IHS Blog

An Inside Look at Tribal EMS: Serving Southwest Arizona

June 20, 2024
by John Wright, NRP, FP-C, Training Coordinator, Tohono O'odham Nation Healthcare Emergency Medical Services

During National Safety Month, we are celebrating 50 years of Emergency Medical Services and would like to introduce you to the dedicated team behind the Tohono O’odham Nation Healthcare EMS, formerly known as Sells EMS. This remarkable emergency medical services team operates in southwest Arizona, ... Continue reading

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Calling Attention to End Elder Abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

June 14, 2024
by Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services

Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P, serves as the forensic nurse consultant with the IHS Division of Nursing Services. Prior to her work with IHS, she served as a forensic nursing specialist with the International Association of Forensic Nurses and was the clinical program manager for the District of Columbia Forensic Nurse Examiners. Stahlmann was an emergency department nurse and adjunct instructor, teaching both undergraduate and master prepared students at Georgetown University. She continues to practice clinically, providing care for patients who have experienced violence. ... Continue reading

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Medication Safety Pilot Project Highlights Innovative Efforts during National Safety Month

June 12, 2024
by Cmdr. David Bales, Environmental Health Officer, Oklahoma City Area Office

Each June, we recognize National Safety Month. While safety is important year-round, this month we highlight efforts to prevent injury and death, starting with an innovative pilot project in the IHS Oklahoma City Area related to medication safety.

More than 140 Americans die each day in the United ... Continue reading

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EHR Implementation Planning: May Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer Recap and the Getting Ready to Get Ready Guide

June 7, 2024
by Jeanette Kompkoff, Director of Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations, Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service

The Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations (DHITMO) leadership continued to prioritize collaboration and partner engagement during a tribal consultation and urban confer held on May 9. The TC/UC focused on deployment and cohort planning for the new enterprise electronic ... Continue reading

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IHS Alzheimer's Grants: Helping Put the Puzzle Together for Tribal and Urban Indian Communities

June 5, 2024
by Jolie Crowder, PhD, MSN, RN, CCM, National Elder Care Consultant, Division of Clinical and Community Services, Indian Health Service

As many of us consider ways to educate and promote Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month during the month of June, 12 Indian Health Service Alzheimer's grant recipients are finding new ways to improve the lives of those living with the challenges of Alzheimer's and dementia. These grantees are ... Continue reading