January 2, 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.

Director Roselyn Tso Extends Appreciation to Staff and Partners in Holiday Message

As we stand on the brink of a new year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible strides we have made together throughout 2024. Our collective efforts have not only advanced the well-being of American Indians and Alaska Natives, but they have also strengthened our support for Veterans, Tribal Nations, and Native-owned businesses. I am particularly proud of our significant agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, our responsive actions regarding Contract Support Costs, and our surpassing of the Buy Indian Act goals by awarding over $550 million to Native American-owned businesses. We have also made notable progress with initiatives such as Purchased Referred Care, an updated Tribal Consultation Policy, traditional healthcare advancements, and securing advanced appropriations.

As the 11th director of the IHS, it is an honor to work alongside such dedicated individuals, and I commend all of you for your commitment and hard work. May the new year bring even more opportunities for success and collaboration. Happy New Year!

IHS Leadership Updates

The IHS is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Christopher Poole as the new Bemidji Area director. In this role, Dr. Poole will provide leadership in administering a comprehensive federal, tribal, and urban Indian health care system, serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This includes working with 34 federally recognized tribes, six urban Indian health programs, and overseeing three federally operated service units in the Bemidji Area. Dr. Poole will also maintain a strong partnership with the local tribal health board to enhance collaboration and care delivery.

Cmdr. Martin Smith has been selected as the new director of the IHS Office of Environmental Health and Engineering, effective January 1, 2025. In this capacity, Cmdr. Smith will lead initiatives in health care facility construction, maintenance, operations, and realty services. He will also manage a comprehensive environmental health program, encompassing institutional health, injury prevention, and sanitation facilities construction services across Indian Country.

Additionally, Dr. Rose Weahkee has been appointed as associate deputy director for Management Operations. She will support the agency’s goals by improving performance, advancing government reforms, developing strategic plans, and integrating performance with budgeting. Her responsibilities include strengthening the workforce, enhancing financial management, advancing e-government initiatives, and supporting government-wide management reforms.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Poole, Cmdr. Smith, and Dr. Weahkee on their new roles.

National Institutes of Health Holds Federal Indian Boarding School Healing Summit

On December 20, Director Tso attended the NIH Federal Indian Boarding School Healing Summit today, a gathering of immense significance. She extends her heartfelt gratitude to the NIH Tribal Health Research Office for hosting this milestone event. The summit provided a profound opportunity to reflect on the intergenerational impacts of the Indian Civilization Act and federal boarding school policies—policies that have profoundly shaped Native communities for generations. The stories shared and the research presented illuminated painful truths about our collective history, serving both as a somber reckoning and a guide for transformative action. “Looking out at the Native attendees, it was a poignant reminder that we all carry the weight of this legacy, and our shared mission for healing is deeply personal,” Ms. Tso said. The IHS reaffirms its commitment to addressing these legacies of trauma and working collaboratively toward reconciliation, justice, and healing. Together, we honor the resilience of Native communities and take steps toward building a future rooted in truth and accountability.

Tribal Self Governance Advisory Committee Meets in Washington

On December 16, Director Tso participated in the IHS Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee Meeting aimed at addressing the critical health needs of Native communities. The TSGAC consists of tribally elected officials representing a cross section of Self-Governance Tribes from across Indian Country. A budget update was provided, along with ongoing efforts to secure mandatory funding and the proposed reorganization within the IHS Office of the Director to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Ms. Tso thanks Chickasaw Nation Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby, for his exceptional leadership as Chair of the TSGAC, as he has been instrumental in advancing self-governance efforts and keeping us aligned with the priorities of the tribes we serve. Thanks for your unwavering commitment.

Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board - Board of Directors Meeting

On December 19, Ms. Tso had the opportunity to join the Great Plains Tribal Leaders’ Health Board of Directors Meeting to discuss our shared goal of improving the health outcomes for our communities. She was pleased to share the release of the IHS Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2025 – 2029. Equally important, the Director provided an update on efforts to form collaborations and to better work in consultation with tribal leaders, which included partnering with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to prevent PRC patients from being wrongfully billed and updating our Tribal Consultation Policy. Ms. Tso extends her thanks to Great Plains Area Director Joe Amiotte for his invaluable leadership and the Board of Directors for his unwavering determination to advance the health and well-being of Indian Country.

Receiving a blanket from the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board at their Directors Meeting

Meeting with South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds to Provide Updates on IHS Activities

On December 18, Ms. Tso met with South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds to discuss the IHS Purchased/Referred Care Program and the PRCDA Expansion Study for South Dakota and North Dakota. She explained the challenges in the PRC program and informed the Senator that the IHS hopes to get the Expansion Study completed within six months of being contracted. Ms. Tso thanks Sen. Rounds for the meeting and for taking time to discuss efforts by the IHS to raise the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level.

Meeting with South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds

Meetings with Members of New Mexico Congressional Delegation

In December, Ms. Tso had meetings with New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Lujan and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez to discuss a variety of important updates from the IHS, including the agency’s efforts to get off the U.S. Government Accountability Office High-Risk List. She also shared with the senator and representative an overview of agency accomplishments for 2024, with highlights on strides made in the PRC Program to ensure bills are paid so patients are not negatively impacted, successfully filling all our leadership positions, and an update on the Gallup Indian Medical Center replacement timeline. Maintaining clear and open discussion with members of Congress is essential to the ongoing success of the IHS. Ms. Tso appreciates the opportunity to represent the agency and share with them the good work each of you do every day across Indian Country.

Meeting with New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Lujan

Meeting with New Mexico Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez

White House Tribal Nations Summit Highlight Progress in Indian Country

Last month, Ms. Tso had the opportunity to attend The White House Tribal Nations Summit. Established by Executive Order 13647, the summit is the flagship annual convening of the federal government and Indian Country and reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening nation-to-nation relationships. The Summit reinforces the fundamental principles of tribal sovereignty, tribal self-determination, and the trust responsibility of the federal government, for Native nations and Native peoples to thrive, prosper, and retain their reserved rights. President Biden and Vice President Harris both spoke at the event, highlighting initiatives and progress made throughout Indian Country. They also gave praise to the Indian Health Service for the agency’s commitment to raising the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level.

President Biden with Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Bryan Newland and U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland at the Tribal Nations Summit

Site Visits with Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

On December 12, IHS Chief of Staff Capt. Carmen Clelland and Director Tso met with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal leadership in Mashpee, Massachusetts. Accompanied by Acting Nashville Area Director Joni Lyon, they visited and toured the Mashpee Service Unit and had discussions on their health care services with service unit staff. Ms. Tso offers her appreciation to Acting Director Lyon for joining them, as well as to Mashpee leadership and staff for hosting the visit, including Tribal Chairman Brian Weeden, Tribal Councilman David Weeden, Tribal Council Treasurer Charles Bobby Foster, Tribal Council Secretary Cassie Jackson, Acting CEO Lorraine Reels-Pearson, Substance Abuse Director Stephanie Tobey Roderick, and Mashpee IT Site Manager Wampsikuk Mills.

Director Tso Reflects on Career and Ongoing IHS Priorities in University of Phoenix Podcast

On December 20, Director Tso had the honor to reconnect with her alma mater, the University of Phoenix, and share her personal and professional journey on their podcast, “Degrees of Success”. During their conversation, Ms. Tso reflected on her role as Director of the Indian Health Service over the past 27 months and the ongoing challenges we are working to overcome to advance the health and well-being of tribal communities.

Ms. Tso discussed critical priorities, including the need for reinvestment in tribal infrastructure, integrating traditional practices into health care, and addressing food insecurity—key elements of fostering healthy Native lifeways. As the 18th largest health care system in the nation, the IHS continues to empower tribes to take control of their health care systems and become catalysts for meaningful change within their communities.

She extends her heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth Exline for hosting the podcast and providing a platform to share what inspires and motivates me each day. Behind every initiative and program is the face of someone we serve, and that drives our work forward.

Screenshot of Ms. Tso participating in “Degrees of Success” podcast on December 20

IHS Announces How it Will Estimate Eligible Contract Support Costs on Expenditures of Program Income

On December 20, IHS announced the decision on how the agency will calculate Contract Support Costs on expenditures of third-party reimbursements. In September, Ms. Tso wrote to tribal leaders to provide updates on IHS actions to implement the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe (Becerra) and Becerra v. Northern Arapaho Tribe. At that time, she also initiated a series of tribal consultation sessions on ongoing issues of importance, which included feedback broadly on the expansion of the CSC policy, as well as the necessary changes required to implement CSC calculations on expenditures of program income.

The Dear Tribal Leader Letter contains a template and certification form that will be used to estimate eligible CSC for anticipated expenditures of program income (also referred to as third-party reimbursements) and will be immediately effective. Both the template and certification form will also be used in final reconciliations of the CSC incurred by tribes and tribal organizations for the expenditure of program income and may assist IHS in the resolution of Contract Disputes Act claims. Over the next several months, the IHS will be scheduling multiple opportunities to provide tribal leaders with updates and CSC-specific training to assist in using these tools.

Streamlined Procedures for Processing PRCDA Expansion Requests

The Office of Resource Access and Partnership has streamlined the procedures for processing Purchased/Referred Care Delivery Area expansion requests. Since December 2023, six PRCDA expansion requests have been completed, resulting in Final Notices being published in the Federal Register and increasing access to health care for 2,561 patients newly eligible for PRC. Three Proposed Notices will be published by the end of 2024, with Final Notices completed in 2025. For more information, visit the PRCDA expansion website.

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, 2025. 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.

IHS Announces eLearning Modules to Improve Health Outcomes for Two-Spirit/LGBTQI+ Relatives

I am proud to share with you the launch of a critical new eLearning opportunity designed to provide optimal healthcare to our Two-Spirit/LGBTQI+ relatives. These modules are the result of deep collaboration and community feedback to ensure our IHS healthcare providers deliver inclusive, safe, respectful, and culturally competent care to our Two-Spirit and LGBTQI+ relatives. 

The initiative responds to findings from the 2020 2SLGBTQI+ Pride and Connectedness Survey, which identified barriers such as limited provider knowledge, low cultural competence, and previous negative experiences with healthcare professionals.

By affirming gender identity and creating inclusive spaces, we aim to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities. I encourage everyone to explore these modules and join me in doing all we can to ensure the provision of high-quality healthcare for all.

The eLearning modules can be accessed through the links below. 

Course Enrollment Page

• “Embracing Terminology in Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ Care” | Module 1
• “Creating a Welcoming Space for Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Patients” | Module 2

Domain Group Chairs Identified for the Enterprise Collaboration Group for PATH EHR

The Indian Health Service Health Information Technology (IT) Modernization Program is committed to configuring PATH EHR collaboratively with expert users from participating IHS federal facilities, tribes, and urban Indian organizations. To accomplish this, the Program established the Enterprise Collaboration Group (ECG), which will meet regularly beginning in early 2025 to review evidence-based practices and recommendations for operational aspects of PATH EHR implementation and deployment. The ECG will be comprised of Domain Groups representing a wide variety of clinical and business areas. We are pleased to announce the selection of the 15 Domain Group Chairs:

• Ambulatory: Hannah Britt, APRN, FNP-C
• Behavioral Health: Cmdr. Scott Peake, APRN, PMHNP-BC
• Community Care: Valonia Hardy, CCH
• Emergency Department: Bryan Jarrett, MD, FAWM and Nathan Henrie, MD
• Inpatient Care: Myrl (Nick) Bird, BSN, RN, CPHIMS, CHTS-CP
• Laboratory: Karla Mankoff, MLS (AMT)CCP
• Patient Engagement: Karla Svingen, CPHIMS
• Pharmacy: Cmdr. Kyle Sheffer, PharmD, BCACP
• Population Health: Cmdr. Nicholas Laughton, PharmD, MPH, BCPS
• Public Health: Lt. Cmdr. Shawnelle Damon, MS, MPH
• Purchased/Referred Care: Edwin (Ed) Chasing Hawk
• Radiology: Kyle Sykora, R.T.(R)(ARRT)
• Revenue Cycle/Coding: Fawnia (Fawn) Franklin
• Surgical Services: Capt. David Good, CRNA
• Women’s Health: Megan N. Henrie, MD, FACOG

Additional activities are underway to finalize recruitment of Domain Group membership, so that the full ECG includes the expertise needed to inform the build and configuration of PATH EHR. The Health IT Modernization Program remains committed to working closely with our partners as the Program progresses. For more information about the Modernization Program or how to get involved, email modernization@ihs.gov. 

Pharmacists Attend ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting

The Indian Health Service was represented by 30 Pharmacy Residency Programs at the 59^th ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 7–12. More than 220 contacts were made to help recruit for 36 residency positions, as well as general staffing across the agency. Current residents presented 28 project posters at the Federal Forum Poster Session. The IHS Pharmacy Residency Program has a long history of providing a strong post-graduate training foundation that enables pharmacists to advance their careers in progressively challenging clinical and administrative roles, helping to meet the IHS mission to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. For more information about the IHS Pharmacy Residency program, please contact Capt. Kendal Van Tyle at Kendall.vantyle@ihs.gov.

National Tribal Advisory Committee on Behavioral Health Conducts Fourth Quarter Meeting

On December 9, the IHS Division of Behavioral Health National Tribal Advisory Committee on Behavioral Health convened their fourth quarter meeting. The meeting included discussion on direct funding, NTAC requests and inquiries from tribal caucus, updates, and recruitment of NTAC vacancies. The Office of Clinical and Preventive Services provided updates on high level behavioral health items. DBH provided updates on direct funding that included information on current grants, the Ask Suicide Screening Questions, status of the Indian Health Manual Chapters for DBH, the Naloxone Safety Net Pilot Program, World Mental Health Day, and National Methamphetamine Day. The Division of Oral Health presented on items related to behavioral health, such as depression screening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention presented on the American Indian/Alaska Native Youth Risk Behavior Survey Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and fact sheets. Lastly, Planet Youth presented an overview of the Icelandic Prevention Model. Each presentation provided information or updates on behavioral health related items.

IHS Announces Native Hearts Initiative

On December 12, IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen announced the newest IHS National Clinical Strategic Initiative, Native Hearts. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and represents a major health disparity resulting in premature death among American Indian and Alaska Native people. IHS advocates a comprehensive strategy to reduce CVD-related morbidity and mortality across Indian Country. As part of our Native Hearts Strategic Initiative, IHS will support federal, tribal, and urban Indian organization programs as they develop and implement strategies to ensure the guideline-based diagnosis and management of coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation.

Areas and facilities across the Indian health system are encouraged to collaborate with tribal, local, regional, state, academic/professional, and federal partners to support a “get-with-the-guidelines” approach to enhance awareness of CVD and risk-factors, take measures to mitigate the risks of CVD, and support evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of CVD through activities, such as health education, screening and early diagnosis, and team-based clinical care.

MOU Signing with SUNY Upstate Medical University

In December, Ms. Tso visited Syracuse, New York for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between IHS and SUNY Upstate Medical University to develop an alliance of public health and medical institutions across the state to serve the priority needs of tribal communities. This represents a transformative partnership built on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to action. The collaboration is more than just an agreement—it is a promise to work together toward meaningful, measurable improvements in the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. By combining our strengths, we are taking a significant step forward in reducing health disparities and advancing health equity.

Division of Nursing Services Recognizes Katie Bragg as Nurse of the Quarter

The 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. The Nurse of the Quarter for Excellence in Nursing Practice for the 4th quarter of 2024 is Katie Bragg, RN, nurse case manager at the Woodrow Wilson Keeble Memorial Health Care Center in the IHS Great Plains Area. Bragg was raised in the Sisseton area and has held various nursing titles and volunteer roles within the community. She is well versed in medical adversities, limited access to care, and social drivers of health. Her advanced knowledge of resources, needs of the community, and positive nature continues to excel her initiative to provide her patients and co-workers with the guidance, resources, and unconditional support necessary for their continued advancement within all aspects of their lives. Congratulations Katie!

Division of Nursing Services Recognizes Mandy Anderson as Nurse of the Quarter

The 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. The Nurse of the Quarter for Exemplary Leadership for the fourth quarter of 2024 is Mandy Anderson, MSN, RN, women’s health services nurse manager at the Claremore Indian Hospital in the IHS Oklahoma City Area. Anderson has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and innovation in her efforts to elevate the care of Indigenous women. Her pioneering work not only aligns with the mission of the IHS, but also significantly enhances the profession of nursing itself. Perhaps, most impressively, Anderson has maintained a zero percent turnover and vacancy rate within the hospital’s labor and delivery department. Congratulations, Mandy!

Project TransAM Inventory Available

Project TransAM has the following products available at no cost to all IHS clinics, tribal and urban Indian health programs nationwide: 

• 2 in 1 Play Yard & Safety Gate: 24 Lots Currently Available – 10 Gates per lot
• Pack ‘N Play: 12 Lots Currently Available– 25 Pack ‘N Play per lot
• Rest Mats: 11 Lots Currently Available – 24 Mats per lot

You may request any of these items by visiting the Project TransAM website, or by emailing NASTRANSAM@ihs.gov. **Additional information about product can be found in the notes section on the TransAM website. Action figures not included**

Division of Nursing Services Attends National Indian Nations Conference

On December 10 – 13, Division of Nursing Services Director Dr. Johanna Bahe, Deputy Director Dr. Shavonna White, and Forensic Nurse Consultant Nicole Stahlmann attended the 18th National Indian Nations Conference in Palm Springs, California. Sponsored by the Office for Victims of Crime, the conference brought together health care providers, victim advocates, tribal leaders, federal and state agencies, law enforcement, and others to share challenges and successes of best practices across Indian Country. Drs. Bahe and White were able to have important discussions regarding the collaborative work between nursing and their agencies and the work that needs to continue to provide quality services to patients across Indian Country.

Dr. Johanna Bahe and Dr. Shavonna White with nurses from IHS at the NINC

Hydraulic Modeling Training Boosts Knowledge of SFC Program Staff to Serve Tribal Communities

The Office of Environmental Health and Engineering and the OEHE Environmental Health Support Center hosted hydraulic modeling training recently at IHS Headquarters in Rockville, Maryland for 12 Sanitation Facilities Construction program staff. The attendees included representatives from eight IHS service areas and Headquarters. The training improved the skills of the SFC program staff to develop solutions to improve and maintain access to water to tribal homes and communities. All the training attendees have joined the IHS over the last two years. The jobs are a result of the OEHE and Office of Human Resources collaboration to centralize the hiring of SFC program staff to support the implementation of $3.5 billion in funds appropriated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Office of Quality Credentialing Training

On December 10-12, staff from the Office of Quality, Division of Quality Assurance and Patient Safety, and Division of Enterprise Risk Management presented training at the Navajo Area Office. Medical service professionals and Gallup Indian Medical Center physicians reviewed and were trained on the newly released Indian Health Manual, Clinicals Credentialing and Privileging Policy, and Standard Operations Procedure Manual. The training displayed great collaboration of best practices, new processes, and education. There were great discussions and hands-on training to aid the medical service professionals on MD-staff.

Navajo Area medical service professionals and Gallup Indian Medical Center physicians with Office of Quality Staff – Capt. Dione Harjo, Capt. Christel Svingen, and Pam Wright 

P4 Program Highlighted by HHS

The IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4) was recently highlighted as a Bright Spot story on the HHS’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s Food Is Medicine website. This Bright Spot story, titled “Empowering Indigenous Food Sovereignty Through Collaborative Education and Action,” demonstrates a cohesive partnership with tribes and tribal organizations to develop innovative interventions to meet the unique nutrition needs and challenges of their respective communities. The IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention, grantees, and tribal communities are working together to ensure that the program prioritizes food access, food sovereignty, and the diet-related health needs of community members. The story shows how the IHS P4 supports an Indigenous perspective on Food Is Medicine, connecting person, community, and environment to support whole-person health.

Former Division of Oral Health Director Chris Halliday Announces Retirement from IHS

Please join the IHS Division of Oral Health in extending our best wishes to Dr. Christopher G. Halliday, who is retiring after 36 years of exemplary public service. A retired rear admiral of the United States Public Health Services Commissioned Corps, Halliday has dedicated his entire professional career to addressing the oral health needs of rural and underserved populations. 

He began his dental career in Alaska, providing oral health care to the Inupiat Eskimo communities. Following his assignment in Alaska, Halliday served in the IHS Navajo Area. In 2000, he was named acting director of the IHS DOH and became the director in 2006. Halliday has served as an assistant surgeon general, chief professional officer of the USPHS dental category, and chief of staff to the Surgeon General of the United States. In 2012, he briefly paused his government service to become the inaugural dean of the Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health.

Since returning to the IHS in 2017, Halliday has dedicated his efforts to developing and expanding the number of Dental Clinical and Preventive Support Centers to enhance support to dental staff serving in Tribal Communities. He has also advocated for the utilization and expansion of Dental Health Aides throughout Indian Country. Halliday’s last day on duty is December 27. We wish him a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. 

Rear Adm. (Ret.) Dr. Christopher G. Halliday

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):

• January 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
   
• Pediatric Primary Care Toolkit
   
• January 22, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET | Register here
• January 27, 2025, 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.

2025 Summer Externship Program Applications Currently Being Accepted

The IHS continues to seek the next generation of leaders committed to improving the health of Native communities. Applications are being accepted for the IHS 2025 Summer Externship Program up until January 10, 2025. 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. Please share this with any students, or their parents, who may be interested in this valuable opportunity.

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: “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: “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

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