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March 31, 2023: IHS Updates for Tribes and Tribal and Urban Indian Organizations

This bi-weekly update provides up to date information on Indian Health Service and other federally-hosted meetings, conferences, deadlines and recognition from across the Indian health system. For more information or questions, email IHSPublicAffairsStaff@ihs.gov.

National Doctor’s Day

On March 30, the IHS joined others to celebrate National Doctor’s Day, specifically recognizing the ongoing efforts and unwavering commitment of doctors throughout the Indian health system. On this day and every day, we know the sacrifices physicians make to put the health of our American Indian and Alaska Native communities first, even amid extraordinary challenges. Tribal communities are stronger because of their great work. Please join us in celebrating our doctors across Indian Country. I encourage you to also view a video message from IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen.

Honoring Women’s History Month

The IHS joins others nationwide in recognizing March as Women’s History Month and the countless women who have fought tirelessly and courageously for equality, justice and opportunity since time immemorial. At the IHS, many women serve in leadership positions throughout Indian Country, and almost half of all leadership positions at headquarters and area offices are filled by women. Throughout the month on the IHS social media channels, we have highlighted women across the Indian health system with more than 20 years of dedicated service to our patients and tribal communities. Learn more about the women highlighted during Women’s History Month.

IHS Personnel Update

The IHS would like to welcome Capt. Carmen “Skip” Clelland, who returns to the IHS to serve as chief of staff, effective April 3. Clelland, a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes and USPHS Commissioned Corps Pharmacy Officer, previously served as the senior health officer and director of tribal affairs in the HRSA Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, where he advanced the agency’s efforts to fully engage tribal nations to support advancing their health care workforce, resources and services. In his new role, Capt. Clelland will be responsible for overseeing the coordination of key agency activities and supporting the Office of the Director in a broad range of duties related to IHS initiatives and priorities. The IHS looks forward to the wealth of experience Capt. Clelland brings and is excited to welcome him back to the team. Thank you to Ann Church, who has served as the acting chief of staff since 2021. She will return to her permanent position in the Office of Finance and Accounting.

Capt. Carmen Clelland, IHS chief of staff

The IHS would also like to welcome Joshuah Marshall as the senior advisor to the director. In his position, Marshall, who is from the Wind River Indian Reservation, will be responsible for advising the IHS director on a variety of special analyses and high-level health policy matters, including implementation of strategic initiatives and activities. Marshall joins the IHS from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, where he served as a senior policy analyst and senior manager for strategic projects and initiatives. The IHS looks forward to the knowledge and expertise Marshall brings to the Indian health system.

Joshuah Marshall, senior advisor to the director

Over the Counter Naloxone Spray Approved by the FDA

On March 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray as an important step to increase public access to naloxone, a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdose. The IHS encourages all people to get training on overdose signs and symptoms and to carry naloxone if able. The change to over-the-counter status marks a pivotal step in decreasing barriers to product procurement, empowering communities to work through local channels to expand access. Anyone can be an advocate and everyone can be ready to save a life with naloxone. For more information, please see the National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee briefing located here. Training and technical assistance references are available on the HOPE Committee website.

Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week

Last week, IHS Director Roselyn Tso had the honor of attending several meetings where tribal and urban Indian organization leadership were in attendance to promote quality health care systems in tribal communities. On March 20, she delivered a keynote address at the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week Meeting in Washington, D.C., reinstating the IHS’ commitment to strong partnerships with tribes, tribal organizations and urban Indian organizations that are critical to our shared success. Ms. Tso also engaged in discussion on the issues that are important to tribal communities in the Midwest.

Director Roselyn Tso delivering a keynote address at the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes meeting.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting

On March 22, Director Roselyn Tso attended the HHS Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee meeting to provide an update on the ongoing work at IHS. During the update, Tso provided participants with an update on the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, the success of the IHS Special Diabetes Program for Indians, the implementation of the 2023 Agency Work Plan, and much more.

HHS Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee meeting

Affordable Care Act Anniversary Celebration

On March 23, Director Roselyn Tso joined several leaders, lawmakers and advocates at the White House for the Affordable Care Act Anniversary celebration. With the nation celebrating the 13th anniversary of the ACA, the IHS also celebrates the inclusion of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which was made permanent by the ACA and ensures the preservation and continued support of health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout Indian Country.

Director Roselyn Tso and NIHB Director Stacey Bohlen at the White House Affordable Care Act Anniversary Celebration.

FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness 8th Annual Tribal Nations Training Week

The FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness recently hosted the 8th Annual Tribal Nations Training Week in Anniston, Alabama. More than 200 participants from 77 tribal nations, including 68 IHS employees, participated in health care emergency management training, including the health care leadership for mass casualty incidents, health care emergency response training, barrier precautions and controls for highly infectious disease, and the public information officer’s course. Each class came together on the last day to participate in the integrated capstone event, where participants tested the skills they learned as an integrated team. The CDP campus has the nation’s only hospital training facility dedicated solely to preparing health care communities for mass casualty events. Deputy Director for Management Operations Darrell LaRoche visited the CDP campus along with FEMA Deputy Assistant Administrator for National Preparedness Damon Penn. They met with FEMA National Tribal Affairs Advocate Kelbie Kennedy and observed the integrated capstone event on the last day. FEMA CDP courses are offered, including travel, at no charge to IHS, tribal and urban Indian health programs. More information can be found here.

FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness hosted the 8th Annual Tribal Nations Training Week in Anniston, Alabama.

Buy Indian Native American Small Business Industry Day

In collaboration with the HHS Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization, the U.S. Department of the Interior OSDBU, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the IHS will co-host and participate in the inaugural Buy Indian Native American Small Business Industry Day Event on April 25. The event will bring together HHS and DOI leadership, and contracting and program officials to promote the Buy Indian Act and successfully connect Native American owned small businesses with federal contract and program staff. Earlier this year, IHS announced the IHS Buy Indian goal for FY23 is that 20 percent of all commercial contract spending will be set-aside to companies who qualify under the Buy Indian Act requirement.

The event will take place at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. ET. Following the main event, there will be an in-person federal agency marketplace and trade show and an HHS/DOI Buy Indian Native American Small Business Industry Day Virtual Matchmaking session.

Registration links:

Industry Day: Tuesday, April 25, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET
Password: buyindian2023 (all lowercase)
Register now!
Marketplace: Tuesday, April, 25 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. ET
Register now!
Virtual Matchmaking Session: Wednesday, April 26, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET
Register now!

Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention Job Openings

The IHS is seeking applicants for a supervisory nurse (consultant). This position serves as the IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention deputy director and provides leadership and coordination within the IHS. Applicants with significant experience and skills in clinical care, preferably with American Indian and Alaska Native patients, public health, and/or administration are encouraged to apply before April 20 on USAJobs.

The IHS is also seeking applicants for a national nutrition consultant within the DDTP. The incumbent in this position serves as the principal nutrition consultant and provides nutrition-related leadership and implementation for the IHS. Applicants with significant experience and skills in clinical, public/community health, and administrative aspects of nutrition, preferably with American Indian and Alaska Native patients, are encouraged to apply before April 20 on USAJobs.

NCUIH Retreat in Phoenix, Arizona

The Office of Urban Indian Health Programs Director Dr. Rose Weahkee recently provided IHS updates at the National Council of Urban Indian Health’s retreat in Phoenix, Arizona. NCUIH also had the opportunity to tour NATIVE HEALTH, Native American Connections and the Phoenix Indian Medical Center to learn about the health care services they provide to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Miss Navajo Nation, Valentina Clitso, stopped by NATIVE HEALTH to welcome NCUIH Leadership. NAC also took NCUIH Leadership to tour the Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center, which was led by Patty Talahongva, a former student of Phoenix Indian School and former director of the PISVC.

NCUIH Retreat in Phoenix, Arizona

$1.8M in IHS Funding Provides Additional Resources to Address Alzheimer's and Dementia

This week, the IHS announced the availability of $1.8 million in additional funding for tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations and IHS direct service facilities to address Alzheimer’s disease within tribal communities. This follows first-time IHS funding appropriations in 2021 and subsequent year grant awards. This funding will support additional tribes, tribal organizations and urban Indian organizations to develop sustainable, local approaches to addressing Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia, focusing on awareness, recognition, diagnosis, assessment, management and support for caregivers. The IHS continues to partner with agencies across the federal government and non-governmental organizations to address key program components tied to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, including workforce development and community engagement. To learn more, read the latest IHS blog.

Infection Prevention and Control for Nursing Leaders

The Division of Nursing Services is excited to share an upcoming educational opportunity sponsored by the Partnership to Advance Tribal Health and the IHS National Nursing Leadership Council Executive Committee. The course, Infection Prevention and Control for Nursing Leaders, is a two-part learning series on infection prevention and control for emerging or experienced nursing leaders serving tribal communities. The sessions will feature engaging speakers with decades of experience in hospital infection prevention and control, and will offer three hours of continuing education units for those attending both sessions. Join other nursing leaders to learn how to be an Infection Prevention and Control champion within your organization! Register now.

New IHS Data Brief: Oral Health of American Indian and Alaska Native Adults Continues to Improve

The IHS Division of Oral Health recently released a new data brief summarizing the oral health of American Indian and Alaska Native adults ages 35 and older who are served by IHS, tribal, and urban Indian dental clinics across Indian Country. One of the key findings from this data is that oral health continues to improve. Oral health is essential for the overall health and well-being of adults, so this trend is encouraging. To learn more, read the IHS blog.

Alert Issued about Fentanyl Mixed With Xylazine

This week, the IHS National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee distributed a Pharmacovigilance Drug Safety Alert regarding a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for veterinary use. Xylazine is mixed with fentanyl and other opioids and may lengthen the euphoric effects compared to fentanyl alone. As a non-opioid medication, its effects are not reversed by the use of naloxone and it increases the risk of suffering a fatal poisoning. IHS health care providers and other staff are encouraged to review this important information and maintain situational awareness as we continue our efforts to mitigate the impacts of the opioid epidemic in Indian Country.

Health IT Modernization Update

On April 20, IHS Chief Information Officer Mitchell Thornbrugh will join a panel at HIMSS to discuss “Continuing the Journey to Health Equity.” HIMSS, the Health Information and Management Systems Society, is “committed to reforming the global health system through the power of information and technology.” Additionally, at this conference, HIMSS will launch a Native American and Indigenous Peoples Community roundtable with tribal leaders. This roundtable will be a forum for tribal leaders and members to tell their story and address ways forward on health IT strategies and modernization efforts to support data interoperability and infrastructure needs. The goal is to educate and raise awareness so tribal leaders can empower the health and well-being of the tribal communities they serve. Tribal leaders can submit topics of interest to HIMSS online.

HHS and IHS Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer Sessions

This week, HHS and IHS held tribal consultation and urban confer sessions on the New Strategy for Tribes to Access the Strategic National Stockpile. On January 21, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 14001 on a Sustainable Public Health Supply Chain, which directs actions to secure supplies necessary for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as future public health emergencies. In response, a working group led by the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response reviewed recommendations received during tribal consultation and urban confer in fall 2021 to develop a draft plan. As part of this new round of tribal consultation and urban confer, tribal leaders and urban Indian organization leaders can submit written comments to consultation@hhs.gov and urbanconfer@ihs.gov with the subject line, “Access to Federal Medical Supplies” by April 24, 2023.

IHS Loan Repayment Program

The Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program is pleased to announce an increase in the award amount to $25,000 per year for new awards and extensions, starting in Fiscal Year 2023. The program can help dedicated health professionals chart a course for a long-lasting and successful health care career, repaying eligible health profession education loans in exchange for an initial two-year service commitment to practice in health facilities serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. For more details about the new award amount, please visit the IHS loan repayment webpage.

HRSA Webinar on Historical Trauma Impacts

on April 5 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET, HRSA's Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs is hosting a national webinar on "Understanding Historical Trauma and its Impacts on the American Indian and Alaska Native Workforce.” Attendees will hear first-hand accounts of how these experiences impact the workforce across Indian Country and receive information on HRSA resources and technical assistance to address it in tribal communities. Register for the webinar here.

Advancements in Diabetes Webinars

The IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention: Advancements in Diabetes Webinar Series is hosting the following webinar for health care providers over the next week.

The Link Between Historical Trauma and Health Outcomes for Native Americans
April 5, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. ET | Click here to attend!

Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Self-Paced Trainings

The IHS Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Tele-Education Program is hosting the following training for health care providers to attend over the next two weeks:

Trauma & Stress Disorders Webinar Series: Addressing PTSD Crises including Acute Suicidality
April 11, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register now
Autism Awareness Month: American Indian/Alaska Native Parents of Children with Autism Panel
April 12, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register now

Save the Date

April 5: HRSA IEA National Tribal Learning Session: Understanding Historical Trauma and its Impacts on the American Indian/ Alaska Native Workforce
April 6: April Tribal and Urban Indian Organizations Call
April 13: Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee Monthly Call
April 18-19: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Tribal Budget Consultation

Latest IHS Blogs

Other News

American College of Healthcare Executives

On March 20-23, the IHS Health Professions Support Branch team attended the American College of Healthcare Executives 2023 Congress on Healthcare Leadership. The conference was successful in generating a list of well-qualified candidates for positions across the IHS.

(Left to right) Camie Rivers, Janelle Joseph, Ashley Tuomi and Ra’el Augare.

International Meeting on Indigenous Child Health

On March 24-26, the American Academy of Pediatrics and Canadian Pediatric Society hosted the International Meeting on Indigenous Child Health in Tulsa, Oklahoma. IMICH is the only conference dedicated to the health and well-being of Indigenous children and youth around the world. Attendees from IHS federal, tribal and urban sites presented and learned best practices from Indigenous-led, culturally specific programs to optimize care for children, adolescents and birthing persons.

American Pharmacists Association Annual Convention

On March 24-26, the American Pharmacists Association Annual Convention was held in Phoenix. With contributions from the Phoenix Area Pharmacy Program, the IHS headquarters pharmacy program supported the IHS pharmacy recruitment booth. During the three recruitment sessions, our recruiters interacted with more than 180 pharmacists-in-training, general pharmacists, faculty from pharmacy colleges, current U.S. Public Health Service pharmacist officers from other agencies, and product vendors. Several great contacts were made to improve the visibility of the IHS pharmacy program to prospective future employees.

Pharmacist recruiters at the American Pharmacists Association Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction Area Directors Meeting

The Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction recently held its annual Area Directors meeting in Denver. The meeting, held in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 8, was the first time in three years that DSFC has been able to meet in person. The annual meetings are essential as the area SFC directors and headquarters can review the previous year’s accomplishments and discuss programmatic goals for the upcoming year. With the $3.5 billion in project funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, DSFC continues progress on project construction to provide sanitation facilities to American Indian and Alaska Native homes and communities. Items discussed at this year’s meeting included hiring actions to increase program staff, IIJA-funded project public-facing data, interagency agreements and collaboration, and contracting vehicles for project planning and design. The DSFC also highlighted the program’s Engineers of the Year.

(Left to right) Rear Adm. Mark Calkins, Cmdr. Richard Fink, Cmdr. Brian Breuer and Lt. j.g. Ashley Martinez at the 2023 DSFC Directors Meeting.