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May 30, 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 Leaders Serve as Women’s Health Week Ambassadors

Starting on Mother’s Day of each May, the U.S. Office on Women’s Health spearheads National Women’s Health Week, running this year from May 12 - 18. The week aims to spotlight women’s health, urging women of all ages to focus on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The 2024 theme, "Empowering Women, Cultivating Health: Celebrating Voices, Wellness, and Resilience," encourages women to take control of their health and raises awareness of issues unique to them. The Indian Health Service emphasizes the health of American Indian and Alaska Native women as a priority. I’m proud to serve alongside Deputy Director for Intergovernmental Affairs Stacey Ecoffey as a Women’s Health Week Ambassador. The campaign invites community support and participation in spreading health messages and celebrating women's health achievements.

Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Health and Childcare Expansion Project Groundbreaking

On May 16, Director Tso visited the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma (ITO) to attend their health and childcare expansion project groundbreaking in Perkins, Oklahoma. Heavy rains didn’t damper the excitement of the day, as she joined tribal officials under cover to recognize the importance of this historic event. In January, the ITO Ambulatory Health System Expansion Project was awarded $3.5 million from the IHS as part of the agency’s competitive Small Ambulatory Program, which brings additional resources to the community. This funding supports the construction, expansion, or modernization of small ambulatory health care facilities. The Tribe’s new buildings will provide expanded health and childcare services for their existing facilities, which have reached capacity and future growth opportunities. Ms. Tso extends her thanks to Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Chairman Jacob Keyes, the Iowa Nation Tribal Business Committee, and tribal members for their hospitality.

National Tribal Health Conference: “Tribal Health Equity on Our Terms”

Director Tso served as a plenary speaker at the National Indian Health Board’s National Tribal Health Conference held earlier this month in Rapid City, South Dakota. The event also gave Ms. Tso the opportunity to engage in a meaningful listening session with tribal leaders. These engagements are invaluable, as they allow the director to hear directly from tribal leaders about the specific needs of Native communities. This year’s conference, themed "Tribal Health Equity on Our Terms," was a week-long event dedicated to tribes, focusing on tribal self-determination and showcasing the vital interconnectedness of policy, advocacy, and best practices in Indian health. Special focus was given to Native youth, American Indian and Alaska Native veterans, and elders. Ms. Tso extends her gratitude for the dedicated efforts of everyone involved, as we strive to enhance health equity and improve the overall health and well-being of our tribal communities across Indian Country.

2024 University of California Rosenman Annual Symposium: “Reinventing Rural Care”

Director Tso had the honor of participating in the 2024 University of California Rosenman Annual Symposium in San Francisco May 21 – 22. She joined a panel titled "Reinventing Rural Care" and contributed to a symposium focused on increasing access to care. Their discussions delved into the challenges and transformative developments impacting health service delivery across rural America and Indian Country. The panel also explored innovative strategies, such as task shifting and scaling up services, which include enhancing pharmacist’s roles, leveraging community health representatives, and expanding behavioral and mental health services. These discussions underscored the dynamic evolution of health care in these critical areas.

IHS Issues Final Rule on Abortion to Remove Outdated Regulations

The IHS is providing notification that a Final Rule was published on April 30 that removed outdated regulations related to abortions. The proposed removal of the outdated regulation was initially published on January 8 and will become effective on May 30. In 1982, IHS published regulations imposing restrictions on the use of agency funding for certain abortions in order to be consistent with a provision in the annual appropriations act, sometimes referred to as the “Hyde Amendment,” and to conform IHS practice to the rest of HHS. Since then, Congress has repeatedly revised annual restrictions related to the use of certain federal funds for abortions. Congress also enacted 25 U.S.C. 1676 in 1988, which made the Hyde Amendment applicable to IHS.

The IHS regulations did not align with the current text of the Hyde Amendment or with 25 U.S.C. 1676. As a result, the IHS removed these outdated and potentially confusing regulations in their entirety. Doing so aligns IHS regulations with statute. IHS practice will remain unchanged and consistent with the statute and Circular 22-15. To learn about the changes, please visit the Federal Register here.

Modernization Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer Focused on Deployment and Cohort Planning for New EHR Solution

The IHS Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations leadership continued to prioritize collaboration and partner engagement during the Health IT Modernization tribal consultation and urban confer held on May 9. This event focused on deployment and cohort planning for the new enterprise electronic health record solution. Chief Information Officer Mitchell Thornbrugh opened the event by providing an overview of the program. DHITMO Deployment Manager Adrian Haven delivered a presentation on the implementation planning process and introduced the "Getting Ready to Get Ready" Guide. He also highlighted essential characteristics of change advocates. DHITMO Director Jeanette Kompkoff then facilitated the open dialogue, which provided an opportunity for tribal and urban partners to ask questions regarding the program. Partners were also encouraged to participate in focus groups and review the guide. If you have any questions about modernization or how to get involved, please email modernization@ihs.gov.

Modernization Program Kickoff Lays Foundation for Collaboration and Preparing for Change

The IHS Health IT Modernization Program continues to keep collaboration at the forefront of building and implementing the new EHR solution with our partners, not for them. In February, IHS hosted a Program Kickoff to collaborate and plan as we move towards building the system. This event included product demonstrations, governance highlights, timeline discussions, and Program Management Office and Organizational Change Management updates. The kickoff continued to lay the foundation for collaborative efforts, initiating the strategic planning necessary for a successful implementation of the new enterprise EHR solution. Read more in the IHS Blog.

IHS Announces Increase in Dental Assistant Salaries

The IHS values dental assistants, as they enable us to provide quality and culturally competent care. To enhance recruitment and retention, we increased dental assistant salaries through adoption of a Title 38 special salary rate for IHS dental assistants. IHS dental assistants receive a full spectrum of federal benefits, including a government-funded health plan, a generous leave program, a lifelong retirement annuity, and other benefits. There is also a training program that helps dental assistants to gain and maintain career skills. The full value of being a dental assistant can be seen in the total compensation summary. Interested job seekers can search for available IHS and tribal dental assistant jobs here.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen Participates in 7-1-7 Leadership Roundtable

On May 9, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen represented the IHS as part of a U.S. Leadership Roundtable at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Christensen was among the more than 20 medical experts that participated in a panel discussion titled “7-1-7 as National Preparedness Target and Outbreak Response Improvement Tool.” Presented by Resolve to Save Lives, 7-1-7 proposes the following formula to shape a country’s future ability to respond to an epidemic:

7 days to detect a suspected infectious disease outbreak,
1 day to notify public health authorities to start an investigation, and
7 days to complete an initial response.

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.

IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program Site Visit to Laguna Healthcare Corporation

On April 25, the IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program support team conducted a site visit at the Laguna Community Health Center in Paraje, New Mexico. The team, which operates under the Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention, met with the health center’s P4 program staff, assessed the implementation of the program, and offered their support. The visit included tours of the center, the local tribal supermarket, and villages of Encinal, Paguate, and Laguna. The highlight of the visit included a meet and greet with current participants enrolled in their P4 program. Participants shared their experiences, ideas, and how grateful they were to be a part of the program.

IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program Support Team Site Visit to Muscogee Creek Nation

On May 8, the IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program support team conducted a site visit to Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma. This was the first site visit to the tribe since the five-year grant program began in July 2023. The P4 team, which operates under the Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention, met with the tribe’s Healthy Root P4 program staff to assess the implementation of the P4 program and determine ways the DDTP can best support their program efforts. The visit included tours of three of their five P4 sites, including Eufaula Health Center, Koweta Indian Health Facility, and Council Oak Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Healthy Root P4 program staff shared how they partner with FreshRx to provide fresh, locally grown produce to participants, and host biweekly nutrition education classes. The visit also included a tour of the Creek Nation Tribal Art Museum, known as “Healing Through Art,” located inside the Council Oak Hospital.

Alaska Tribal Health Compact Representatives and IHS Finalize ISDEAA Negotiations

Earlier this month, the Alaska Area Native Health Service senior leadership team, Deputy Director Benjamin Smith, the IHS Office of Tribal Self Governance, and the HHS Office of General Counsel, with support from IHS subject matter experts, met with representatives of the Alaska Tribal Health Compact during the annual Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) final negotiations. Held on the campus of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in Anchorage, this event supports the ongoing provision of comprehensive health services to more than 174,000 Alaska Natives and American Indians and all 229 federally recognized tribes in Alaska. This year marks the 30-year anniversary of tribal self-governance of health programs in Alaska Native tribal communities, which began in 1994. In addition to IHS-funded, tribally managed hospitals located in Anchorage, Barrow, Bethel, Dillingham, Kotzebue, Nome, Sitka, and Wrangell, there are 58 tribal health centers, 160 tribal community health aide clinics, and five residential substance abuse treatment centers. The Alaska Area maintains 10 Title I contracts with Alaska tribes and tribal organizations and negotiates one Title V compact with 26 separate tribal funding agreements each year.

(Photo 1) IHS Alaska 2024 ISDEAA negotiations team meets in Anchorage
(Photo 2) Past Alaska Area Director Chris Mandregan, second from right, joined tribal partners and current and former federal staff members to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the negotiations

Phoenix Area Service Unit Earns Level IV Trauma Designation

On March 1, the Whiteriver Service Unit received Level IV Trauma designation through the Arizona Department of Health Service’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System. WRSU established resources response protocols to managing patients suffering from trauma and expediting resources to the sickest patients. WRSU is the only IHS site in Arizona to hold this designation. AZDHS established Level IV trauma centers in rural Arizona hospitals, so patients can be treated closer to where trauma events may occur to be resuscitated or stabilized for transport to a higher level of care when necessary.

WRSU Multidisciplinary Trauma Coordination Team

HHS/DOI Hosts Buy Indian Native American Small Business Industry Day Event

On May 15, the second annual HHS/DOI Buy Indian Native American Small Business Industry Day Event took place in Phoenix. Designed to foster new opportunities and collaborations that will drive economic growth and support for Native American small businesses, the event attracted more than 200 participants and another 100 online attendees. Representatives included the IHS, HHS, the Department of the Interior, and other federal agencies. The event featured insightful presentations and discussions aimed at promoting the Buy Indian Act. It was followed by a federal agency marketplace/tradeshow, where Native American and tribal-owned small businesses had the opportunity to network and engage directly with contracting and program officials. A virtual matchmaking session on May 16 facilitated further connections between Native American businesses and federal agencies. The Small Business Industry Day Event marks a significant step towards the IHS fiscal year 2024 goal of awarding 25 percent or more of all small business eligible dollars to Native-owned small businesses.

Indian Health Service Delegation at IHI Patient Safety Congress

On May 14 – 16, representatives from across the IHS system participated in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Patient Safety Congress in Orlando, Florida. The delegation embarked on this journey with a shared commitment to enhancing patient safety and advancing health care excellence. As the team reflects on their time at the IHI Patient Safety Congress, they carry forward the momentum and insights gathered to drive positive change in the organization and the communities they serve. Together, we are advancing patient safety and shaping a brighter future for health care across Indian Country.

Fellowship Symposium Promotes Injury Prevention in Tribal Communities

In May, the IHS Injury Prevention Program hosted the 2023 – 2024 IHS Injury and Violence Prevention Fellowship Symposium in Rockville, Maryland. The fellowship is an 18-month in-depth training where each fellow completes a project helping to reduce injuries and violence in tribal communities. The topics fellows presented on include overdose prevention, suicide prevention, elder fall prevention, school bus safety, and traumatic brain injury prevention.

Recognizing National Prevention Week

National Prevention Week is an annual observance sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration dedicated to increasing public awareness and action around substance use prevention and promoting positive mental wellbeing. IHS has gathered resources to help you help others who may be experiencing a substance use challenge – learn more at ihs.gov/asap.

Emergency Medical Services for Children Hybrid Simulation Program Highlighted During EMS Week

The IHS joined others across the U.S. recently to commemorate the 50th anniversary of EMS Week and highlight the IHS Emergency Medical Services for Children Hybrid Simulation Program. This groundbreaking program enhances the readiness of emergency departments to treat American Indian and Alaska Native pediatric patients through advanced simulation training. Together with partners like the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, we are revolutionizing health care delivery.

Emergency department nursing team at the Cheyenne River Health Center

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.

Registration Open: Gender-Affirming Care Conference

Health care professionals (both clinical and non-clinical), health care administrators, tribal leaders, and health care professions trainees are invited to participate in a cost-free 2.5-day Gender-Affirming Care Gathering from June 25 – 27 in Boise, Idaho. The conference is designed to empower health care professionals to provide best practice gender-affirming care, explore Indigenous approaches to gender-affirming care and effectively incorporate strategies for providing care in IHS, tribal, and urban Indian clinics — with follow up virtual ECHO clinics to continue learning, knowledge sharing and support. Free CE will be provided. There is also an option to join virtually. Learn more and register here.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Annual Conference

On May 18 – 20, IHS staff members from the Division of Health Professions Support, along with a compensation policy officer from the IHS headquarters' Office of Human Resources, attended the American Academy of Physician Assistants Annual Conference in Houston, Texas. The event generated a presence of physician assistants, health care professors, and physician assistant students across the U.S., expressing interest in employment with the IHS, loan repayment program options, compensation overview, and to provide direct patient care to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

(Left to right) Sarah Hochuli, compensation policy officer; Meredith Hunt, recruitment and outreach program coordinator; Charity Reyes, loan repayment analyst

IHS Recruits Maternal Health Care Professionals at Annual Conference in San Francisco

Recruitment teams from the Navajo Area, Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board, and Chickasaw Nation attended the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting on May 17 – 19 in San Francisco, California. They presented career opportunities within the Indian Health Service and engaged in recruitment efforts to attract OB/GYNs and other maternal health care professionals dedicated to enhancing maternal health care services.

Telebehavioral Health Center of Excellence Webinar Series

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: Screening for Older Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder” on June 6 at 1 p.m. ET. | Register here.

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IModernization Program Kickoff Lays Foundation for Collaboration and Preparing for Change

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