Key Accomplishments and Future Plans Highlighted by IHS Report

By Isaac White.

In a series of strategic developments, the Indian Health Service (IHS) has initiated several major programs and received significant funding allocations aimed at improving the health services provided to American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

These initiatives cover a broad spectrum of healthcare and infrastructure improvements, including the historic acquisition of advance appropriations, the launch of a national sexually transmitted infection (STI) initiative, increased funding for diabetes prevention and treatment, and advancements in health information technology (IT) infrastructure.

For the first time, IHS received advance appropriations for the fiscal year 2024, marking a significant shift in funding procedures. This change allows for a portion of the agency’s budget to be available at the beginning of the fiscal year, enhancing the stability and predictability of funding for health services across Indian Country.

Addressing public health concerns, IHS unveiled a comprehensive STI initiative in response to the increasing rates of infections within tribal communities. Spearheaded by IHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen, the program introduces a toolkit comprising updated STI treatment guidelines, resources for community and patient education, and strategies for effective testing and prevention. This initiative aims to curb the spread of infections, including HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, through targeted outreach and education.

In tackling the prevalent issue of diabetes among American Indian and Alaska Native populations, IHS announced additional funding opportunities for 2024 through the Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention. This initiative focuses on enhancing diabetes treatment and prevention programs, reflecting the agency’s ongoing commitment to mitigating the impact of this chronic condition on affected communities.

Significant progress has been made in modernizing the health IT infrastructure within IHS facilities. Following an extensive evaluation process, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. was selected to deploy an enterprise electronic health record (EHR) solution using Oracle Health technology. This decision is part of a broader effort to improve health records management and patient care across the IHS network.

In legal and advisory capacities, IHS contributed to the Not Invisible Act Commission’s development of recommendations aimed at addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. This involvement is part of a wider federal effort to enhance safety and justice for Indigenous communities.

The IHS has also focused on economic empowerment through its procurement practices, notably exceeding its goals under the Buy Indian Act. This achievement highlights the agency’s commitment to supporting Native-owned businesses by prioritizing them in its procurement processes.

Infrastructure improvements have been a priority, with the IHS reporting progress on sanitation facility projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation. This includes surpassing goals for the Construction Document Phase of water and sewer projects, a critical step towards addressing infrastructure deficiencies in tribal communities.

Moreover, the IHS has engaged in partnerships to broaden its impact, such as the Memorandum of Understanding with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society to promote STEM opportunities in Indian Country. Additionally, a new Reimbursement Agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs has been finalized to ensure American Indian and Alaska Native veterans have access to necessary health care services.

These initiatives by the IHS represent a multifaceted approach to addressing the unique health care needs and challenges faced by American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Through strategic funding, public health initiatives, and infrastructure improvements, the agency aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of health services across Indian Country.