Indian Health Service

06/01/2026

The IHS and Haskell Indian Nations University, in partnership with the Haskell Indian Health Center, have signed a landmark agreement to support the construction of a new, state-of-the-art health care facility on Haskell’s campus in Lawrence, Kansas. This collaboration will strengthen health care access for the Lawrence community while creating expanded educational and workforce training opportunities for Native students.

“For generations, Haskell has helped develop Native leaders who strengthen their communities and serve this country,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy. “My father visited Haskell in 1968 because he understood the importance of investing in Native students and Tribal communities. This partnership carries that mission forward by expanding access to health care, strengthening Tribal health systems, and preparing the next generation of Native health professionals.”

Read more: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/haskell-indian-nations-university-and-indian-health-service-sign-landmark-agreement

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Education

06/01/2026

While sacred to***co is important for prayer, healing, and ceremony, commercial to***co is harmful to our health. American Indians and Alaska Natives who want help to quit commercial to***co can enroll in SmokefreeNATIVE – a free mobile messaging tool with tips, advice, and encouragement to quit. Text “NATIVE” to 47848 or visit https://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/text-programs/quit-for-good/smokefreenative to get started today.

On , know the facts: there are more than 7,000 chemicals in commercial to***co smoke.

Learn more about to***co, e-cigarettes and va**ng, and take the first step toward quitting or supporting others: samhsa.gov/substance-use/learn/to***co-va**ng

05/29/2026

Today, the IHS recognizes former Director Michael Weahkee, who is retiring after 28 years of federal service. An enrolled member of the Zuni Tribe and retired Rear Admiral with the U.S. Public Health Service, Weahkee led the agency as principal deputy director from 2017-2020 before being confirmed by the Senate as the 10th IHS director. He recently served as the deputy director for the Phoenix Area Indian Health Service and is the former CEO of the Phoenix Indian Medical Center.

Weahkee’s leadership has been defined by compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of Native people. His lifelong connection to the IHS, as both a patient and a leader, brought a unique perspective and heartfelt dedication to every role he served.

As director, Weahkee helped lead important efforts that strengthened the IHS mission and advanced meaningful progress across the agency. He oversaw the development and implementation of a new five-year strategic plan, the first in more than a decade, and pushed the IHS to address longstanding oversight recommendations from the Government Accountability Office and HHS Office of Inspector General. He also established a new Office of Quality at IHS headquarters to bolster accountability and oversight across area offices and service units.

Under Weahkee’s leadership in 2018, IHS launched the Health Information Technology Modernization Program, a long-term initiative designed to modernize the agency’s enterprise health IT system and provide clinicians with tools to deliver high-quality health care through a modern platform. He also led the IHS through the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, earning him the honor of being named Health Leader of the Year by the Commissioned Officers Association in 2021.

Throughout his distinguished career, Weahkee earned the respect of colleagues, Tribal communities, and partners nationwide through his visionary leadership, humility, and service-driven approach. His many accomplishments and honors reflect the lasting impact he has made on public health and Indian Country. We thank Weahkee for his decades of service and leadership and wish him all the best in a well-earned retirement.

05/29/2026

In our latest Health Information Technology Modernization Program video, clinicians share how PATH EHR will support patient-centered, efficient, and user-friendly care across Indian Country. Watch the video now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8lBmAdFgJU

05/28/2026

Supporting someone living with a serious mental illness starts with understanding. Learning about mental health conditions can help you respond with empathy and confidence. Learn more: samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/facts

05/27/2026

In April, IHS leadership visited the Ak-Chin Indian Community in Maricopa, Arizona, to see the area where their new 60,000 square-foot health care facility will be constructed. Last year, the Tribe was selected as one of seven recipients for new or expanded health care facilities through the IHS Joint Venture Construction Program. The project is expected to be completed by 2027. The Tribe is also in the process of constructing a 16,000 square-foot mixed use facility for health care, which includes a dialysis center and office space for future expansion.

Read more about the importance of Tribal self-governance and how the Ak-Chin Indian Community is "taking care of their own":

The Ak-Chin Indian Community is the latest Arizona tribe to use a federal law to take over managing its own health care for its members

05/26/2026

Do you want to make a difference for elders in your community? Applications are now open for the 2026 Indian Health Geriatric Scholars Program. This program helps health care providers build skills to care for elders in their communities. Participants take a geriatrics board review course, complete a mentored project, and connect with peers.

Apply by July 7: https://www.ihs.gov/alzheimers/pilotsandinitiatives/gerischolars/gerischolarsfunding2026/

05/26/2026

The 2026 IHS National Dental Challenges Course brought together new dentists and dental health aide therapists from Tribal, urban, and IHS programs to strengthen key concepts and standards of care across IHS dental programs.

Held in Phoenix, Arizona, the course provided hands-on learning and professional development opportunities for providers with fewer than five years of experience with IHS. Programs like this help strengthen oral health services across our communities.

Learn more: https://www.ihs.gov/dentistry/

05/25/2026

The IHS wishes everyone a safe and healthy Memorial Day. As you spend time with family and friends, we encourage you to pause and remember the true meaning of this day: honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, asking nothing in return. This includes American Indian and Alaska Native veterans, who have proudly served in every major conflict, often at higher rates than other ethnic groups.

Today, we honor the enduring legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect Tribal nations, communities, and the United States.

05/21/2026

Good news! Congress has reauthorized Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) funding at $200 million for fiscal year 2026, representing an increase of $41 million above the previous year. Congress has also provided $50 million for the first three months of FY 2027, extending authorization through December 31, 2026.

The IHS will also award administrative supplements to the current 310 SDPI grant recipients for calendar year 2026. These will be 25% of each recipient's annual grant award amount and will be distributed in the next few weeks. These efforts reflect the continued recognition of the significant impact that SDPI has had in improving diabetes prevention and treatment outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

The IHS is planning to conduct Tribal consultation and urban confer regarding the use of additional SDPI funds. We remain committed to supporting efforts to address diabetes-related health disparities in Indian Country.

Learn more about SDPI and its impact: https://www.ihs.gov/sdpi/

Dear Tribal Leader and Urban Indian Organization Leader Letter:https://www.ihs.gov/sites/newsroom/themes/responsive2017/display_objects/documents/2026_Letters/DTLL_DUIOLL_05212026.pdf