November 5, 2024: IHS Updates for Tribes and Tribal and Urban Indian Organizations

The 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, please email IHSPublicAffairsStaff@ihs.gov.

Director Tso Releases Statement Recognizing National Native American Heritage Month

It’s an honor to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month in November. This month, we recognize not only the vibrant legacy of Indigenous peoples, but also our shared commitment to upholding tribal sovereignty, which lies at the heart of the IHS mission. As Indian Country continues to experience significant health and socio-economic disparities, advancing the federal government’s trust responsibility to tribal nations is fundamental to supporting the well-being of tribal citizens. Together with tribal nations, urban Indian organizations, health care professionals, and patients, we’re working to reduce health disparities and elevate care quality across Native communities. We are inspired by the strength and leadership of tribal nations, who are ushering in a new era for our nation-to-nation relationships and reaffirming the resilience of Indigenous ways of life.

As we reflect on Indigenous history, we acknowledge the trauma and intergenerational impacts of federal policies, such as the boarding school era, which continues to affect health and well-being today. This year, President Biden’s historic apology for this chapter in history marks a powerful step toward healing and justice—a commitment we share at IHS.

While we recognize Native heritage throughout the year, this month reminds us to celebrate, honor, and learn from the legacy of Indigenous peoples, whose contributions shape and strengthen our nation. At IHS, we recommit to supporting Native communities and honoring this profound heritage as part of our nation’s collective story. Read the proclamation from President Biden here.

President Biden Issues Apology for Federal Indian Boarding School Era

On October 25, President Biden issued an historic Presidential apology for the Federal Indian Boarding School era during an event at the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona. The impact of boarding schools upon the health and well-being of Native American children and families cannot be overstated. In making this apology, the President acknowledges that we as a country must remember and teach our full history, even when it is painful, and we must learn from that history so that it is never repeated. The often-forced removal of generations of our children—and the unspeakable abuse endured by them—remains a significant source of the intergenerational trauma that manifests itself in so many of the health disparities that we endeavor to overcome today.

This apology is historic and deeply appreciated. It is a critical measure in finally recognizing the connection between the struggles reverberating throughout our communities today and the responsibilities of the federal government, then and now, to address and heal past wrongs. Read more about how the Presidential apology builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s accomplishments working with tribes and Native communities.

National Congress for American Indians 81^st Annual Convention and Marketplace

Last week, IHS Director Roselyn Tso had the privilege of connecting with VA Secretary Denis McDonough during the General Session of the National Congress for American Indians’ 81^st Annual Convention and Marketplace held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Addressing the health care needs of Native veterans is a priority for both agencies, which has been memorialized in a Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate and share resources among the VA, IHS, and tribes. In addition, the IHS and VA entered into a reimbursement agreement to financially compensate the IHS and tribal health programs for direct health care services provided to Native veterans who are eligible for and enrolled in the VA health care system.

Ms. Tso also participated in the Health Subcommittee meeting at the conference. This was a great opportunity to provide positive updates and news from the IHS. Among other things, she discussed ongoing partnerships to improve health outcomes across Indian Country, as well the ongoing implementation of the Agency Work Plan, Executive Order 14112 — Tribal Funding Reform, and traditional healing practices. Additionally, Director Tso talked about mandatory funding, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the response to the syphilis epidemic, and more. Ms. Tso emphasized that good things are happening, and that she enjoys getting to hear from our partners and tribal leaders as we work together to provide quality, culturally competent care to the communities we serve.

Director Tso’s Site Visit to Reykjavík, Iceland

Last Month, Director Tso had the privilege of joining the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board and Planet Youth on a site visit to Reykjavík, Iceland, to witness the Icelandic Prevention Model, which has achieved incredible success by building a community-driven, evidence-based approach to youth prevention. It was an honor for Ms. Tso to learn about Iceland’s innovative work, as well as to view firsthand the country’s beauty. She acknowledges the Washington State tribes and tribal leaders who joined us on this journey. Your presence demonstrated your shared commitment to developing a similar approach to help improve the lives of our youth and ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.

Agency Announces Third Quarter Update for the 2024 Work Plan

In January 2024, Indian Health Service leadership implemented the new 2024 Agency Work Plan, which includes 15 priorities and outlines critical actions the agency has taken and will take over the current year to address risk priorities. In addition to the 15 Work Plan priorities, IHS leadership transitioned ten of last year’s 2023 Work Plan priorities to operational action items that the agency will continue to monitor throughout this calendar year. The goal is to complete the actions in the 2024 Agency Work Plan by December 31. Communications about the new 2024 Agency Work Plan accomplishments are made public for awareness. We encourage you to read the third quarter update on the work plan in our latest fact sheet.

IHS Awards $12.3 Million to Help Fight HIV, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis in Native Communities

On October 29, IHS announced the allocation of $12.3 million to 17 tribal and urban Indian organizations across 11 states as part of the Ending the HIV/HCV/Syphilis Epidemics in Indian Country (ETHIC) initiative. This funding will support efforts over a five-year period to directly address the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis within Native communities. Funding will primarily focus on getting services and supplies into the hands of clinicians, public health staff, and ultimately, the individuals requiring health care services. This is intended to improve the day-to-day delivery of services and equitable access to care, which are necessary ingredients to make progress towards ending the HIV syndemic in Indian Country.

IHM 3-1 Clinical Credentials and Privileges and SOP Manual Updates

On October 30, IHS published updates to the IHS Indian Health Manual, Part 3 Professional Services, Chapter 1 Clinical Credentials and Privileges (IHM 3-1) and the IHS Credentialing and Privileging Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manual (formerly the IHS Credentialing and Privileging Guidebook). These were revised to provide updates to policies and procedures for clinical credentialing and privileging at IHS facilities, to enhance patient safety, and to align with other IHS policies, credentialing and privileging regulatory, accrediting, and industry standards. The IHM 3-1 and SOP manual are elements of the IHS Total System Safety Strategy (TSS) Strategy, a roadmap for developing an overarching, agency-wide patient safety program that provides standardized processes, tools, training, and oversight mechanisms. The updated policy and SOP manual also meet the Government Accountability Office recommendations to develop “a single, authoritative source that clearly defines the agency’s credentialing and privileging procedures and implementing regular monitoring of areas’ and facilities’ adherence to the IHS’s credentialing and privileging requirements.”

Medical service professionals providing credentialing and privileging services at the area and service unit levels, clinical leadership, such as clinical directors and chief medical officers, and LPs need to review the policy and SOP manual for specific roles and responsibilities. The Office of Quality will host several Office Hour virtual sessions to update clinical leadership and medical service professionals regarding the updates. For additional information, contact Capt. (Ret.) Dione Harjo at dione.harjo@ihs.gov or Capt. Christel Svingen at christel.svingen@ihs.gov.

IHS Launches Community Engagement Collaborative to Address Social Drivers of Health

Last month, the IHS launched the “Reshaping the Drivers: SDOH Community Engagement Collaborative” in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Teams from Navajo Four Corners, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, and Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk came together for the first learning session of this year-long pilot collaborative led by the Office of Clinical and Preventive Services and the Office of Quality. Each team includes members from a health center and a community tribal organization. The aim of the collaborative is to understand how the IHS can co-design with tribes and communities to address social drivers of health by reducing social risks, fostering social strengths, and bridging to Indigenous knowledge as a main source of knowing. Teams will work to engage; listen, learn, understand; prioritize; and co-design and deploy together; all while creating the standard for best practices for this work in the IHS and beyond. Thank you to everyone for your amazing dedication and participation and for starting this collaborative with energy and enthusiasm.

IHS Pharmacists Lauded in October During National Pharmacist Month

Every October, we celebrate the indispensable contributions of pharmacists during National Pharmacist Month and Pharmacy Week. IHS pharmacists play an essential role by providing direct patient care through patient education, counseling, medication management, and public health initiatives. They also enhance patient outcomes through provider consultations, quality improvement efforts, patient advocacy, reimbursement, and accreditation processes. Thank you to all IHS pharmacists and pharmacy teams for your continued commitment to improving the health and well-being of those we proudly serve!

(Photo 1) Pascua Yaqui Tribe Pharmacy staff
(Photo 2) Red Lake Pharmacy staff 
(Photo 3) White Earth Indian Health Service staff
(Photo 4) Oyate Health Center Pharmacy in Rapid City Pharmacy staff

National Pharmacy Council Monthly Spotlight – Lt. Cmdr. Gerrick Jones (Nashville Area)

Lt. Cmdr. Gerrick Jones is a clinical pharmacist at the Catawba Service Unit in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He recently completed the Indian Health Geriatric Scholars Pilot Program, where he worked on implementing a project to provide Mini-Cog screenings to all patients over 50 years old. The project included training more than 15 members of the medical, nursing, and dental staff, as well as members of the CSU. At the completion of the project, 15 additional Mini-Cog screenings were provided to patients of the service unit. 

Lt. Cmdr. Jones also serves as the facility safety officer and patient safety officer at the Catawba Service Unit. As a safety officer, he worked to create a safer environment for employees and patients, leading to a 27 percent decrease in reported medical errors. For his efforts, Lt. Cmdr. Jones was recognized as a recipient of the IHS Director’s Award for Patient Safety. Congratulations on being selected as the NPC Monthly Spotlight for October!

Behavioral Health Consultants and Youth Regional Treatment Center Directors Hold Joint Meeting

A joint meeting between the behavioral health consultants and the Youth Regional Treatment Center directors was held on October 16–17 at the Desert Visions Youth Wellness Center in Sacaton, Arizona. This joint partnership is vital for youth and helps share resources, activities, and support. IHS Division of Behavioral Health Director Dr. Glorinda Segay and staff from the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Branch attended and provided updates on collaborative projects underway at headquarters. The agenda included a tour of the 24-bed facility, which provides substance use treatment to youth ages 12 to 18 years and offers topics centered on access to care, staff recruitment, and training.

Asset Management and Property Management Officers/Fleet Management Officers Convene Meeting

On October 21–24, the Headquarters Division of Asset Management and property management officers/fleet management officers from IHS area offices met at the Phoenix Area Office. Staff from the Alaska, Albuquerque, California, Navajo, Portland, Oklahoma City, and Phoenix Areas were also in attendance. The meeting provided the opportunity to collaborate across the agency, as everyone in attendance got to meet in-person for the first time since the last PMO meeting in 2010.  It also provided an opportunity for participants to share information and best practices in property and fleet management, as well as strategies for fiscal year 2025 and their sustainability plan in fleet management. On the property side, they collaborated on FY 2025 strategies for receiving inventory, conducting inventory and meeting the deadline, disposing assets, and report of survey tips for conducting and meeting the ROS deadline. Participants left the meeting better prepared to accomplish their goals. 

IHS Partners with The Trevor Project to Highlight Indigenous Voices and Culture

In support of Native American Heritage Month, the Division of Behavioral Health partnered with The Trevor Project to create and share content on social media. Trevor has more than 722,000 followers on Instagram, and we are excited to have this opportunity to highlight Native voices and culture. Through this partnership, we are hopeful the perspectives of our Two-Spirit youth are included and celebrated, giving a voice to an underrepresented community in the 2SLGBTQ+ space. Two pieces of content will post on The Trevor Project’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn on November 1 and 29. This content partnership is the first, but we are hopeful to expand our work with The Trevor Project as part of our continuous efforts to raise awareness for crisis services, culturally aware resources like the Crisis Indigenous Services Map created in partnership with the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, and to continue to share the Native perspective in an effort to raise awareness and inclusion for our Two-Spirit Youth.

Tribal Programs Leading the Way to Prevent Domestic Violence
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, IHS Domestic Violence Prevention Program grant recipients have been organizing and conducting prevention activities in their tribal communities to address the serious public health issue of domestic and intimate partner violence. Learn more about how they are approaching this issue in unique and motivating ways through partnerships and community member involvement. Read more in the IHS Blog.

Highlighting Innovative Programs During Pharmacy Month

During National Pharmacy Month, we are highlighting some innovative programs led by IHS pharmacists who are making an impact in their communities. From leadership development to wellness visits and harm reduction, these programs showcase the critical role of pharmacists in advancing public health across IHS facilities. Read more in the IHS Blog.

Division of Nursing Services Participates in Health Equity

On October 24, Division of Nursing Services Director Dr. Gorman Bahe attended the Health Equity in Action Summit in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and participated in the panel discussion “Healthcare Delivery & the Role of Nurses: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go.” Bahe had to opportunity to discuss collaborative partnerships as ways to address the nurse's role in health

Dr. Bahe, third from left, and attendees at the Health Equity in Action Summit

Panel Discussion Will Promote Mental Health in the Veteran Community — November 6

Each year on November 11, the U.S. honors veterans. The IHS salutes the service and sacrifice of our agency’s brave and talented veterans, who bring a vital and unique perspective to providing patient care across Indian Country. In honor of Veterans' Day, the Diversity Management Equal Employment Opportunity and the National Institutes of Health Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion invites you to join us for a panel discussion dedicated to promoting mental health within the veteran community. This event is November 6 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Our expert panel will explore the challenges veterans face in maintaining mental health, both during their service and as they transition into the civilian workforce. The discussion will also highlight the importance of fostering mental health support in the workplace, recognizing the unique experiences veterans bring, and promoting a culture of well-being. Whether you are a mental health professional, a colleague, a friend, or a family member, this event offers valuable insights into how we can better understand, support, and serve our veterans. Join the event here. To request a reasonable accommodation, email IHSAccommodations@ihs.gov.

Health IT Modernization Program Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer — November 7

Don’t miss out on the final Health Information Technology Modernization Program tribal consultation and urban confer of 2024 on November 7 at 1:30 pm ET. Join us for a program update, discussions around site readiness and training for PATH EHR, and an open dialogue with program leadership. This session will be available in-person at IHS headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, or virtually via Zoom. Sign up by scanning the QR code or clicking here. 

Health Professions Support to Host IHS-Wide Virtual Career Fair — November 7

The Office of Human Resources, Division of Health Professions Support is hosting an IHS-wide Virtual Career Fair on November 7 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. ET. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from the IHS areas and headquarters offices to learn about current federal job opportunities posted on USAJOBS.gov and IHS program resources. Questions and requests for the registration link can be directed to IHSRecruiters@ihs.gov. Interested individuals can register here.

2025 Indian Health Geriatric Nurse Fellowship Applications Being Accepted

The IHS Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Indian Health Geriatric Nurse Fellowship. Be one of 20 RNs, APRNs, and LPNs from IHS, tribal, and urban Indian health care centers to receive up to $6,500 in financial support for fellowship activities. Apply today.

• Application Deadline: November 8
• Start Date: January 2025
• Program Includes: Core and specialty geriatric care training, mentored activities, local leadership involvement, options for certification, advanced training, networking, and more.

National Action Alliance Webinar on Addressing Healthcare Workforce Burnout — November 12

Burnout among health care staff is at a critical level, making the need for effective solutions more urgent than ever. Join a webinar on November 12 at 12:00 p.m. ET for session 2 of the series on workforce safety and well-being with Dr. Colin P. West, MD, PhD, FACP, professor of Medicine in the Department of Biostatistics and Medical Education at the Mayo Clinic, as he dives into strategies for reducing staff burnout. West will explore the key drivers of well-being and distress within organizations, sharing evidence-informed interventions to address these challenges. He will discuss how these approaches can ultimately enhance patient safety and quality for all. He’ll also share real-life stories that highlight the worker experience and the positive impact of these interventions on burnout. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to learn practical insights for improving health care workforce well-being in your organization. 

Don’t forget to visit the National Action Alliance website to find more information about previous and future webinars, access tools and resources for advancing patient and workforce safety, and sign up for the National Action Alliance newsletter.  

IHS Forensic Nursing Consultation Program Webinars - Texas A&M University Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing

• Sovereignty & Safety: Navigating the Never-Ending Maze of Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country
  • November 13 at 2:00 p.m. ET
  • 1.5 CE/CMEs available for attending
  • Click here for more information and to register

• Honoring Histories, Healing Communities: Cultural Sensitivity and Historical Trauma in Healthcare
  • November 21 at 11:00 a.m. ET
  • 1.5 CE/CMEs available for attending
  • Click here for more information and to register

DSFC Hosting Monthly Virtual Information Session — November 14

The IHS Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction hosts monthly virtual information sessions for engineers to share details on the program’s mission, career opportunities and their locations, and tips on the federal application process. The next session will be held on November 14. Interested engineers can register here.

Division of Nursing Services to Host Webinar with Focus on Human Trafficking — November 14

On November 14 at 1:00 p.m. ET, the Blue Campaign and Center for Countering Human Trafficking are hosting a 90-minute session for IHS on human trafficking. Join to learn more about trafficking, prevention and awareness efforts, how to recognize and respond, and the importance of collaborating with the multi-disciplinary team in the response to support healthier outcomes for Native communities. Click here to register for more on the resources available and their current initiatives to support efforts to prevent human trafficking. This session is open to all IHS, tribal, and urban Indian organization staff, law enforcement, and others.

Community Health Representative Mini-Cog Pilot Program Application Announcement—Due November 18

The fiscal year 2025 Community Health Representative Dementia Pilot Program is open for applications. Help bring early dementia screening to American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Up to 10 CHR programs will receive funding and training to use the Mini-Cog screening tool. This tool helps identify the need for further dementia care, often before it is recognized elsewhere. Participating CHRs will also be equipped to provide education and connect patients to resources. With dementia impacting the Native population at higher rates, this effort is key to improving health outcomes. Ready to be a leader in dementia care? Applications are due by November 18. Apply here.

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:  

• “Pain and Opioid Use Disorder Webinar Series: Supporting American Indian and Alaska Native People Facing Serious Illness – Pain Management Strategies in Hospice and Palliative Care” on November 6 at 2:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: “Planning for PCP Workflows in Integrated Care Settings” on November 7 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: “Suicide Prevention/Treatment in Integrated Care Settings” on December 5 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: “Developing Patients’ Trust in Managing Opioid Use Disorder in Integrated Care Settings” on January 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here 
• Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: “Comprehensive Case Management in an Integrated Care Setting” on February 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here

IHS and Federal Partners Win Small Business and Procurement Equity Excellence Team Award

In recognition of efforts to generate and increase procurement opportunities to Native American-owned and controlled businesses, specifically through the successful hosting and execution of the inaugural HHS/DOI Buy Indian Industry Day, the HHS Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization and the Department of the Interior OSDBU, in partnership with the IHS, has been awarded the Chief Acquisition Officers Council Small Business and Procurement Equity Excellence Team Award. Award nominations are composed of both government and industry members through the American Council for Technology-Industry Advisory Council and awarded during the Imagine Nation Executive Leadership Conference. In addition, the IHS Buy Indian Act Implementation Report to Congress for FY 22 and 23 has been finalized is now available on the IHS website.

2024 American College of Surgeons/Clinical Congress Annual Conference

On October 19-22, staff members of the Office of Human Resources, Division of Health Professions Support, Health Professions Support Branch attended the 2024 American College of Surgeons/Clinical Congress Annual Conference in San Francisco, California. The event generated a presence of general surgeons (licensed in the U.S.), general surgeons from other countries, resident students, medical college professors, and retirees. A various number of potential candidates were familiar with the IHS and developed networking connections through residency in a few IHS areas of recruitment. Many individuals expressed a serious interest in employment with the IHS, as well as the IHS Loan Repayment Program and clinical rotations, seeking opportunities in how to provide direct patient care to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

HQ Recruitment and Outreach Program Coordinator Meredith Hunt and HQ Program Specialist Lisa Smith

IHS Blogs

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• Honoring the Heart of Our Communities: Celebrating Native Family Caregivers this November
• Celebrating National Pharmacy Month: Innovative Programs Making a Community Impact
• Tribal Programs Leading the Way to Prevent Domestic Violence