Oklahoma City Area Indian Health Service

08/21/2026

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced today that the U.S. Senate has confirmed, and President Donald Trump signed the Commission for, Mark Cruz, a citizen of the Klamath Tribes, to serve a four-year term as director of the Indian Health Service. Cruz becomes the federal agency's 12th Senate-confirmed director, filling a leadership position that had remained vacant since January 2025.

“I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Kennedy for their trust in me and appreciate the U.S. Senate’s confirmation. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve American Indian and Alaska Native communities as the new director of the Indian Health Service,” said Cruz. “I look forward to working closely with Tribal leaders, urban Indian organizations, our dedicated workforce, and partners across Indian Country to strengthen Tribal consultation, improve access to high-quality, culturally appropriate healthcare, hire health professionals our communities need, and modernize the Indian health system.”

Read more at: https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-welcomes-mark-cruz-confirmed-director-indian-health-service.html

08/21/2026

Open to the Public: Oklahoma City IHS Area Office 701 Market Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73114

08/12/2026

Calling all Native men ages 18 and older! Join Oklahoma City Indian Clinic for Man vs. Wild on Tuesday, September 29, for a day of outdoor activities, health education, and connection at Shiloh Adventure Camp.

Participants will enjoy fishing, archery, arrow making, pickleball, horseshoes, Native cooking, and health education sessions. Plus, every attendee will receive a t-shirt, water bottle, hat, and leather work gloves, and you'll have the chance to win outdoor gear and other raffle prizes.

Registration is required. To sign up or learn more, call (405) 948-4900 ext. 698. or go to OKCIC.com/events. Registration is due by September 15th to guarantee a shirt. We hope you'll join us for a day of learning, fellowship, and time outdoors.

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07/31/2026

05/06/2026

Happy Nurses Day and Nurses Week to all the incredible nursing staff across the Indian health system! Your compassion, care, and dedication continue to make a difference in the lives of the patients, families, and communities you serve. We are grateful for all that you do, today and every day.

05/05/2026

Today is recognized as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day. This is a day to help remember and honor our Indigenous relatives who have gone missing or were murdered, and a day to raise awareness to offer prevention efforts within our communities. Join us in wearing red today to help raise awareness to support an end to this crisis.

IHS, Tribal, and urban Indian organization programs are working to build a holistic and comprehensive health care approach to care for patients following violent crimes. Read more in the IHS Blog: https://www.ihs.gov/newsroom/ihs-blog/may-2026-blogs/building-a-holistic-health-care-approach-at-ihs-during-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-persons-awareness-day/

04/07/2026

During National Public Health Week, we honor the dedicated individuals across the Indian health system who show up each day with a deep commitment to the health and well-being of our Tribal communities.

Much of their work happens behind the scenes, yet its impact is felt in countless ways. Public health is more than a profession—it’s a shared responsibility grounded in prevention, education, advocacy, and a One Health approach that recognizes the connection between people, animals, and the environment—helping to build healthier futures for generations to come.

From addressing urgent health needs to promoting wellness and expanding access to care, their efforts strengthen communities every day. Thank you for your continued dedication to this vital work.

03/27/2026

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among AI/AN people and the second leading cause of cancer death. Colorectal cancer often has no signs or symptoms in its early stages. Screening and early detection are important to treatment and changing the statistics for our future generations. Did you know there are multiple screening options?



https://americanindiancancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/colorectal-cancer-signs-symptoms.pdf

https://americanindiancancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/whic-colorectal-screening-is-right-for-me.png

03/18/2026

Blue Beads day is TOMORROW, March 19th! Wear your favorite blue clothing or beadwork to support AICAF's campaign during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and pledge to get screened to change colorectal cancer in Indian Country!