Great Plains Area Indian Health Service

02/09/2025

Last week, Acting Director Benjamin Smith accompanied Mark Cruz, senior advisor to Secretary Kennedy, and Matthew Buzzelli, chief of staff for the CDC, on a visit to Rapid City and Rosebud, South Dakota.

The trip included a site visit to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe where they met with the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council and toured the IHS Rosebud Hospital that is currently undergoing renovations to better serve the community.

02/09/2025

02/09/2025

Native American youth in Sacramento, who feel disconnected from their culture, use powwow traditions to find identity and heal historical wounds.

02/09/2025

This week is —a time to remember lives lost to overdose, raise awareness, and act. Learn more about preventing and ending overdose and find resources to help those affected: samhsa.gov/end-overdose

02/09/2025

On August 11, the Navajo Area Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Education, Navajo Region, signed a memorandum of agreement to enhance prevention efforts and improve the health of Navajo children. The MOA brings the two entities together to provide behavioral health, medical care, health promotion, and prevention services across 31 Navajo Bureau-operated school locations. It expands access to services for children who may not otherwise receive the health care they need. This is monumental as it is the first agreement established between IHS and BIE. Thanks to everyone involved for your dedication and persistence in improving access to health care services for Navajo children and their families.

02/09/2025

If you’re looking for resources for mental health or substance use challenges, help is available.

Help yourself & share to help others: samhsa.gov/find-help

11/06/2025

Today is World No To***co Day. 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!

11/06/2025

National Cancer Survivors Day, observed on the first Sunday in June, is a time to honor and celebrate cancer survivors who have achieved amazing milestones, support those undergoing treatment, recognize those who have provided care, and take a moment to remember those who have passed away.

Cancer affects many individuals and families across the country, and American Indian and Alaska Native people continue to experience higher rates of several types of cancer. Early screening, education, and community outreach are essential tools for improving outcomes and saving lives.

As we reflect on the journey of cancer survivors, let’s continue to raise awareness about symptoms, screening guidelines, family health history, and preventive care.

11/06/2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 Indian Health Geriatric Scholars Program! GeriScholars build geriatrics expertise and improve elder care in their own communities. Successful applicants will complete an intensive geriatrics board review course, lead a mentored improvement project, and connect with a peer support network. Learn more and apply by July 7: https://bit.ly/4krmUgz

11/06/2025

Meeting Status: Scheduled Hearing Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 1:30 PM Location: Capitol Complex, 2008 RHOB, Washington, DC, 20515, USA Witnesses Mr. Benjamin SmithActing Director, Indian Health ServiceWitness BiographyWitness Statement Ms. Jillian CurtisDirector, Office of Finance and Accounting,...