November 19, 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 .

IHS Announces Updated Tribal Consultation Policy

Last week, the IHS released the updated IHS Tribal Consultation Policy, reflecting over three years of collaborations with tribal leaders through tribal consultation, alongside the efforts of the IHS Director’s Advisory Workgroup on Tribal Consultation . The update comes more than 18 years after the 2006 policy was issued and introduces clearer guidelines, timelines, and procedures that enhance the IHS tribal consultation process.

This update aligns with the requirements of Executive Order 13175, “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments,” the Presidential Memoranda on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships, Uniform Standards for Tribal Consultation, and with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Tribal Consultation Policy. It further includes a training requirement for IHS employees who work with tribal nations or on policies with tribal implications, that at a minimum, includes a review of EO 13175, the President’s Memorandum on Uniform Standards for Tribal Consultation, and the IHS Tribal Consultation Policy.

The Dear Tribal Leader Letter announcing the updated policy, including enclosures that outline the tribal consultation activity and detail the revisions to the updated policy, is located on the IHS website .

Highlighting Native Veterans from Across Indian Country

On November 11, our nation recognizes America’s veterans for their integrity, their sense of duty, and their willingness to sacrifice. American Indian and Alaska Native veterans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces in every major military conflict since the Revolutionary War and in greater numbers per capita than any other ethnic group. Many dedicated veterans continue their public service in various roles throughout the Indian health system, and the IHS is proud to deliver care to Native veterans in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs .

Throughout November, please join the IHS in continuing to acknowledge the contributions of Native veterans as they share their stories. To kick us off is a video featuring Cmdr. Chris Peltier, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the program manager for Field Operations in the IHS Great Plains Area , who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2002-2006. To all our veterans across the IHS and Indian Country – thank you for your service.

Fatherhood is Leadership Conference

On November 13, IHS Director Roselyn Tso had the pleasure of attending the Native American Fatherhood & Families Association's 20th Annual Fatherhood is Leadership Conference in Mesa, Arizona. It was an opportunity to share the essential and traditional role that men have on the health and well-being of their families and communities. At IHS, we are working to support men and fathers in addressing mental health, substance abuse, and suicide rates across Indian Country. We are also advocating for establishment of an Office of Indian Men’s Health and remain committed to responding to the diverse needs of Native men and families—to empower them to pass down teachings and strengthen our communities.

Nashville Area Site Visits

Earlier this month, Ms. Tso visited several tribes in the IHS Nashville Area , including the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Miccosukee Tribe. On November 6, she visited the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indian to hear directly from tribal leaders about their health care issues and concerns. Joined by Chief of Staff Capt. Carmen Clelland , they met with health system administrators and staff, as well as toured the Choctaw Health Center — a newly constructed facility that provides a full range of health and wellness services to the Choctaw community.

During a visit with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama on Thursday, Ms. Tso had the opportunity to honor former Chairman Buford Rolin for his lifetime contributions to improve and advance the health and well-being of American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout Indian Country.

A devoted member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians community, Rolin served as the tribe’s chairman from 2006 to 2014 and was also the tribal co-chair of the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee . His impact extended far beyond the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. He served on numerous local, state, and national boards and committees, including the National Congress of American Indians and United South & Eastern Tribes. His work to promote Native health care issues has been widely recognized over the years and he has received many awards for his commitment of service to the tribe and Indian Country.

Ms. Tso said it was a privilege to acknowledge the decades-long leadership and selfless contribution of Buford Rolin. Our people are immeasurably better because of the work he spearheaded throughout his storied career.

Cohort 2 Announced for IHS Executive Development Program

The IHS is pleased to announce the 2024-2025 Executive Development Program (EDP) – Cohort 2. The selected participants were nominated by their leadership, are:

Randolph B. Beasley, III; Michelle Begay; Sam E. Brewster; Billie J. Brown; Darlene Chee; Maria K. Clark; Vickie M. Claymore; Crystal Colliflower, MPH; Diana De Leon, PhD, MPH, RN; Sarah V. Forrest; Rayana D. Frazier; Robert A. Gemmell; Capt. Cynthia A. Gunderson, PharmD; Amanda L. Hicks; Vanessa J. Iverson; Dr. Vijay C. Kannan; Capt. Michael P. Lee; Melissa Loebs; Rena Macy; Ashley R. Marth; Anthony J. Mazza; Wanda M. Pedraza; Percetta Red Willow-Richards; Dr. Marcella R. Ronyak; Alison B. Sanders; Nichole M. Swanberg; Ashley R. Tuomi; Robin R. Watkins; Melissa Y. Wyaco; and Xavier V. Yazzie.

The EDP is a one-year program that convenes over the course of four-weeks, comprised of in-person and virtual intersessions. The robust program is targeted towards new SES and managers (GS-14/15). The EDP focuses on Executive Core Qualifications, provides leadership assessments, coaching, and mentoring, and requires the completion of a group action learning project to address agency strategic planning, goals, and challenges.

Week one kicked off at the IHS headquarters in October. The learning focused on Understanding Self and Becoming an Authentic Leader. In doing so, participants engaged with Director Tso and the executive leadership team to learn new insights on authentic leadership, tips to lead effectual change, and how to strategically think about the future of IHS. The next session will be held in February 2025 at the Phoenix Area Office.

National Diabetes Month Highlights Treatment and Prevention Efforts

As we observe National Diabetes Month in November, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen and Director Tso want to take a moment to recognize the significant impact that type 2 diabetes has on American Indian and Alaska Native individuals and communities. Diabetes prevalence among Native adults is the highest of any racial or ethnic group in the country, and managing this condition often requires a strong support network of family, friends, community/public health, and health care providers.

Our work can play a vital role in engaging families in diabetes treatment and prevention efforts. Encouraging patients to involve family members in lifestyle changes—such as making healthier food choices, increasing physical activity, and attending regular check-ups—can build support systems and promote lasting, positive health changes. Thank you for your care, education, and family-centered approach to our communities. Together, we can work toward a healthier future for individuals and families.

IHS Celebrates National Nurse Practitioner Week

The IHS Division of Nursing Services celebrates the significant contributions nurse practitioners make towards advancing health care for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. NPs are advanced practice registered nurses who work in a variety of settings, such as primary care, family practice, behavioral health, women’s health, acute care, emergency room, urgent care, and pediatrics. Please take time to thank an NP for the important work they do to improve access to health care! 

IHS Observes Rad Tech Week

November 8 was World Radiography Day, which is the anniversary of Wilhelm Röentgen's discovery of the X-ray. The date is during Rad Tech Week that is observed each year and celebrates the essential work of imaging professionals. X-ray technology revolutionized medicine by providing a way to view interior structures of the human body without invasive or exploratory surgical procedures, giving new insights into injury and disease, and allowing for thoughtful planning before treatment.

We recognize the essential work of radiologic technologists, who play an important role in patient care and diagnosis within our community. Radiologic technicians are highly skilled professionals who use advanced imaging equipment to capture detailed images that help diagnose illness, injuries, and other medical conditions. By working closely with physicians and health care teams, radiologic technologists contribute to safe and compassionate care that supports a patient's health journey. We are grateful for our radiologic technologist's dedication and skill.

IHS Recognizes Medical Service Professionals Week

Happy MSP Week ! In 1992, President Bush signed a resolution proclaiming the first full week in November as National Medical Staff Services Week. Since then, National Association of Medical Staff Services has advocated to articulate and promote awareness of the medical services professional and the critical role MSPs play as the gatekeepers of patient safety. IHS MSPs, also known as credentialists, are key members of our team, assisting medical staff and leadership with credentialing and privileging of licensed practitioners in our facilities. We encourage you to stop by the medical staff office to meet your local IHS MSP and thank them for their commitment to ensuring safe, competent, and quality providers are employed at your facilities.

Oklahoma City Area IHS MSPs Meeting on new IHS Credentialing Policy and SOP Requirements

In the commitment to ensure that all licensed practitioners meet the qualifications of agency requirements, the Oklahoma City Area medical service professionals met recently at the Oklahoma City Area Office to strengthen their role in patient safety. The focus of this meeting was to review the new updates to the Indian Health Manual, Part 3 Professional Services, Chapter 1 Clinical Credentials and Privileges policy (IHM 3-1) and the IHS Credentialing and Privileging Standard Operating Procedure manual, formerly the IHS Credentialing and Privileging Guidebook.

Community Health Aide Program Tribal Advisory Group Meets in Alaska

Earlier this month, the Community Health Aide Program Tribal Advisory Group held a meeting on the campus of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in Anchorage, Alaska. The CHAP TAG workgroup is charged with providing subject matter expertise, program information, innovative solutions, and advice to the IHS to establish a National Community Health Aide Program. IHS appreciates the continued collaboration with our tribal advisory group.

National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Conducts Fall Meeting in Albuquerque

Last week, the IHS National Pharmacy and Therpaeutics Committtee held its fall 2024 quarterly meeting at the IHS Albuquerque Area Office . The NPTC is a standing committee of the IHS that works to promote quality, access, value, and equity in formulary management through maintenance of the IHS National Core Formulary (NCF) and the provision of clinical expertise related to pharmacotherapy and pharmacovigilance. During the meeting, the NPTC reviewed a range of topics including congenital syphilis, postpartum depression, PCSK9-inhibitors, cough/cold medications, combination medications and medication adherence, as well as direct oral anticoagulants.

Further information from the NPTC, including clinical guidance documents and the IHS National Core Formulary can be accessed on their website . To receive NPTC correspondence and clinical updates, federal, tribal, and urban Indian organization staff can also self-enroll to the NPTC Listserv.

NARA-NW Recognized as E3 Champion

The IHS National E3 Vaccine Strategy Operations Team congratulates the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest for their qualification as our sixth 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 NARA-NW team are an inspiration. Thank you for your team's commitment to vaccine excellence in Indian Country!

Division of Commissioned Personnel Support Visits Tucson Area

The IHS Division of Commissioned Personnel Support leadership had the opportunity to visit the Tucson Area and meet with Area Office leadership, the Tohono O?odham Nation Tribal Medical leadership, and the U.S. Public Health Service officers assigned to the Tucson Area Office and Tohono O?odham Nation locations: Sells Service Unit; San Simon; San Xavier; and Santa Rosa. Thank you to the Tucson Area for your hospitality and the opportunity to share Commissioned Corps updates.

CDC Reports Effectiveness of Nirsevimab in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region

On November 14, the CDC released a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report highlighting the effectiveness of nirsevimab in preventing medically attended RSV illness and hospitalizations among Alaska Native children in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region from October 2023 to June 2024. American Indian and Alaska Native children have historically faced the highest rates of RSV-associated hospitalizations in the U.S., with rates in Alaska's Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region being three to seven times higher than in other U.S. regions.

Last year, the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation made tremendous efforts to immunize as many eligible children as possible with nirsevimab. For the 2023-2024 RSV season, according to the report published this week, YKHC found that nirsevimab was 89 percent effective in preventing RSV-associated hospitalizations in infants during their first RSV season, and76 percent and 8 percent effective against medically attended illness for childrenin their first and second seasons, respectively.

IHS values collaboration with our federal, tribal, and urban Indian organization partners. For both the 2023–2024 and the current 2024–2025 season, IHS has supported sites with a supplemental supply of nirsevimab, including our tribal partners at YKHC. We extend congratulations to YKHC, which is one of our IHS E3 Vaccine Strategy Champion programs, on their innovative efforts to improve access to this important immunization and to reduce risk of serious RSV infections in tribal communities.

DHITMO Leaders Meet to Ensure Alignment Across Health IT Modernization Program

From November 5 – 7, leaders from the IHS Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations met to align the scope, timeline, and methodology for implementing PATH EHR . This event provided an opportunity for Office of Information Technology leaders to share their vision and outline the Health Information Technology Modernization Program ’s governance structure, collaboration efforts, and next steps for building the solution.

During the meeting, participants engaged in dialogue surrounding the Modernization Program and PATH EHR, including breakout sessions organized by clinical and business domain groups, such as women’s health, emergency services, and business office services. These sessions gave participants insight into how IHS professionals will enable delivery of quality care to their communities through PATH EHR.

The Health IT Modernization Program remains committed to working closely with all our partners as the Program progresses. For more information about the Modernization Program or how to get involved, email modernization@ihs.gov .

Coping With Change in Uncertain Times Webinar — November 20

Adapting to change can be difficult. This upcoming HHS webinar will help you understand how change affects you, how to reduce stress associated with change, and offer strategies to successfully adapt.

• “Coping With Change in Uncertain Times Webinar” on November 20 at 11:00 a.m. ET ? Register here .

Once you register for a webinar, you will be emailed the information needed to attend the session, along with reminders the day before and one hour before the session begins. For more information about this event, email OHR-WRD-Wellness-Resilience@hhs.gov .

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: “Suicide Prevention/Treatment in Integrated Care Settings” on December 5 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
• 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

IHS Forensic Nursing Consultation Program Webinars - Texas A&M University Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing

• “Honoring Histories, Healing Communities: Cultural Sensitivity and Historical Trauma in Healthcare”
  • November 21 at 11:00 a.m. ET
  • 1.5 CE/CMEs available for attending
  • Click here for more information and to register 

IHS Blogs

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• IHS Highlights Forensic Nurses Week
• The Lawton Service Unit Welcomes the DHITMO Team for Initial Pilot Site Visit
• Honoring the Heart of Our Communities: Celebrating Native Family Caregivers this November

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