Indian Health Service

Last week, Director of Strategic Initiatives Dr. Kim Hartwig represented IHS at the “Chronic Disease of Addiction National Transformation Forum” at the White House complex in Washington, D.C. The forum brought together national leaders, health care professionals, addiction and recovery experts, policymakers, and community advocates to discuss addiction treatment, recovery and long-term care. This was part of the Great American Recovery Initiative, a national effort focused on recognizing addiction as a chronic, treatable disease and improving access to treatment and recovery support. We are proud that IHS had a voice in this important national conversation. Dr. Hartwig highlighted lessons from Indian Country and our belief that effective approaches to addiction must be community-driven, culturally grounded, and supported by evidence-based treatment. She discussed the importance of integrating addiction treatment into routine health care while recognizing culture, relationships, and community connections as essential components of healing and recovery. At IHS, we are working to expand evidence-based treatment, team-based care, and trauma-informed approaches while supporting traditional and cultural practices chosen by patients and communities. We also have much to learn from the innovative solutions already developed in Tribal communities. Our responsibility is to listen, strengthen what works, and help bring successful approaches to scale.

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, an opportunity to remember those that we have lost to overdose, walk together in the shared grief of those left behind, and commit to working together to end overdose and related impacts. Overdose affects individuals, families, and communities, and preventing it remains an important part of the Indian Health Service’s mission. Each person’s path to treatment and recovery is different, and each of us has a role in helping connect people with the care they need. Whether you complete overdose response training, carry naloxone, practice and promote safe medication storage, help connect someone to treatment, or support a person in recovery, you can play a role in preventing overdose and supporting healthier communities. Read more: https://lnkd.in/etWRvPqT

When someone has dementia, children often notice changes before they understand what is happening. They may have questions about why a parent, grandparent, or other loved one is acting differently. Clear, age-appropriate resources can help families explain dementia in ways children and teens can understand. Health care providers and programs can share these tools with families who are looking for practical ways to talk with children about Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Learn more about these resources under the Caregiver Support Resources tab: https://lnkd.in/eJjREudX

Keeping medications safely stored can help prevent accidental poisonings and protect families and communities. The IHS Lock the Bottle Pilot Program is helping expand access to secure storage for prescription medications and other high-risk items. It's one more way IHS is supporting prevention and helping make medication safety easier at home. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/eeY2QiCc

Final reminder to apply for 2026 CAReS Program funding. This opportunity offers two funding tracks to strengthen dementia care and caregiver support across the country. Up to $750,000 in first-year funding will support coordinated mini-projects, networking, success sharing, and evaluation. A second funding track offers up to $300,000 in first-year funding to develop and implement a caregiver support and training model. Learn more and apply by September 4: https://lnkd.in/eMXaHCWG

Yesterday, the IHS celebrated the retirement of California Area Director Beverly Miller and her more than three decades of dedicated service to the agency, Tribes, and the people of California. Miller began her IHS career in 1993 as a budget officer with the California Area. Over the next 33 years, she took on positions of increasing responsibility, serving as associate director for the Office of Management Support, deputy director, and ultimately area director. She leaves a legacy that reaches across virtually every aspect of the California Area and will continue to benefit Tribes and Tribal communities for years to come. Today, California has 236 Tribally operated facilities, and Title I contracts and Title V compacts have continued to expand. Her leadership helped make that growth work by improving processes and ensuring that payment and administrative systems work better for Tribal programs. Miller also helped advance major investments across California. She oversaw more than $50 million annually in 105(l) leases, representing more than 120 individual leases. During her time as area director, the California Area funded more than $237 million in Sanitation Facilities Construction projects, building partnerships not only within IHS, but also other federal agencies and the State of California. We thank Miller for 33 years of exceptional service, leadership, dedication, and commitment. She has strengthened the California Area, strengthened our relationships with Tribes, and, most importantly, improved the foundation on which we deliver health care and services to Tribal communities. Congratulations on your retirement!

Looking for an engineering career with purpose? The IHS Sanitation Facilities Construction Program hosts virtual information sessions on the last Thursday of each month, with the next session on August 27. Register today to learn more about the program, explore career opportunities, and get information to help you take the next step toward an exciting future with the Indian Health Service: bit.ly/4kNy7JE Check out our current IHS SFC job opportunities: https://lnkd.in/egVzzcPt

Across Tribal Nations, CDC partners to support health, strengthen public health systems, and advance community-driven solutions. From prevention and recovery programs to research and data systems, these efforts are grounded in respect and built on trust, guided by the strengths, traditions, and priorities of each community. By working together, we are helping to build healthier, more resilient Tribal Nations—now and for future generations. #TribalHealth

Behind many people living with dementia is a circle of family members or friends helping with daily care. Even with help, caregiving can be complex, and the needs of these caregivers can be sometimes overlooked. A recent IHS report highlights ways to strengthen caregiver support in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, including the use of Caregiver Coaches, which can help families: - Better understand dementia. - Plan for care and connect to services. - Manage safety concerns. - Build confidence in daily caregiving. These types of services and supports are already in high demand in most communities. Clinical and community health staff can take on these types of helpful roles or responsibilities. Read the full report to learn how Caregiver Coaches and other practical strategies can strengthen clinical care: https://lnkd.in/gme4cNHc

CDC partners with Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs) and Tribes to strengthen public health infrastructure across Indian Country. TECs deliver critical public health support for American Indian and Alaska Native communities through core functions such as collecting and analyzing data, identifying health priorities, conducting disease surveillance, and providing epidemiologic technical assistance to improve health systems and services. By investing in sustainable, community-driven public health systems, CDC supports healthier Tribal communities now and into the future. At CDC, we know that supporting #TribalHealth strengthens #PublicHealth for everyone. 📸 Photo Context: A traditional loom creates a vibrant geometric textile, showcasing intricate patterns and skilled craftsmanship rooted in cultural traditions.