September 19, 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.

Collaboration Takes Center Stage at Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee and Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee Meetings

Last week marked a significant milestone as HHS leaders and IHS Director Roselyn Tso had the honor of meeting with tribal leaders from the Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee and the Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee in Fife, Washington. This gathering emphasized the critical importance of collaboration in advancing health care across Indian Country. On September 10, Director Tso had the privilege of addressing the DSTAC, sharing how her travels throughout Indian Country have shaped her understanding of the essential role that access to affordable food and water plays in building the foundation of health — and how difficult that access remains for far too many communities.

Throughout the week, Ms. Tso accompanied Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm, Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Rachel Levine, and key leaders from HHS on site visits to health care facilities and programs in the Portland Area. These visits offered a firsthand view of the state of health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives, underscoring both the progress made and the persistent challenges we must address.

Ms. Tso deeply values these opportunities to hear directly from tribal leaders about the health and resource needs of their communities. The insights gained from these visits highlight the ongoing need for robust support for tribal health issues across Indian Country. She extends her thanks to colleagues at HHS for their unwavering commitment to prioritizing health programs and services for our Native communities.

White House Observes 30^th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act

On September 12, Director Tso joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and other dignitaries at The White House to recognize the 30^th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. Signed into law on September 13, 1994, the Violence Against Women Act was the first comprehensive federal law to focus on preventing and addressing violence against women, to recognize that domestic violence and sexual assault are not a private matter, but rather a violation of fundamental rights and dignity.

As a United States Senator, President Biden wrote and championed the landmark Violence Against Women Act, with ending gender-based violence being a cornerstone of his career. In the three decades since its passage, President Biden has worked with survivors, advocates, experts, and members of Congress to strengthen the Act, which included championing the law’s fourth authorization in 2022. Together, we will not stop fighting until we realize the Violence Against Women Act’s promise of a nation where every woman and girl can live free from fear, free from violence, and free from abuse.
 

IHS Executive Leadership Development Program Hosts Commencement

On September 5, Director Tso had the honor of attending the inaugural commencement of the IHS Executive Leader Development Program and delivering the keynote address. This program represents a significant investment in building the future leadership of IHS, preparing participants to navigate the evolving health care landscape in Indian Country. Reflecting on her own leadership journey, Ms. Tso recognizes how crucial it is to have the skills, mentorship, and tools to meet the challenges ahead with confidence. Over the past year, program participants have engaged in a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop self-awareness, authentic leadership, and strategic thinking, while also fostering resilience and well-being. This experience goes beyond just learning — it’s about unlocking potential as leaders who will shape the future of health care for our communities. Ms. Tso expressed her excitement to see where each leaders’ journey will take them. Congratulations and thank you for your dedication.

IHS Releases Videos Showcasing the Sanitation Facilities Construction Program

This summer, IHS worked closely with the Department of Health & Human Services studio to complete production on two new videos showcasing sanitation facilities construction projects benefiting the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North and South Dakota. The DHHS production teams traveled in July, greatly aided on-site by members of the SFC team to capture footage and interview staff. Unveiled on IHS social media channels to both kick off and close out World Water Week, the videos illustrate the significant and positive outcomes that can result when federal agencies like the IHS and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency partner with tribes in a true nation-to-nation partnership to direct resources where tribal communities need them. The videos feature Lt. Cmdr. Cody Wolf and Lt. Cmdr. Tristan Woster, engineers with the SFC Program speaking to the meaningful nature of their work done throughout Indian Country.

IHS leadership would like to thank the Great Plains SFC Area Leadership, Capt. Mike Bolan, and Capt. Chad Snell for supporting the development of these videos in conjunction with their other program workload. Special thanks are also extended to DHHS Producer Emily Hodges and Editor Sara Brownlee for working across IHS to deliver these invaluable public education pieces.

Videos can be found on the IHSgov YouTube channel here and here. Please help us to shine a positive light on this continued work by sharing with your networks!

IHS Announces Acting Deputy Director for Field Operations and Acting Nashville Area Director

Director Tso is pleased to announce Dr. Beverly Cotton as the newest member of the IHS Executive Leadership Team as acting deputy director for field operations. Dr. Cotton joins Rear Adm. Chris Buchanan and James Driving Hawk as one of three deputy directors for field operations, who provide management oversight and resource allocation for IHS Area Offices.

Dr. Cotton joined IHS in 2011 and has served in various leadership roles, including the IHS Nashville area director, acting director for the IHS Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, and the director for the IHS Division of Behavioral Health. Before joining IHS, she worked as a primary care pediatric nurse practitioner and in several registered nurse roles, such as the emergency department nurse manager for the Choctaw Health Center in Choctaw, Mississippi.

To ensure a smooth transition in operations for the Nashville Area, Joni Lyon will serve as the Nashville Area acting director. Lyon previously served as the director of field operations. As director, she had the responsibility of leading chief executive officers of federal service units in delivering direct patient care, operating the area centralized business office, and overseeing the Purchased/Referred Care program. Lyon joined the Nashville Area in 2019 as the CEO of Unity Healing Center. Prior to federal service, she proudly served as clinic administrator at Cherokee Nation Health Services in Oklahoma, with a total tribal service of more than 12 years.

DOI Announces Launch of New Buy Indian System for Award Management

The U.S. Department of Interior Indian Affairs has announced the completed development and launch of the Buy Indian System for Award Management (BISAM). You may also find a link here on the Buy Indian tools and resources site. BISAM is designed to make finding Buy Indian Set Aside procurements easier and simpler. BISAM gives Indian businesses the ability to easily find Buy Indian set-aside procurement opportunities by consolidating all Indian Affairs, DOI bureaus, and HHS/IHS contracting opportunities currently available in GSA’s SAM.gov, into a one-stop, easily accessible and searchable platform.

Lawton Service Unit Announced as First PATH EHR Pilot Site

Last week, the IHS announced that the pilot site for the new enterprise health record solution, PATH EHR, will be the Lawton Service Unit in Lawton, Oklahoma. The Lawton Service Unit includes Lawton Indian Hospital, Anadarko Indian Health Center, and Carnegie Indian Health Center. Implementing PATH EHR in a real-world health care setting allows the Health Information Technology Modernization Program to discover and address issues before it is rolled out on a larger scale. Implementation will rely on collaboration with users to ensure PATH EHR deployment minimizes disruptions to facilities and improves patient care and health care operations. We look forward to the impactful change PATH EHR will bring to Indian Country. Please read this week’s blog post for more information.
 

Health IT Modernization Program TC/UC August Update Blog

The Health IT Modernization Program hosted a tribal consultation and urban confer on August 8. This event focused on multi-tenant domain considerations and how they affect the building of the enterprise electronic health record solution, PATH EHR. Check out this month’s blog post for a recap of the August consultation and confer and learn more about how PATH EHR will support multi-tenant domain considerations. Read more in the IHS blog.

The first video of the Health IT Modernization series is also now live on YouTube! Hear directly from IHS leaders as they discuss the critical role of delivering PATH EHR to Native communities. Watch now to discover how and why we're committed to keeping "Patients at the Heart" of the Health IT Modernization Program.

Upcoming Tribal Consultations Will Offer Information on Contract Support Costs and Methodology for Program Income

We know the subject of contract support costs has been at the forefront of many tribal nation’s concerns in the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision. This week, Director Tso notified tribal leaders that input and recommendations are needed on funding methodologies for the payment of eligible contract support costs incurred by tribes and tribal organizations related to third-party reimbursements. Their feedback is critical, as any modifications can have major budgetary implications for tribes that receive direct services, as well as compacting and contracting tribes.

IHS will convene five in-person and virtual tribal consultation sessions in September and October to allow multiple opportunities to provide feedback. All comments are due by October 11. Click here for more information and details on each session.

Taryn Detsoi from Navajo Area Receives Nurse of the Quarter Recognition

The IHS Division of Nursing Services recognizes two nurses each quarter to highlight the incredible nursing staff across Indian Country who are committed to providing quality health care to our patients. Congratulations to Taryn Detsoi, RN, from the Crownpoint Service Unit in the IHS Navajo Area, for being selected as the Nurse of the Quarter for Excellence in Nursing Practice for the third quarter of 2024. Detsoi has a strong background in pediatrics, which has been invaluable in her current role as Women and Children’s Clinic case manager. Her dedication to patient care is unwavering and she always greets everyone with a smile while ensuring that her colleagues have all the necessary tools they need for their work. Read more here.

University of Washington Receives Training Education Contract from IHS Alzheimer’s Program

Congratulations to the University of Washington on receiving the IHS Alzheimer’s Program Training and Education contract. This is a key step in developing a culturally relevant, skills-based dementia training program to support IHS, tribal, and urban Indian health workers. Six American Indian and Alaska Native faculty, staff, and consultants will support the work. Read more here.

Alzheimer’s Team Conducts Site Visit in Nome, Alaska

Site visits are crucial for collaboration and understanding local needs. On August 28, the Alzheimer’s Team visited the Norton Sound Health Corporation in Nome, Alaska, near the Arctic Circle, to provide technical assistance for the Dementia Models of Care grant. The grant funds assist the Norton Sound In-Home Support Program in paying caregivers, enabling elders to receive essential services before state assistance begins. This approach serves as a bridge, covering the gap until a permanent payor is in place. The Norton Sound team also emphasized outreach to 15 Alaska Native villages and support for services, such as respite care and flight transportation. The visit concluded with a tour of the Nome Alaska Museum, which showcases the rich history of Alaska Native tribes, including the gold rush.

IHS Recognizes National Recovery Month

The Indian Health Service recognizes National Recovery Month in September. Under the Division of Behavioral Health, the goal of the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Branch is to reduce the prevalence of alcohol and substance misuse among American Indians and Alaska Natives. The IHS strives to meet this goal through the implementation of alcohol and substance abuse programs within tribal communities, including emergency treatment, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and rehabilitation services, in both rural and urban settings. Learn more here.

IHS Releases Sustainability Progress Report

IHS recently released the 2022-2023 IHS Sustainability Progress Report. This report highlights the steps that IHS has taken to conserve energy and water resources and implement sustainable actions in order to become better environmental stewards. Please take time to visit the IHS sustainability site and read the new report here.

Woodrow Wilson Keeble Memorial Health Care Center Recognized as E3 Champion

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

I-STAR System Updated Following Reported Issue by Gallup Indian Medical Center

The IHS Office of Quality would like to thank everyone for submitting issues related to patient safety in I-STAR. When we collaborate, our patients benefit from a safer environment. That is exactly what happened when Gallup Indian Medical Center identified a safety issue with medication statuses in health summaries within RPMS and reported it in I-STAR. The team at the Office of Quality and the team at the Office of Information Technology were then able to coordinate and work together to address this systemic issue at its root cause. My deepest thanks to everyone involved in reporting, coordinating, and making changes to RPMS to keep our patients safe. For more information about this specific issue, please see this SAFE Alert and consider registering for future SAFE alerts. Please continue to use I-STAR to report any safety issues so we can continue improving our system together.

2024 Emergency Nurses Association Annual Conference Provides Recruitment Opportunities

On September 4 – 6, the Headquarters Division of Health Professions Support Branch and Division of Nursing Services attended the Emergency Nurses Association Annual Conference held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event generated a presence of registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, nursing professors, and retirees from across the country. A various number of potential candidates were familiar with the IHS and developed networking connections in a few IHS areas of recruitment. Many individuals expressed a serious interest in employment with the IHS, loan repayment program options, internships, and were seeking opportunities to provide direct patient care to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Association of American Indian Physicians Holds Annual Meeting

On September 5 – 7, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen, staff members from the Headquarters Division of Health Professions Support, and the Billings Area, along with IHS Scholarship Program recipients, represented the agency at the Association of American Indian Physicians Annual Meeting held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The event attracted a notable presence of American Indian physicians, residents, and medical students from across the United States. Attendees expressed an appreciation for IHS and an interest in employment, clinical rotations, as well as the scholarship and loan repayment programs.

IHS 2024 Updated PRC Medical Priorities Plan Training Sessions

Dr. Matthew Clark, IHS acting deputy chief medical officer, will be holding two virtual training sessions to provide a comprehensive overview of the IHS 2024 Updated PRC Medical Priorities Plan.  These sessions, which are intended for Area and Service Unit administrators, clinical staff, PRC staff, and others involved in the PRC referral process, will be held on Monday, September 30 at 12:00 p.m. EST and on Monday, October 7 at 12:00 p.m. EST.   Register for these sessions to receive the calendar invite and meeting link.

• September 30 at 12:00 p.m. ET: Register here
• October 7 at 1:00 p.m. ET: Register 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:  

• TBHCE Webinar Series: “Understanding the Impact of Substance Misuse on Behavioral Dysregulation” on September 24 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• TBHCE Webinar Series: “Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Webinar Series: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Psychiatric Conditions: Anxiety and Mood Disorders” on September 26 at 1:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• “TBHCE Webinar Series: Documenting Behavioral Health Notes in Electronic Health Records” on October 8 at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here

Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Webinar Series

IHS Health Promotion/Disease Prevention is hosting the following training for health care providers:

• “Health Literacy Basics for Written Materials” on September 25 at 2:00 p.m. ET | Register here

IHS Blogs

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• Lawton Service Unit Announced as First PATH EHR Pilot Site
• August Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer Recap: An Overview of Multi-Tenant Domain Considerations
• The Importance of Health Care Provider Wellness and Burnout Prevention 

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