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January 15, 2025: 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 .

IHS Announces $700 Million Allocation for Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Projects

Last week, the IHS announced its FY 2025 funding allocation decisions for $700 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), marking the earliest announcement of BIL funding in a fiscal year. This proactive approach supports better planning and purchasing for critical water and sanitation infrastructure projects across Indian Country. The BIL provides $3.5 billion to the IHS from FY 2022 to 2026 to develop vital tribal water infrastructure, including drinking water systems, sewage systems, and solid waste disposal facilities. The FY 2025 allocation aligns with tribal leader recommendations, focusing on projects ready to move from planning to design and construction, while maintaining strong support for planning and design activities.

The outcome of FY 2025 BIL funding is substantial – delivering access to essential sanitation facility services for more than 14,450 American Indian and Alaska Native households. Over the first four years of BIL funding, nearly 110,000 households across Indian Country will benefit from these investments. Thank you to the dedicated staff on the ground and throughout the Indian health system who work tirelessly to enhance public health and wellbeing in Native communities.

IHS and Chickasaw Nation Sign Joint Venture Agreement and Lease for New Medical Center

On December 30, Indian Health Service Director Roselyn Tso met with the Chickasaw Nation to sign an historic joint venture agreement and lease between the tribe and IHS for the development and operation of the proposed Newcastle Medical Center in Newcastle, Oklahoma. The comprehensive facility is expected to be built in three phases over a multi-year construction cycle. Ms. Tso thanks Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby, Tribal Secretary, Dept. of Health, Dr. Charles Grimm, and tribal staff for their generous hospitality. Learn more about the agreement here.

While in the Oklahoma City Area, Director Tso had the pleasure of visiting the impressive First Americans Museum to learn more about the 39 Tribal Nations in Oklahoma. She extends her appreciation to FAM Cultural Ambassador Ace Greenwood, and the entire staff, for sharing the story of the museum with her and Area representatives.

Honoring Former President Jimmy Carter

Last week, the IHS joined the nation for a day of mourning to honor the life of former President Jimmy Carter, who recently passed away at the age of 100. President Carter will be remembered for his impact on many issues, especially his work to improve the health of our nation and people around the world.

Throughout his presidency, Jimmy Carter's policies advanced tribal sovereignty in historically significant ways. Among other achievements, President Carter signed the Indian Child Welfare Act, providing vital protections to the health and well-being of Native children and families. He also signed the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978, guaranteeing inherent rights to practice traditional beliefs freely. And he signed into law the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978, supporting tribal communities in their efforts to create post-secondary institutions for their people, by their people.

Thanks to the immense contributions of Jimmy and his wife Rosalynn Carter, there are millions of Americans and millions more around the world who are living healthy lives.

Indian Health Service Announces Dr. Chris Poole as Bemidji Area Director

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Chris Poole as the director of the IHS Bemidji Area. In his new position, Dr. Poole is responsible for providing leadership in the administration of a comprehensive federal, tribal, and urban Indian health care system for American Indians and Alaska Natives, primarily members of the 34 federally recognized tribal nations and six urban Indian health programs located in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The director also provides oversight of three federally operated service units in the Bemidji Area and maintains a close working relationship with the local tribal health board.

An enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Dr. Poole has served as the acting director of the IHS Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes for the last year. He also served as the director of Tribal and Urban Services for the Bemidji Area Office. Dr. Poole has also been serving as the Bemidji Area agency lead negotiator and contract proposal liaison officer for eight years. Previously Poole served as the Bemidji Area behavioral health consultant.

Prior to joining IHS, Dr. Poole served as the Department of Veterans Affairs Military Treatment Facility liaison at Ft. Bliss, Texas. As an MTF liaison, he worked with both the Department of Defense and the VA to facilitate and coordinate the transition of wounded, injured, and ill soldiers to the VA for healthcare and community reintegration.

Dr. Chris Poole

Meeting with Senator Jeff Merkley

On January 8, Ms. Tso met with Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon. The focus of their meeting was to discuss the accomplishments of the agency during her tenure as director, reclassifying contract support costs and 105L as mandatory funding, and critical needs for EHR and facilities funding.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley with Ms. Tso and IHS Deputy Director Ben Smith

Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health Presentation

Last week, IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen and Ms. Tso met virtually with students from the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, who are enrolled in the course “An Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding the Health of American Indians.” The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to share the vital work, challenges, and successes of the Indian Health Service. Ms. Tso is inspired by the dedication and potential of these bright student minds, knowing they will drive future advancements not only for our communities but for global health as well.

Director Tso Reflects on Her Tenure in National Radio Program

On January 6, Ms. Tso appeared on the live broadcast of Native America Calling to reflect on the good work of the Indian Health Service during her 28 months as director. She used the opportunity to highlight the many achievements of the agency that has only been possible through the hard work of the entire IHS staff.

In her comments, Ms. Tso said the good work of using our platforms to promote the health and well-being of our people continues. Not only was she able to elaborate on the Food Is Medicine work underway, but also Alaska Area Chief Medical Officer Dr. Matthew Clark joined the broadcast to discuss prevention tips during respiratory illness season.

Because Native America Calling is directed specifically toward Indian Country as its audience, Ms. Tso was proud to be able to lift up all of the accomplishments that we, together, have been able to achieve. You can listen to the show here.

Four Corners Regional Health Center and Gallup Service Unit are First IHS Native Hearts Advocates Pilot Teams

The IHS announces the Four Corners Regional Health Center and Gallup Service Unit as its first designated IHS Native Hearts Advocates pilot teams.

American Indian and Alaska Native people have higher rates of CVD and CVD-related premature death than any other racial or ethnic group with mortality rates 20 percent higher than the general population. Evidence-based CVD care has been shown to improve diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes as part of a strategy of quality clinical performance.

Through its contemporary clinical strategic initiatives program, the IHS seeks to support our federal, tribal, and urban Indian organization partners, as we work together to mitigate health disparities in Indian Country.

As announced by IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen last month, the IHS National Native Hearts Initiative is a “get-with-the-guidelines approach” to support evidence-based clinical care for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation.

IHS remains committed to safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable care for American Indian and Alaska Native people, as we work to improve health and health outcomes in tribal communities.

The Gallup Service Unit — serving both the Gallup Indian Medical Center and Tohatchi Health Clinic — has designed and piloted a food is medicine program called MUTTON-HF (Medically Tailored Meals to Optimize Nutrition in Heart Failure). In this program, they partnered with Tocabe — a Native-run kitchen — and their Navajo dietician to curate a meal plan that is culturally relevant and to prepare medically tailored meals.

Dr. Christensen encourages each of our programs to join these facilities in becoming a Native Hearts Advocate pilot site.

Pawnee Indian Health Center Recognized as E3 Champion

Congratulations to the Pawnee Indian Health Center for their qualification as the agency’s seventh E3 Champion! The IHS National E3 Vaccine Strategy was first announced in November 2022, with the E3 Champions Challenge and pilot program launching shortly after. 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 Pawnee Indian Health Center team are an inspiration. Thank you for your team's commitment to vaccine excellence in Indian Country!

Celebrating the 136th Anniversary of the USPHS Commissioned Corps

On January 4, the IHS Division of Commissioned Personnel Support joins 1,200 officers with the federal, tribal, and urban programs to celebrate the 136^th anniversary of the USPHS Commissioned Corp. What a long legacy of service to protect and promote health in our communities across the world! USPHS officers advance our nation’s public health, serving across the government in 11 professional categories in more than 800 locations across the globe. Originally created to prevent the spread of disease from returning sailors, the USPHS Commissioned Corps now plays a critical role as protector of our nation’s health in all 50 states and overseas. We honor and recognize the valiant and enduring service of our officers and congratulate each of our officers who proudly serve. On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you, and happy anniversary!

IHS Announces New Special Duty Pay for Qualified Public Health Service Officers

As part of the partnership between the IHS and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the IHS announces that a new IHS Special Duty Pay has been developed for Public Health Service officers (pay grade O-6 or below) working at IHS federal, tribal or urban locations. The Indian Health Service is the only agency that provides this special pay for its commissioned officers—a testament to our support of the work they do to support the mission of the IHS.

Public Health Service officers whose location and position qualify for SDP is indicated in Personnel Operations Memorandum 821.90. If Commissioned Corps Headquarters receives the SDP agreement within 90 days of the Commissioned Corps announcement, the effective date of their SDP agreement will be Dec. 3, 2024. If CCHQ receives the SDP agreement after 90 days of the CCHQ announcement, the effective date of the agreement will be determined by Section 5 of the POM.

Public Health Service officers working at IHS federal, tribal or Urban locations, should check the POM to see if their location and position can receive SDP and their applicable rate. For specific details on SDP, its requirements, procedures, and related responsibilities, please see CCI 633.07 and POM 821.79.

The Division of Commissioned Personnel Support will be hosting educational sessions related to SDP for all IHS Commissioned Corps officers and will provide more details as they become available.

Health IT Modernization Program 2024 Recap

The Indian Health Service made significant progress across the Health Information Technology Modernization Program in 2024. We remain committed to collaborating with our partners and leveraging their feedback to build PATH EHR to meet the specific needs of its users across Indian Country. Check out this month’s blog post, highlighting program milestones and partner engagement efforts from 2024!

Health IT Modernization Program Initiates 2025 Focus Groups

The Health IT Modernization Program focus groups will resume in February with sessions on Health IT Implementation, Data Management and Analytics, and Interoperability. These focus groups provide a forum for participants to exchange knowledge and expertise on topics relevant to all IHS, tribal, and urban Indian organizations, regardless of the electronic health record system they use.

The schedule for the February focus group sessions is as follows:

February 6 at 2:00 p.m. ET Health IT Implementation
February 13 at 2:00 p.m. ET Data Management and Analytics
February 20 at 1:00 p.m. ET Interoperability

Focus groups are open to all interested subject matter experts from IHS, tribal, and urban Indian organizations, not only those who choose to implement PATH EHR. Those who would like to participate can email modernization@IHS.gov.

IHS Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications for 2024–2025 Academic Year

The IHS Scholarship Program is currently accepting applications for scholarship support for the 2024–2025 academic year. The IHS strives to develop our next generation of leaders, as well as help make the pursuit of a meaningful career in Indian health attainable for American Indian and Alaska Native students. Please view the IHS Scholarship Comparison Chart for a list of eligible degree programs. Eligible students are encouraged to apply by February 28.

National Action Alliance to Host Training Opportunity – January 21

On January 21, the National Action Alliance will present a webinar, “Engineering Safety into Practice through Implementation of the 2025 SAFER Guides.” As the modern health care delivery system continues to evolve, the safe and effective design, development, implementation, and use of electronic health records as the primary means of patient data collection, storage, retrieval, and communication becomes more apparent.
The Safety Assurance Factors for EHR Resilience (SAFER) guides are designed to help health care organizations meet that responsibility by conducting proactive self-assessments to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of their EHR implementations. The 2025 SAFER guides have been updated and streamlined to focus on the highest risk, most commonly occurring issues that can be addressed through technology or practice changes to build system resilience.

Join the webinar on January 21 at 1:00 p.m. ET for a session on engineering safety, the development of this latest version of SAFER guides, and the use of the guides for self-assessments. Register here.

Mark your calendars for the next webinar series hosted by the National Action Alliance centered around the theme of safety culture:

February 18 at 12:00 p.m. ET Psychological Safety
March 18 at 12:00 p.m. ET Teamwork and Patient Safety Norms
April 15 at 12:00 p.m. ET Measuring and Responding

Don’t forget to visit the National Action Alliance website for 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.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen Issues Update for Bird Flu

In an email to all IHS staff last week, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen provided an important update regarding avian “bird flu” influenza (H5N1), also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Her goal is to ensure that we the most current information and to assure you that IHS remains situationally aware in partnership with other public health agencies.

While the general public's health risk remains low, people who work with birds, poultry, or cows or have recreational exposure to them are at higher risk. Signs and symptoms include the following: fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, diarrhea/vomiting, and eye tearing/redness or irritation (Conjunctivitis).

Our partners at the CDC continue to support states that monitor people exposed to cows, birds, or other domestic or wild animals infected or potentially infected with avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses. More information on monitoring can be found here. The IHS is diligently monitoring and preparing for this virus and will continue communicating with all of you.

IHS Recognizes Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

This January, the IHS recognizes that cervical cancer remains a significant health concern, but it is largely preventable with early screening and vaccination. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christensen urges each of us to advocate for regular pap tests, HPV vaccinations, and culturally respectful education about cervical health. These efforts save lives and honor our mission to advance health equity and holistic care.

Your work ensures our communities have the tools and information to make informed health decisions. Together, we can reduce the impact of cervical cancer and support healthier futures for those we serve. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to improving outcomes for those we serve.

IHS Supports National Donor Blood Month

National Blood Donor Month, observed every January, honors the generosity of blood donors and raises awareness about the critical need for blood and platelet donations across our communities. Whether responding to accidents, performing life-saving surgeries, or treating conditions such as cancer or sickle cell disease, the need for blood is constant. Donating is a simple but powerful way to make a difference.

Here’s how you can help:

Donate Blood: Consider scheduling an appointment to donate at a local blood drive or collection center.
Spread the Word: Share the importance of donating blood with your friends, family, and community.
Volunteer or Host a Blood Drive: Partner with local organizations to help ensure a steady blood supply for those in need.

Please visit the Red Cross Website or America’s Blood Centers to learn more or find a donation center near you. Your contribution could save a life—or several. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and ensure those in need have access to care and resources. Thank you for your commitment to health and well-being in our communities.

Dementia Caregiver Support ECHO Program Offers Virtual Sessions to Help Health and Community Staff

Do you support caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in tribal communities The Dementia Caregiver Support ECHO program offers free virtual sessions every 4th Thursday to help health and community staff:

Strengthen caregiver support skills
Access expert advice and culturally relevant resources
Foster meaningful connections for caregivers

This program ensures you have the tools to help caregivers in your community thrive. Register here

IHS Funding Opportunities Support Tribal Self-Governance Planning and Negotiation Activities

The funding opportunities for fiscal year 2025 Tribal Self Governance Planning and Negotiation Cooperative Agreements, administered by the Office of Tribal Self-Governance, are now available. The deadline to apply for both is February 19. The awards support tribes and tribal organizations with the planning and preparation necessary to assume responsibility for providing health care to their tribal members through the Tribal Self-Governance Program. For more information, contact Jessaka Nakai at Jessaka.Nakai@ihs.gov or 301-526-6624.

Maternal Child Health Program Offers New Resources, Technical Assistance Webinars

The IHS Maternal Child Health program has developed two new resources to assist sites with obstetric readiness and pediatric preventive care services.

The Obstetric Readiness in the Emergency Department (ObRED) Manual includes checklists, protocols, and training curriculum to help sites without immediate access to labor and delivery services provide safe care for pregnant and postpartum patients.
The Pediatric Primary Care Toolkit includes a site self-assessment tool, age-specific guidelines, checklists, and EHR templates, and resources to help sites provide age-appropriate preventive care for children.

Please register for one of the technical assistance webinars to learn how to use and implement these resources. Webinars will be recorded:

Obstetric Readiness in the Emergency Department (ObRED):
- Wednesday, January 22 at 2:00 p.m. ET Register here
Pediatric Primary Care Toolkit
- Wednesday, January 22 at 12:00 p.m. ET Register here
- Monday, January 27 at 2:00 p.m. ET Register here

Both resources are now available on the IHS MCH website. Please email MCH Consultant Cmdr. Tina Pattara-Lau, MD, FACOG, at Tina.Pattara-Lau@ihs.gov for any questions.

DSFC Monthly Virtual Information Sessions

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 January 16. Interested engineers can register here to learn more about joining the IHS DSFC team.

Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention Webinar Series

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

“Supporting Children with Obesity: Context, Understanding, and Tools” on January 15 at 3 p.m. ET. Preregistration is not necessary. Click here to attend.

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:

Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: “Developing Patients’ Trust in Managing Opioid Use Disorder in Integrated Care Settings” on Thursday, January 30 at 12:00 p.m. ET Register here
Program Sustainability: “Use of Logic Models for Building Partnerships and Aiming Towards Sustainability” on Monday, February 10 at 12:00 p.m. ET Register here
Behavioral Health Integration Webinar Series: “Comprehensive Case Management in an Integrated Care Setting” on Thursday, February 13 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 Thursday, February 20 at 2:00 p.m. ET Register here

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