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March 26, 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 Recognizes National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Launches New Program

March 20 marks National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day to promote HIV testing, prevention, and treatment in Native communities. It also recognizes the impact of HIV among Native populations by highlighting the critical work happening in communities around the country towards ending the HIV epidemic.

To reduce stigma, minimize barriers to care, and create safer spaces within Indian Country for Native people living with HIV, the IHS just announced the new “U=U Ambassador Program.” The Prevention Access Campaign launched the U=U campaign in early 2016 to advance public awareness and perception of HIV. U=U means that if someone has an undetectable viral load, they cannot sexually transmit HIV to others. To help increase awareness of this vital ‘treatment as prevention’ campaign and realizing that HIV rates are still climbing in Indian Country, IHS is recruiting American Indians and Alaska Natives with HIV to share their stories and the U=U message to people with HIV.

Office of Long COVID Research and Practice Releases New Toolkit

On March 15, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health’s Office of Long COVID released a new toolkit on the implementation of the government-wide response to Long COVID. IHS and HHS remain committed to keeping people impacted by Long COVID and the public informed at every step of the way. The Office of Long COVID approaches the government response not just in terms of research, but also through supports and services, public health education, clinical practice guidance, and the coordination of federal programs because people with Long COVID need help today. The work outlined in these reports is the pathway forward for addressing the long-term impacts of COVID-19, particularly Long COVID. By coordinating a government-wide response and public-private collaborations, we can provide support services, advance research efforts, and offer relief to individuals with Long COVID and those that care for them. This not only improves the well-being of those directly affected, but also contributes to our collective understanding of the pandemic's broader impact on public health.

The IHS is working with health care providers to support Long COVID care for tribal communities using telehealth and technical assistance. Training and support on using the technology and resources is provided to help treat patients with complex conditions, including Long COVID, in their communities.

Texas Native Health Hosts Grand Opening of Expanded Facility in Dallas

On March 22, IHS Director Roselyn Tso had the honor of celebrating the grand opening of the newly expanded Texas Native Health facility in Dallas, Texas—a landmark event symbolizing the remarkable collaboration between Texas Native Health and the Indian Health Service. The united goal of IHS and TNH is to provide comprehensive, culturally attuned health care to our valued urban Indian communities. Given the sizable Native population in Texas, the significance of this center is profound. This expansion not only increases the facility's size, but also doubles the capacity to deliver care, affirming the dedication to providing services at minimal to no cost to American Indians and Alaska Natives. This milestone is a beacon of our commitment to the well-being of our urban Indian communities. Here’s to a brighter, healthier future for all.

National Joint Meeting on Youth Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery

On March 20, Director Tso had the privilege to address the National Joint Meeting on Youth Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery. This pivotal gathering, a collaborative effort between the IHS Division of Behavioral Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, underscores the shared dedication across the IHS to the well-being of Native youth. Our youth are cherished within our communities, holding a place of profound respect and sacred importance. They are the stewards of our rich heritage, the custodians of our values, and the narrators of our stories for generations to come. This deep recognition informs every facet of our work at the IHS. It is our solemn duty to extend every possible resource, to encircle our youth with support, compassion, and care, guiding them towards recovery and resilience.

IHS Names Dr. Matthew Clark as Deputy Chief Medical Officer

Earlier this month, IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen announced that Dr. Matthew Clark will be serving as the acting deputy chief medical officer at IHS headquarters, as an addition to his role as the chief medical officer of the Alaska Area Native Health Service and the chair of the IHS National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.

Clark is a distinguished board-certified physician in internal medicine and pediatrics and has been a dedicated IHS primary care provider and clinical administrator since completing his residency training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He is a graduate of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine. With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, Clark has been a clinical provider attending American Indian and Alaska Native patients as well as having served as a clinical director for more than 15 years in the Albuquerque Area. Dr. Clark is a fellow of both the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Clark to this new role!

Tribal Leaders Conduct HSPD-12 Background Investigation Listening Session

Last week, in a significant stride towards enhancing security and privacy, Director Tso had the privilege of engaging with tribal leaders in a listening session focused on Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 Background Investigation. In our commitment to uphold the standards set forth by HSPD-12, the IHS is actively revising our policies and procedures. Last month marked a pivotal moment as I signed off on a new policy within the Indian Health Manual, laying down the foundational IHS standards and requirements to comply with this critical directive. The IHS is committed in our dedication to ensuring the security of health information and our facilities, alongside safeguarding the privacy of everyone we serve, including our patients. It's imperative that we continue to collaborate, uniting our efforts and prioritizing our objectives, to effectively meet these essential needs.

National Indian Health Board Quarterly Meeting

On March 13, IHS Director Roselyn Tso met with the National Indian Health Board’s Board of Directors during their quarterly meeting in Washington, D.C. Ms. Tso’s updates to the board covered the transition to a unified Human Resources system titled One HR, which is a new initiative to improve retention and recruitment across the IHS; Behavioral Health Initiative funding; providing safe and quality care to direct service tribes; and addressing the syphilis outbreak in Indian Country. The IHS is grateful for the work and coordination that the NIHB does with our tribal partners. We look forward to a continued partnership with NIHB.

Tribal Delegate Meeting with Northwest Arctic Leadership Team

Also on March 13, Director Tso met with the Northwest Arctic Leadership Team, which includes the Maniilaq Association, a Self-Governance Title V compactor from the Alaska Area. Ms. Tso appreciated meeting with these leaders who shared their issues and successes, as well as a shared commitment to addresses these challenges together.

Facilities Appropriations Advisory Board Quarterly Meeting

On March 12, Director Tso joined the Facilities Appropriations Advisory Board quarterly meeting to provide an update on ongoing work across the IHS. The primary purpose of the FAAB is to make recommendations to the IHS director on matters involving all Office of Environmental Health and Engineering programs. Ms. Tso extends her thanks to everyone who joined for your active participation in these meetings and for your year-round dedication as advisory board members. Your invaluable recommendations and advice on matters concerning the OEHE programs play a pivotal role in our joint efforts to identify and address infrastructure needs in Indian Country.

Office of Human Resources Meets with Service Unit and Oglala Lakota Nation

Last week, IHS Office of Human Resources Acting Director Daniel Frye and other agency representatives met with the Pine Ridge Service Unit and the Oglala Lakota Nation Tribal Council to share the recent updates with One Human Resources initiative.

New One HR Team Meets to Develop Classification Action Plan and More

Earlier this month, the One HR transition team, along with regional human resources directors and human resource directors, met at the Claremore Indian Hospital to create a plan for classifying positions, prioritizing staffing needs, and allocating human resources staff to service units. Later in the week, the human resources leadership and regional human resources directors held their quarterly human resources director's meeting at the Oklahoma City Area Office to discuss priorities, standardizing, and implementing One Human Resources.

Indian Health Service Celebrates Patient Safety Awareness Week

The IHS is committed to providing safe, quality care to our patients. Our staff’s caring commitment to excellence and the people we serve are a driving force for patient safety across the agency. They work tirelessly to strengthen systems and innovate in order to deliver safe, effective, quality care to all patients.

Patient Safety Awareness Week provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on the work we do every day to strengthen safety in our health care system. It also provides us the opportunity to celebrate that work and recognize our staff. Please take a moment to read the Patient Safety Awareness Week Recognition of Excellence newsletter and staff recognition on Facebook and X. This year, the agency also conducted a Patient Safety Awareness Week slogan contest, and the winning slogan was used on the website banner and the newsletter. Thank you to all staff that participated!

Chief Medical Officer Presents at Effective Provider-Patient Communication Webinar

On March 13, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen participated in a national health care webinar titled “Cornerstones of Clinical Care: Empathy, Creativity, and Imagination as the Foundation of Effective Provider-Patient Communication.” The webinar was cohosted by the IHS, along with the Health Resources & Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Institutes of Health to mark Patient Safety Awareness Week. In her remarks, Dr. Christensen provided examples of how the IHS is working to improve provider-patient relationships with new innovative programs and ongoing initiatives.

CMO Dr. Loretta Christensen Co-Authors Seminars in Neurology Article

In a recent publication in Seminars in Neurology, titled "Neurological Care within the Indian Health Service," IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen, along with esteemed colleagues Dr. Karen Parko and Dr. Brian Trimble, explore the complexities and achievements in delivering neurology services to more than 2.7 million American Indians and Alaska Natives spread across 574 tribes. This paper delves into the evolution of neurology care over four decades within the IHS, spotlighting the innovative strategies employed to broaden access, the crucial contributions of midlevel providers, and the seamless incorporation of traditional healing methods. By emphasizing the significant enhancements in care quality attributed to the strategic investment in dedicated neurology personnel, the authors advocate for this approach as a replicable and sustainable model for providing specialized healthcare services to marginalized communities.

National Pharmacy Council Recognizes Patel with Monthly Spotlight

The National Pharmacy Council Awards Committee is pleased to announce its March Monthly Spotlight, featuring Lt. Cmdr. Pritesh Patel at the Tohono O’odham Nation Health Care Sells Hospital in the Tucson Area. The spotlight recognizes federal, tribal and urban Indian organization pharmacy staff and programs to highlight innovation, accomplishments, exceptional initiative, leadership, or outstanding efforts across the IHS system. Patel, an informatics pharmacist, consistently performs his job above what is required and brings a positive attitude to the department that does not go unnoticed. During times of staffing shortages, he volunteers to staff positions beyond his regular job duties with no questions asked. His leadership skills and positive relationships with other departments help bridge gaps when needed. Patel recently took on the role of residency program director along with his other duties. He accepted this role graciously to be able to continue the program at his site.

National Nurse Leadership Council Meets to Discuss Aligning Standards and More

On March 11 – 12, the National Nurse Leadership Council held the first in-person meeting of the year at the Albuquerque Area Office in New Mexico. The NNLC serves as a model for aligning nursing practices with the agency’s priorities in support of achieving the IHS standards. Nurse consultants from seven IHS areas and seven members of the Division of Nursing Services were in attendance. The meeting topics included updating the NNLC by-laws, working on the NNLC Strategic Plan, and planning an agency nursing leadership conference.

Division of Nursing Services Highlights First Nurse of the Quarter

The IHS Division of Nursing Services will recognize two nurses each quarter to highlight the incredible nursing staff across Indian Country who are committed to providing quality health care through excellence in nursing practice and leadership. The first Nurse of the Quarter for March 2024 is Shavonna White, DNP, RN, assistant chief nursing executive at the Chinle Service Unit in the IHS Navajo Area. Dr. White’s exceptional leadership can be witnessed throughout the hospital, specifically in the way she creates a culture of respect, cohesiveness, and collaboration amongst each department. Read more about her efforts here and stay tuned for our next Nurse of the Quarter announcement.

Division of Health Professions Support Announces Notice of Funding Opportunities

The IHS Division of Health Professions Support in the Office of Human Resources is happy to announce three notice of funding opportunities for the following programs: American Indians into Psychology (INPSY), American Indians into Medicine (INMED), and American Indians into Nursing (NU). Each program is a five-year grant offered to public and nonprofit private colleges and universities to support the enrollment of American Indians and Alaska Natives to pursue careers in health care. INPSY promotes the study of psychology by Native students by providing scholarship support to train them to be clinical psychologists. INMED raises student awareness of health care career possibilities and provides resources, such as tutoring, career counseling, scholarship, and financial aid application assistance, as well as summer educational sessions and travel grants for health conference expenses. NU allows for the recruitment and training, through provision of scholarship support, of Native individuals to enter the nursing profession by earning their Bachelor of Science in nursing or advanced practice nurse degrees. For more information, visit Grants.gov or the following Federal Register notices: Indians into Psychology | Indians into Medicine | Indians into Nursing. If you have questions about any program, contact Eric Pinto.

IHS Participates in Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Industry Day

On March 11, staff from six HHS agencies, including the IHS Division of Acquisition Policy, partnered with the Small Business Administration to host the inaugural Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Industry Day in Rockville, Maryland. More than 200 representatives from the small business community, including the Veterans Small Business Certification Program, the SBA, and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Veterans Institute for Procurement, met with federal program and acquisition staff to learn about conducting business with the federal government. IHS Senior Contracting Officer Darryl Smith presented on the agency’s investments in Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises and highlighted several procurement opportunities recently posted on SAM.gov. Vendors are encouraged to the look at Doing Business with IHS fact sheet for additional resources.

IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program Support Team Visits Pascua Yaqui Tribe

On February 27, the IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program support team conducted the first P4 site visit since the five-year grant program began in 2023. The team, which operates under the IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention, met with the Yoemem Harvest Food is Medicine Program staff. The site visit was aimed to assess the implementation of the P4 and to better understand how DDTP can best support their program needs. The visit included tours of the Pascua Yaqui Mochik Ranch, Health and Social Services Family Center, and the Pascua Yaqui Wellness Center. The Yoemem Harvest Food is Medicine Program shared stories with the IHS team on how they are working towards goals to improve food security, dietary health, and health outcomes. Increasing food sovereignty by sourcing foods from local farmers, some of which are Indigenous, is just one approach towards achieving their goals. The Yoemem Harvest’s future plans are to enhance their agricultural capacity to grow Yaqui crops to offer fruits and vegetables to the community and other tribal programs.

(Photo 1) IHS P4 Support team with Yoemem Harvest Program staff
(Photo 2) Weekly vegetable distribution

IHS Promotes Importance of Native Representation at Oral Health Conference

On March 11, IHS Division of Oral Health’s Dr. Cheryl Sixkiller, Society of American Indian Dentists President Dr. Cristin Haase, and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Dental Therapy Program Director Capt. Sarah Shofftstall-Cone presented at the American Dental Education Association’s annual session and exhibition in New Orleans, Louisiana. Their presentation on “Elevating the Voices of Indigenous People in Dentistry” was attended by deans, faculty members, and administrators from dental school across the nation. During ADEA’s closing ceremony, the House of Delegates specifically called for increasing admissions for Indigenous students into dental schools.

Division of Oral Health Conducts Advanced Management Course

This week, the IHS Division of Oral Health held an advanced management course for IHS and tribal dental directors in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 32-hour course, Concepts in Dental Clinic Management, is part of a series of three in-person management courses offered each year to dental directors to enhance their leadership in the areas of personnel management, resource management, clinical efficiency and effectiveness, and quality improvement. Taught by Dr. Tim Ricks from DOH and Dr. Steve Tetrev, a retired IHS area dental officer, this week’s course included dental directors from San Felipe Pueblo, Gallup Indian Medical Center, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Standing Rock Service Unit, Hannahville Health Center, Tuba City, Fort Defiance, and Winslow.

IHS Attends 2024 International Meeting on Indigenous Women’s Health

On March 13 – 15, IHS and colleagues from the CDC, HRSA, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, the National Indian Health Board, and other organizations participated in the 8^th International Indigenous Women’s Health Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The conference, presented by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Indigenous Health and by the University of New Mexico, is held every two years. The meeting focused on innovative clinical care models and community?based strategies to improve health outcomes for Indigenous women and their families. More than 252 community members, healers, elders, clinicians, students, and others who work with Indigenous women and communities came together to learn, share, support, and build partnerships to improve the health of all Indigenous people seeking obstetric and gynecologic care.

IHS Patient Registration and Patient Benefits Coordination Training

On March 12 - 14, the IHS Office of Resource Access and Partnerships, in collaboration with the IHS National Business Office Committee, held a Patient Registration and Patient Benefits Coordination Training. The attendees included staff who are responsible for patient registration, patient benefits coordination, and other functions of the revenue cycle within the IHS, tribal health programs, and urban Indian organizations. Approximately 250 attendees participated in-person and another 250 participated virtually. Along with covering the basics of patient registration and patient benefits coordination, the topics addressed included insurance elements and verification of insurance, effective communication, outreach and enrollment strategies, best practices for collaboration with all factors of the revenue cycle, and data capture of sexual orientation and gender identify information.

Albuquerque Area Hosts Quarterly Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer Meeting

On March 19, an Albuquerque Area Quarterly Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer meeting was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with nearly 45 tribal leaders and representatives present. I was able to join the in-person meeting to provide IHS updates, after opening remarks provided by Area Director Dr. Leonard Thomas. Presentation topics included the final fiscal year 2024 IHS appropriation and the proposed budget for FY 2025, clinical updates from the Area Chief Medical Officer Dr. Thomas Faber, and Health IT Modernization. Representatives from the University of New Mexico Hospital and the Medicaid Assistance Division from the State of New Mexico’s Human Services Department provided updates on the UNM Hospital expansion and mill levy, and forthcoming changes in the Medicaid program. The meeting concluded with reports and updates from tribal representatives, who are assigned or appointed to various national federal-tribal advisory committees and workgroups, and an overview of two key provisions in the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act and the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act.

Denver UIO Receives Notification of AAAHC Accreditation and Certification

On March 12, Denver Indian Health and Family Services was notified they were awarded initial accreditation for three years by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, as well as received Patient-Centered Medical Home certification. PCMH recognized DIHFC for taking additional steps in providing health care quality and improvement. This is an important milestone in their continuing growth and success as an urban Indian organization, which serves the health care needs of the urban Indian community in Denver. Pursuing accreditation shows their commitment to providing the highest levels of quality care to their patients and for upholding the principles of quality improvement in patient care. Achieving AAAHC accreditation proves that DIHFS has met the rigorous standards of a nationally recognized accrediting body. Congratulations to DIFHS for taking on the challenge and achieving accreditation!

Navajo Nation and VA Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Expanded Services at Kayenta Health Center

On March 20, the Veterans Administration and Kayenta Service Unit, along with the Navajo Nation Veterans Department, celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony for the expansion of Veterans services located at the Kayenta Health Center. Kayenta Service Unit CEO Mariva Plummer and Navajo Area IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kevin Gaines provided remarks on how the expansion will increase access to the highest quality of care for our Native veterans. The expansion of VA clinic services in Kayenta brings a total of two VA clinics within Navajo Area Indian Health Service facilities.

Supporting Recovery — Sharing Stories

By sharing stories of community healing, we can better understand and serve our relatives who are experiencing substance use disorders.

Provider Video: “Community Healing – Best Practices.” The Red Lake Nation’s approach to serving and supporting community members who experience substance use disorder is restoring hope and healing the community. Watch the video.

Patient Video: “Sharing Our Stories - Living a Beautiful Life in Recovery.” Recovery is possible. Hear inspiring recovery stories! Watch the video. A shortened version of the patient video is also available.

CDC Launches Impact Wellbeing Guide

Building on the successful efforts happening across the country to reduce health care worker burnout and sustain wellbeing, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health proudly introduces its Impact Wellbeing Guide: Taking Action to Improve Healthcare Worker Wellbeing in partnership with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. The guide is an evidence-informed, actionable resource to help hospital leaders make purposeful systems-level changes that lay the foundation for sustainable improvements.

The guide was piloted in six hospitals across the U.S., all within the CommonSpirit Health system. Real-world insights from this six-month testing effort informed updates to ensure that its content is clear, and steps are achievable. It centralizes and provides the necessary background and actionable tools to support professional wellbeing across every hospital division and role. The guide accelerates hospital leaders’ professional wellbeing work through six actions that build on each other. Download the guide to begin accelerating or supplementing your professional wellbeing efforts.

Advancements in Diabetes Webinar Series – Next Webinar March 27

In honor of National Nutrition Month, the IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention: Advancements in Diabetes Webinar Series is hosting the following webinar for health care providers:

“Evaluation and Management of Pediatric Obesity: An Overview of the AAP Clinical Practice Guidelines” on March 27 at 3 p.m. ET ? Click here to attend.

Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence – Next Training April 5

The Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Tele-Education Program is hosting the following training for health care providers:

“Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Webinar Series: ABA: Love It or Hate It, but First Understand It” on April 5 at 2:00 p.m. ET ? Register here.

Indian Country CHR ECHO Series – Next Webinar April 15

The Indian Country Community Health Representative ECHO is a monthly webinar series held on the third Monday of each month. Sessions provide essential information and knowledge for the community health workforce unique to competencies, care, screening, emergency preparedness, and home visiting. Health professionals are invited to join us for our next ECHO session:

“CHR E-Learning Basic, Advanced, and Specialty Training Overview” on April 15 at 3:00 p.m. ET | Join here.

For the complete 2024 schedule, check out the Community Health Representative ECHO Program - Indian Country ECHO.

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