Indian Health Service

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

The IHS has awarded over $600,000 in tribal management grants to five tribes and tribal organizations as part of a competitive program to develop and improve tribal capacity to manage health programs under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The Tribal Management Grant Program is designed to prepare tribes and tribal organizations for assuming all or part of existing IHS programs, functions, services, and activities, and to further develop and improve their health management capabilities. Read more: https://bit.ly/3FzAMpM

During Patient Safety Awareness Week, we recognize the hard work, dedication, and vigilance of our health care team across Indian Country. Every day, we strive to ensure that every patient receives the safest, highest-quality care possible. Patient safety is not just a priority - it’s our responsibility. IHS is committed to identifying potential risks, preventing harm, and fostering a safety culture.

Our Alzheimer’s and Community Health Representative programs recently partnered with the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center to launch the second cohort of the CHR Mini-Cog screening pilot. The Mini-Cog is a simple, effective tool for detecting early signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The three-day training at the Phoenix Area IHS office brought together 40 participants from 20 tribal and urban communities to focus on: ? Dementia basics ? CHR roles in dementia care ? Train-the-trainer activities ? Mini-Cog? skills practice ? Strategies for engaging providers ? Local work planning Learn more about the pilot at bit.ly/4jNpPk5 and how to use Mini-Cog to strengthen care at bit.ly/3ZvzRi0.

Brain Awareness Week is a perfect time to highlight resources that advance brain health in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The International Association for Indigenous Aging’s American Indian & Alaska Native Brain Health Resource Library, developed with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tribal elders, caregivers, and community members, offers free, culturally tailored materials for providers and patients. Access these resources for your community today: https://lnkd.in/eSdAPH4m

The IHS is now accepting applications for grants under the Tribal Management Grant Program, which is designed to enhance and develop health management infrastructure and assist tribes and tribal organizations in assuming all or part of existing IHS programs, functions, services, and activities through agreements under the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act. It also assists tribes and tribal organizations with existing agreements to further develop and improve their management capabilities. Learn more and apply by April 28: https://lnkd.in/ezRr8tS9