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December 10, 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 .

Agency Transformation is Focus of New Five-Year Strategic Plan

On December 5, the Indian Health Service released its Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2025-2029. The IHS Strategic Plan reflects critical priorities of the agency over the next five years, demonstrating our commitment to improving health care service delivery and enhancing critical public health services throughout the health system to raise the health status of our tribal communities. The plan includes a revised vision statement and four strategic goals:

Be a Leading Health Care Organization
Ensure Comprehensive, Culturally Respectful Health Care Services
Optimize Operations Through Effective Stewardship
Promote Proactive Intergovernmental and External Relationships

It also recognizes that the agency is transforming to a One IHS culture. One IHS ensures the integration of efforts, resources, and expertise from across the agency to achieve more comprehensive and meaningful outcomes.

ISDEAA All Federal Staff Meeting

Last week, IHS Director Roselyn Tso attended the ISDEAA All Federal Staff Meeting in Rapid City, South Dakota. Along with members of the IHS senior leadership team, the meeting was an opportunity to engage in open and meaningful dialogue with lead negotiators and to support ongoing efforts to give tribes greater control over the delivery of health care services. Attendees shared policies and best practices on topics related to Title I and Title V compacting, as well as discussed contract support costs and Section 105(l) leases—all aimed at strengthening the authority of tribes to administer funds to improve the welfare of their membership. Ms. Tso extends her appreciation to our ISDEAA team players, including the Agency Lead Negotiators and the ISDEAA Negotiation Team, as their dedication and commitment continues to be an integral part in advancing the goals of the IHS and the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

(Photo 1) Fireside chat with Director Roselyn Tso, Deputy Directors for Field Operations Rear Adm. Chris Buchanan and James Driving Hawk, and Deputy Director Ben Smith – moderated by Deputy Director for Intergovernmental Affairs Stacey Ecoffey
(Photo 2) IHS Agency Lead Negotiators

White House Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

On November 21, Ms. Tso visited the White House to take part in a panel discussion to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. While we recognize Native heritage throughout the year at IHS, this was a great opportunity to come together to highlight our shared goals of serving our tribal communities. The theme of the panel, “Narratives on History, Belonging and Creating Lasting Change,” reminds us to honor and learn from the legacy of Indigenous peoples, whose contributions continue to shape and strengthen our nation. We also recognize the shared commitment to upholding tribal sovereignty, which lies at the heart of the IHS mission.

The agency remains committed to supporting Native communities and honoring this profound heritage as part of our nation’s collective story. Ms. Tso thanks the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to recognize and support our tribal communities across Indian Country.

(Left to Right): Elizabeth Molle-Carr, Tribal Advisor to the Director, Office of Management and Budget (Moderator); Roselyn Tso, Director, Indian Health Service; Naomi Miguel, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities; Nate Segal, Deputy Chief of Staff, Domestic Policy Council, Office of the Vice President, White House; PaaWee Rivera, Special Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff in the Office of Scheduling and Advance, White House

2025 Summer Externship Program Applications Currently Being Accepted

Applications are currently being accepted for the IHS 2025 Summer Externship Program. This paid externship offers students the opportunity to gain working knowledge and experience in their chosen health profession or field with the Indian Health Service. Externships will be from May through August 2025. The IHS continues to seek the next generation of leaders committed to improving the health of Native communities. The application deadline is January 10, 2025. Please share this with any students, or their parents, who may be interested in this valuable opportunity.

Tribal Management Grant Applications Now Available

The IHS is now accepting applications for grants under the Tribal Management Grant Program, a competitive grant for federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations that is administered by the Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes. The Tribal Management Grant Program is designed to enhance and develop health management infrastructure and assist tribes and tribal organizations in assuming all or part of existing IHS programs, functions, services, and activities through agreements under ISDEAA and to assist with existing agreements to further develop and improve their management capability. The program consists of four project types:

Feasibility Study: Maximum funding/project period: $70,000/12 months
Planning: Maximum funding/project period: $50,000/12 months
Evaluation Study: Maximum funding/project period: $50,000/12 months
Health Management Structure: Average funding/project period: $100,000/12 months; maximum funding/project period: $300,000/36 months

Applications are due by January 13, 2025, and the earliest anticipated start date is March 1, 2025. For more information, please contact Kenneth Coriz at kenneth.coriz@ihs.gov.

Honoring Veterans and their Service During Native American Heritage Month

Throughout November, the IHS acknowledged the contributions of Native veterans from across Indian Country as they shared their stories. Among those recognized is Christan Hinman, a member of the Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, who is the budget officer in the IHS Oklahoma City Area. She served in the U.S. Army with a duty station in Germany and deployments to Kosovo and Iraq. We also honored Brandon Cordray, a member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, who is a property management officer and fleet manager in the IHS Albuquerque Area. He served in the United States Air Force from 2002 to 2008 with deployments to two areas of conflict.

Other Native Veterans recognized include Sgt. (Ret.) Wiliam F. Smith from the Valdez Native Tribe of Alaska, also known as Chief Bill, who served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1977. We also recognized Environmental Engineer Matt Chosa, a member of the Bois Forte Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, who works in the IHS Bemidji Area and served in the U.S. Navy. Starlight Larvie, an Oglala Lakota Tribal member from South Dakota, who works in the IHS California Area as a program specialist for the Escondido District Office, was also recognized. She proudly served as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy.

HHS Convenes Traditional Healing Summit

Last month, Ms. Tso joined the Traditional Healing Summit at HHS Headquarters in Washington, D.C., alongside representatives and leadership from across government and Indian Country. The summit focused on traditional healing practices to address health challenges in tribal communities, highlighting successful models of integrated health care with traditional healing in prevention, intervention, and treatment methods across behavioral health and primary care. The goal of the summit was to further recognize an array of traditional knowledges and practices that contribute to the overall health and well-being of tribes.

Traditional healing practices are more than just health care—they are part of who we are. They honor our ancestors, our connection to the land, and the deep cultural wisdom that has guided our people for generations. Traditional healing programs at both federal and tribal health care facilities demonstrate our commitment to respecting and preserving cultural heritage while advancing patient-centered care. The IHS is honored to be a partner in this essential work as we continue efforts to expand access to care for our tribal communities.

HHS/IHS Share Employee Appreciation with Thanksgiving Meal

While at the Traditional Healing Summit in November, the director donned her chef's hat and apron to join Secretary Xavier Becerra, Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm, and other HHS leadership to help serve valued employees a traditional Thanksgiving lunch in appreciation for their hard work and commitment. Ms. Tso extends a special thanks to our IHS team members for everything they do every day to serve our patients across Indian Country.

Food is Medicine in Oncology Symposium

On December 5, Director Tso took part in a panel discussion focusing on “Public Policy and Nutrition: Government Initiatives in Oncology Care” at the Food is Medicine in Oncology Care Symposium in Washington, D.C. In her comments, Ms. Tso was able to bring focus to the fact that Native communities experience tremendous cancer inequities and are more likely to die from cancer than an individual of any other race. They discussed the important issue of food insecurity in Indian Country and efforts by the IHS to promote equitable access to nutrition-focused care, including the remarkable work done with the Produce Prescription Pilot Program and the IHS Food and Nutrition Workgroup.

Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting

On November 20, Director Tso had the opportunity to join the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting in Washington, D.C. STAC is comprised of tribal and federal members that convene to strengthen the government-to-government relationship between tribes and federal agencies. Ms. Tso thanks STAC Chairman Victor Joseph and the rest of the committee members for their exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing health care for our tribal communities. She would also like to acknowledge Secretary Xavier Becerra and her colleagues within HHS for their unwavering dedication to prioritizing health programs and services for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The support has been transformative, and it makes an incredible difference.

IHS Hosts Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee Meeting

Also on November 20, Ms. Tso attended the Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee meeting in Washington, D.C. DSTAC plays a crucial role in improving tribal public health outcomes for American Indians and Alaska Natives, advising the agency on the development of health policy that affects the delivery of health care to direct service tribes. During the meeting, the committee was provided updates on key deliverables and initiatives of the IHS to be completed by the end of 2024. They also received updates from area directors on recent accomplishments. Our collective efforts are making a profound impact on the health and well-being of Indian Country.

IHS DOJ Violence Against Native Women Tribal Consultation

Last month, Acting Deputy Director for Field Operations Dr. Beverly Cotton represented IHS at the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women’s 19^th Annual Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women Tribal Consultation in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Division of Nursing Services Director Dr. Johanna Bahe, Deputy Director Dr. Shavonna White, and Forensic Nurse Consultant Nicole Stahlmann also attended the consultation. Under DNS, the Forensic Healthcare Program provides training, technical assistance, and grant funding for medical forensic programs. Since November 2023, more than 276 medical forensic examinations have been provided by more than 170 trained nurses and providers across the IHS. Didactic training, competency skills training, program locations, and other resources are available on their website.

November National Pharmacy Council Spotlight – NNMC Pharmacy Physical Assessment Course

The Northern Navajo Medical Center Pharmacy Physical Assessment Course Team was selected as the November National Pharmacy Council monthly spotlight for its development and sustained high-level training, which ensures pharmacists are fully prepared to support patient health and contribute meaningfully to the health care system. Pharmacists who complete the training can utilize physical assessments to triage chronic and acute conditions, apply standardized examination techniques, and communicate patient cases to other health care providers.

Since its inception in September 2017, the NNMC Pharmacy Physical Assessment Course has trained more than 130 pharmacists from the VA, IHS, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement with essential physical assessment skills. This training is tuition-free, occurs biannually, and provides 55.5 hours of live Continuing Education, ensuring that pharmacists continue to meet the expanding demands of modern health care settings. Congratulations to the NNMC Pharmacy Physical Assessment Course Team.

Site Visit with Santo Domingo Pueblo Tribe: Advancing Dementia Care

On November 19, the IHS Alzheimer’s Team visited the Santo Domingo Pueblo in New Mexico to collaborate with the Community Health Representative Program and Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation. The visit focused on enhancing dementia care through the Alzheimer’s Models of Care grant, which helps equip providers with essential dementia management tools. The CHR team is dedicated to empowering caregivers and fostering connections. The team toured Santo Domingo Pueblo’s villages, experiencing the beauty of cultural sites, historical landmarks, and agricultural traditions. The community’s warm hospitality and commitment to supporting those affected by dementia showcased the strength of their language and culture, highlighting a hopeful future for dementia care in the region.

The Wellness Collective Presents: Transform Stress into Strength! 8-Week SMART Program

The Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) program is your guide to reducing stress and improving well-being. This evidence-based program teaches mindfulness, meditation, better sleeping habits, exercise, nutrition, and tools like cognitive reframing, creativity, and humor to help you thrive. In just 2 hours a week for 8 weeks, you’ll gain skills that last a lifetime. Participants receive a SMART manual, guided meditation recordings, and a certificate of completion. Clinical participants can earn continuing education credits. Take the first step toward a more balanced, vibrant life by completing the survey here.

Division of Oral Health Leader Rear Adm. Ricks Retires from IHS

Congratulations to Rear Adm. (Ret.) Tim Ricks on his upcoming retirement from the IHS in January, with his final full working day this past Tuesday. Dr. Ricks has worked with many people throughout his career at IHS. Over the past six months Dr. Ricks has served as the acting director of the Division of Oral Health, adding to his previous IHS roles that include dental satellite unit chief, service unit dental chief, service unit clinical director, area dental officer in two areas, deputy area director, and multiple roles in DOH. As a Commissioned Corps officer, Dr. Ricks achieved the rank of Rear Admiral (2 star) in 2018, serving as the USPHS Chief Dental Officer and Assistant Surgeon General from 2018-2022. Thank you to Dr. Ricks for your commitment to improving the oral health of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Your efforts have been greatly appreciated and we wish you a happy and healthy retirement.

Rear Adm. (Ret.) Ricks receiving his Chief Dental Officer pin from then-Surgeon General Vice Adm. Jerome Adams, 2018

IHS recognizes Influenza Vaccination Week

National Influenza Vaccination Week is the perfect time to protect the health of our children and our communities! When children get their flu vaccine (also called a shot or immunization), they’re not just safeguarding themselves – they’re also reducing the spread of flu to others, including higher-risk people like babies, grandparents, and those with chronic illness. Flu can be serious, but prevention is simple. Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine every season.

Shell It Like It Is Podcast – Episode 1 Now Available

Welcome to the "Shell It Like It Is" Podcast! This is the latest innovation from the Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium and Pursuit Films, with support from IHS, bringing education and information to life through a dynamic blend of motion capture animation and Native hosts. Featuring engaging interviews, live guests, and real-world insights, this short-format video podcast breaks down complex issues facing tribal governments, shares insights from Indian Country, and highlights best practices to inspire and empower tribal nations.

Check out the very first episode with special guest Benjamin Smith, IHS deputy director, as hosts Izzy, Dee, and Keya discuss the IHS's mission to provide health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives, as well as some of the challenges facing the agency. Live now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcast.

Health IT Modernization Program Hosts Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer on Site Readiness and Training

The IHS Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations team continues to prioritize collaboration with tribal and urban partners. On November 7, the Health IT Modernization Program hosted a tribal consultation and urban confer focusing on on-site readiness and training. This hybrid session, which attracted more than 200 attendees, took place in person at IHS headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, and virtually. During the session, DHITMO leadership provided program updates, recapped the pilot site visit at Lawton Service Unit, and shared progress towards launching the Enterprise Collaboration Group. Leaders highlighted how sites can prepare for implementing PATH EHR. To read the full recap of this session, check out the IHS Blog.

IHS Recognizes National Lung Cancer Awareness Month

In November, the IHS joined others across the U.S. to recognize National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among American Indian and Alaska Native people. Cigarette smoking causes 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths. Other risk factors include being exposed to secondhand smoke and having a family history of lung cancer. If you are a smoker, it may be time to quit to protect your health and your family. Help is available by texting "NATIVE" to 47848 or calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-9669).

World AIDS Day – December 1

On World AIDS Day, we honored the resilience of those impacted by HIV/AIDS and renewed our commitment to education, prevention, and support. We stand united in ensuring everyone has access to quality HIV care. Finding the right provider is the first step in starting and maintaining treatment. Patients can visit HIV.gov to connect with care providers, explore treatment options, and find the support they need to live well to take a step toward better health and empowerment today. Together, we can break the stigma and build a healthier future for all.

IHS releases new guidance for Medical Cannabis

The aim of IHS is to promote comprehensive provider assessment and care planning that incorporates best and promising practices while acknowledging the realities of current practices. This includes recognizing situations where patients may seek medical cannabis treatment at non-IHS facilities. The IHS Special General Memorandum 24-01, “Indian Health Service Guidance on Medical Cannabis”, identifies best practices in managing a patient receiving medical cannabis from a regulated program. This new policy further strengthens the agency’s commitment to promoting patient safety and encouraging honest patient-provider communication and relationship-based care.

For more information on cannabis, please consider accessing these webinars:

2024 HQ Recruitment and Outreach Annual Conference

On November 20-21, Division of Health Professions Support Deputy Director Capt. Michael Bartholomew, M.D., Loan Repayment Program Chief Correy Ahhaitty, Health Professions Support Branch Chief Ra’el Augare, staff members of the headquarters Division of Health Professions Support, and numerous IHS area/site recruiters attended the 2024 HQ Recruitment and Outreach Annual Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For the first time, the IHS Albuquerque Area hosted this remarkable event. It generated a presence of great collaboration and sharing of best practices between HQ and the IHS areas that were in attendance. We sincerely express our deepest appreciation to the IHS Albuquerque Area Health Professions Recruiter/Scholarship Coordinator Michelle Aguilar-Bowser, Nurse Consultant Olinka Foster, and Area Director Dr. Leonard Thomas for hosting.

Conference attendees visiting the Albuquerque Indian Health Center

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:

Program Sustainability 101: “Value of Needs Assessments for Tribal Communities: Using Our Own Data for Sustainability” on January 13, 2025, 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
Program Sustainability 101: “Use of Logic Models for Building Partnerships and Aiming Towards Sustainability” on February10, 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
Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: “Peer Support, Community Health Workers, and Cultural Healers as Integrated Care Ambassadors” on February 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET | Register here

Advancements in Diabetes Webinar Series

The IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention: Advancements in Diabetes Webinar Series is hosting the following webinar for health care providers:

“Strengthening the Hemish Food System: Promoting Food Sovereignty Through Culturally Relevant System Changes, Education, and Equitable Access” on December 11 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Click here to attend.

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