Indian Health Service

On National Doctors' Day, we proudly recognize the physicians across the Indian Health Service whose dedication, skill, and compassion are at the heart of our mission. At IHS, our physicians bring their purpose and commitment into every setting where care is needed. They deliver care in rural and urban areas, respond during emergencies, and show up in everyday moments, which builds trust between the provider and the patient. They meet challenges with courage, adapt to changing needs, and work tirelessly to improve health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. They are more than health care providers; they are mentors, problem-solvers, advocates, and leaders. Their commitment makes a difference every day, and we want to take this opportunity to thank them. Please join us in celebrating the doctors of IHS today and every day for their extraordinary care and the lives they touch.

On National Medical Billers Day, the IHS recognizes the extraordinary contributions of medical billers across the Indian health system. Billers’ work ensures that critical resources flow where they’re needed most – to supporting care for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. In fiscal year 2024, IHS medical billers contributed to $2.7 billion in collections. Every claim processed helps uphold the IHS mission. Billers’ expertise connects care to sustainability, making it possible for our providers to focus on healing. Thank you to our medical billers for the vital role you play in advancing our mission every day.

We are streamlining HHS to make our agency more efficient and more effective. We will eliminate an entire alphabet soup of departments, while preserving their core functions by merging them into a new organization called the Administration for a Healthy America or AHA. This overhaul will improve the health of the entire nation — to Make America Healthy Again.

Talk with your health care provider about getting checked for kidney disease, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney problems. Testing can tell you how well your kidneys are working. Get tested today and learn more at: https://lnkd.in/e58_V94E #KidneyMonth

High blood pressure is often linked to heart health, but did you know that it’s also a risk factor for dementia? Keeping blood pressure in a healthy range is important for protecting the brain. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, reduce blood flow to the brain, and increase the risk of memory loss and dementia. Talk with your health care provider about how heart and brain health are connected and how to reduce the risk for dementia. Here’s helpful information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: bit.ly/4gKkXde How providers can help: - Teach patients how managing blood pressure helps both the heart and brain. -?Share tips for healthy habits like staying active, eating well, and not smoking. -?Encourage patients to check their blood pressure regularly and follow their treatments.

Today is National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a national effort designed to encourage American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians to get educated, get tested, get involved in prevention, and get treated for HIV: https://www.nnhaad.org/. It also recognizes the impact of #HIV among Native populations by highlighting the critical work happening in communities around the country towards ending the HIV epidemic. The IHS National HIV/AIDS Program coordinates and promotes HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment activities specific to Indian Country as part of a comprehensive public health approach. Learn more and find resources and prevention tools at: https://lnkd.in/gaSTkHY #NNHAAD

?? Blue Beads Day ?? This year, it's estimated over 154,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Join our fight to end this preventable disease by wearing blue today to honor all those impacted by colorectal cancer. Wear Blue Raise awareness of colorectal cancer in Indian Country by wearing your blue beadwork all month long! Use the hashtag #BlueBeads and join the movement by posting pictures featuring blue beadwork, ribbon skirts, ribbon shirts, or any other creative expression. #BlueBeadsDay #AICAF #ScreeningSavesLives #GetBehindCRCScreening

Impaired driving remains an issue that affects Americans every day. The most effective way to stop impaired driving is to prevent it from happening in the first place. #NDAFW Here are some tips to talk with kids about drunk and drug-impaired driving: https://lnkd.in/e7etkJdd

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is an annual health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, health care providers, and community partners to help advance the science and address youth drug and alcohol use in communities and nationwide: https://lnkd.in/ehRfAxi2 This week provides an essential platform to address substance use within American and Alaska Native communities. Native populations face unique challenges and disparities related to substance use and access to treatment. NDAFW offers a powerful opportunity to educate, engage, and empower those we serve. It’s a chance to foster meaningful conversations, promote prevention, and provide resources to encourage informed decision making. Here's how you can get involved: 1. Host an event: Organize workshops, question and answer sessions, or community forums to educate youth and families about substance use. 2. Share Resources: Distribute fact sheets, posters, and online tools from trusted sources like the The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 3. Collaborate Locally: Partner with schools, community centers, or other organizations to broaden outreach. 4. Social Media: Amplify awareness by sharing posts, videos, or testimonials during NDAFW, using hashtags like #NDAFW.

The Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map for American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples has been updated to provide actionable strategies and steps for strengthening public health responses to Alzheimer's and other types of dementia in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. This comprehensive guide emphasizes determinants of health and showcases real world public health applications from various communities. Developed with input from over 200 community members and professionals, it reflects a collective effort to honor our diverse cultures. Access the updated Road Map here: bit.ly/3WtT7tW