IHS Awards Cooperative Agreement to Support National Indian Health Outreach and Education

The Indian Health Service has awarded the National Indian Health Outreach and Education cooperative agreement to the National Indian Health Board. This cooperative agreement is intended to foster outreach and education addressing health policy and health program issues, broadcast educational information to all American Indian and Alaska Native people, and provide policy and legislative updates, advocacy, and technical assistance. The period of performance is for three years and an initial $605,000 has been awarded for Fiscal Year 2023, with additional funds pending confirmation of all tribal shares assumptions for the fiscal year.

The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to further the mission and goals of the IHS related to providing quality health care to tribal and urban Indian communities. Specifically, through outreach and education efforts with a focus on improving Indian health care and promoting awareness, visibility, advocacy, training, technical assistance, and education efforts.

The National Indian Health Board represents tribal governments—both those that operate their own health care delivery systems through contracting and compacting, and those receiving health care directly from the IHS. Established by the tribes to advocate as the united voice of federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes, NIHB seeks to reinforce tribal sovereignty, strengthen tribal health systems, secure resources, and build capacity to achieve the highest level of health and well-being for our people.

The IHS Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes is the primary focal point for NIHOE activities and implementation. ODSCT provides information, technical assistance, and policy coordination in support of Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act Title I activities and provides agency leadership and advocacy for direct service tribes in the development of health policy program management and budget allocation. The office advises the IHS director and senior management on direct service tribes issues and concerns. It also coordinates and collaborates with the Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee to host forums for tribal leaders to discuss best practices, partnerships and resources to improve the Indian health care delivery system.

The National Indian Health Outreach and Education cooperative agreement is authorized under: the Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act, 42 U.S.C. 2001; the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, 25 U.S.C. 1621b; and Section 330C of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 254c–3.