IHS Elder Health Team from the Division of Clinical and Community Services visited the Kenaitze Dena’ina Wellness Center and the Elder Center in Kenai, Alaska. The centers are near ancestral fishing grounds and offer comprehensive services, including primary care, dental, optometry, behavioral health, physical therapy, traditional healing, and more. With IHS dementia grant funds, they are strengthening the collaboration between the Dena’ina Wellness Center and Elder Care Center to provide culturally relevant, coordinated case management. Five elder care advocates conduct needs assessments to support elders and caregivers. They aim to form an interdisciplinary team to address the evolving needs of those with dementia, ensuring enhanced social and emotional support. The 2024 Alzheimer's Grant Program Funding Opportunity is now open and has an application deadline of July 16.

Public Health Nursing Program Grantees Working to Mitigate STIs

On June 11 – 12, the IHS Division of Nursing Services Public Health Nursing Program hosted a meeting to provide technical assistance for the Public Health Nursing Case Management: Reducing Sexually Transmitted Infections grant recipients in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to mitigate the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections within Indian Country through a case management model that utilizes the PHN as a case manager. The seven grant awards are: Central Oklahoma American Indian Health Council, Inc.; Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board; Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation; American Indian Health Service of Chicago, Inc.; United American Indian Involvement, Inc.; Sokaogon Chippewa Community; and Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

White Earth Service Unit Recognized as E3 Champion

The IHS National E3 Vaccine Strategy Operations Team congratulates the White Earth Service Unit for their qualification as our second E3 Champion! The IHS National E3 Vaccine Strategy was first announced in November 2022, with the E3 Champions Challenge and pilot program launching shortly after. As part of the E3 strategy, IHS encourages that every patient at every encounter be offered every recommended vaccine, when appropriate. As we seek to promote routine immunization, increase vaccine coverage rates, and mitigate the risks of vaccine preventable illness in tribal communities, the innovation and successful best practices developed at the local level by vaccine exemplars, such as the White Earth team, are an inspiration. Thank you for your team's commitment to vaccine excellence in Indian Country!

2024 President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Award — Nominations Due July 1

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, is accepting nominations for the 2024 President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition award. These awards recognize individuals or organizations that have contributed in various ways to the advancement or promotion of physical activity, fitness, sports, or nutrition. Three award categories are open in 2024:

• Lifetime Impact Award
• Community Leadership Award
• PCSFN Hero Award

Nominations will be accepted through July 1. The President’s Council will notify all individuals who submitted a nomination of their award status by August 1. Winners will receive their awards in fall 2024. For more information, visit health.gov/pcsfn/programs-awards.

2024 Indian Health Geriatric Scholars (GeriScholars) Pilot Now Accepting Applications — Deadline July 5

The Indian Health GeriScholars Pilot Program, funded by the IHS Alzheimer’s Program, invites applications to the 2024 Indian Health GeriScholars pilot. The pilot will accept up to 15 physicians, nurse practitioners, PAs, or pharmacists sponsored by their IHS, tribal, or urban Indian health program.

The Indian Health GeriScholars pilot will provide participating clinicians with an individual intensive learning track for professional continuing education, including:

1)     An intensive training in geriatrics from one of the Geriatrics Board Review courses.

2)     A mentored geriatric improvement project at their local facility.

3)     A clinical practicum or mentorship in geriatric practice.

4)     Ongoing education, training, and peer support as an Indian Health Geriatric Scholar.

Click here to learn more and download the application. The application period closes on July 5. For more information, please email IHSElderHealth@ihs.gov.

IHS Announces Funding Opportunity to Address Dementia Care — Applications Due July 16

The IHS is excited to announce a third round of grant funding designed to help develop tribal and urban-specific models of comprehensive dementia care. This funding builds on early work and lessons learned from two years of awards offered for the first time in 2022 and again in 2023. The 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity is designed to support expansion and increase local clinical capacity for culturally relevant dementia care and services for American Indian and Alaska Native people living with dementia, their caregivers, and their communities. Applications are due by July 16 and must be submitted through Grants.gov. Join the IHS Alzheimer’s Program team for a webinar on Wednesday, May 29, at 3:00 p.m. ET. IHS staff will provide an overview of the funding opportunity and answer questions. Click here to register or learn more. Additional dementia capacity-building webinars will be offered in June and July.

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:  

• TBHCE Webinar Series: Screening, Assessing, Documenting Suicidality and the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions Tool” on July 2 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• TBHCE Webinar Series: “Lessening Harms and Preventing Future Risk: Teaching Coping and Problem-solving Skills via Safety Planning” on July 16 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• TBHCE Webinar Series: “Lessening Harms and Preventing Future Risk: Lethal Means Restriction Counseling” on July 30 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here

IHS Blogs

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• Medication Safety Pilot Project Highlights Innovative Efforts during National Safety Month
• Calling Attention to Ending Elder Abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
• An Inside Look at Tribal EMS: Serving Southwest Arizona

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