Indian Health Service

As America marks 250 years of history, the Indian Health Service is proud join the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Eat Real Food initiative by launching Rooted in Culture: Native Foods of America, a campaign that celebrates the history, cultural significance, and health benefits of traditional Indigenous foods. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have cultivated and shared food traditions that continue to nourish Native communities, strengthen cultures, and support health today. Over the next few months, we'll spotlight Indigenous food sovereignty efforts and explore how traditional foods help strengthen personal health, culture, and community. Follow along as we explore the benefits of Native foods, spotlight Indigenous food experts and community food programs, and share traditional recipes and stories that honor the knowledge and traditions passed down through generations, helping keep our relatives healthy, connected, and rooted in culture.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Mission 403 pilot program, launched this year under the VA MISSION Act, brings medical residents into rural and underserved communities to deliver accessible, high-quality care. This video highlights the IHS Shiprock and Chinle Service Units, where University of New Mexico family medicine residents and University of Utah internal medicine/pediatrics residents completed rotations, delivering primary care to Navajo Nation community members, including veterans: https://lnkd.in/eW-FfrBe

Last chance to apply to join a network of providers committed to improving care for elders! Applications for the 2026 Indian Health Geriatric Scholars Program are due by July 7. The program is open to physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists in IHS, Tribal, and urban Indian health programs. Participants build elder care skills, complete a mentored project, and connect with a peer network. Apply today! https://lnkd.in/egXQa3jK

Today's virtual information session has been canceled. We apologize for the short notice and any inconvenience. The next session will take place on July 30. Register here to learn more about our Sanitation Facilities Construction Program and career opportunities at IHS: bit.ly/4kNy7JE

Starting in 20 minutes: https://lnkd.in/euU4iwPi

Tomorrow at 10:00 am ET, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will hold a nomination hearing to consider Mark Cruz to be the Director of the Indian Health Service. Watch live: https://lnkd.in/ec_dTRzv

Join us in July for the Clinical Dementia Nurse Training Series. Nurses play a key role in improving early detection and long-term care and support for American Indian and Alaska Native people experiencing changes in cognitive function. The new Clinical Dementia Training Series offers practical, skills-focused webinars with tools to strengthen your practice and continuing education credits for nurses. Register today: bit.ly/4qMG03i

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures across Indian Country! Thank you for the love, guidance, and support you provide to your families and communities. As we celebrate Father's Day during Men's Health Month, it's also a reminder that taking care of your own health is one of the most important gifts you can give your loved ones. Regular checkups, preventive screenings, physical activity, and healthy habits can help you stay strong and present for the people who depend on you.

This week, Deputy Director Benjamin Smith, Office of Clinical and Preventive Services Acting Director Dr. Vijay Kannan, and other IHS staff participated in a productive visit to Portland, Oregon, hosted by the IHS Portland Area Office, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, Inc. (NARA), the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, and the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence at OHSU (NNACoE). Following meetings with university leadership, Smith and Dr. Kannan delivered a lecture on “Empowering the Next Generation of Health Leaders in Indian Country” and engaged in a discussion with attendees. NARA Northwest also welcomed IHS staff to its River House site for a fireside chat and reception. A highlight of the visit was learning about NNACoE’s innovative efforts to recruit, support, and graduate American Indian and Alaska Native health professionals. Conversations with current medical students underscored the importance of investing in future leaders. Throughout the visit, partnership, collaboration, and shared commitment to improving health outcomes in Tribal communities remained central themes.

On Tuesday, IHS Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton participated in a panel on “Bridging Gaps in Indian Country: Law, Policy, and Health Equity” at the Sovereignty Symposium, hosted by the Oklahoma City University School of Law in Oklahoma City. Discussions highlighted how health equity in Indian Country extends beyond clinical care and is deeply influenced by Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and a Tribal nations’ ability to design solutions that meet the needs of their communities. The panel explored how law, policy, research, and health systems intersect to shape health outcomes, the critical role of Tribal sovereignty, the federal trust responsibility, and self-determination in health policy decisions.