Podcasts about Indian Health Service

Tribal leaders are among those raising concerns about the stability of local mental health and substance abuse services. That’s after a temporary major cut in federal funding last week, as Chuck Quirmbach reports. The White House announced roughly $2 billion in cuts to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The government said the money no longer aligned with President Donald Trump’s public health agenda. Then, about 24 hours later, and without explanation, the grants were restored. The HoChunk Nation is one of about 2,000 organizations that would have lost funding. HoChunk President Jon Greendeer says last week’s cuts, had they held, would have been on top of other reductions announced a year ago, that were only partly restored. “Those never came back on line completely. Especially those who work closely with the program.” Greendeer says the Indian Health Service has also lost staff nationwide. He says the uncertainty not only harms Indigenous communities, which he calls America’s most vulnerable populations. “It is dealing with the most vulnerable populations within a vulnerable population. We are working on mental health issues, we are working with addiction, domestic abuse and all the, you know, social determinants of health.” Greendeer says overall, the HoChunk Nation is providing a good level of services, but only after greater partnering with the state of Wisconsin and some nearby counties. The question for some organizations is whether the Trump administration will try again sometime to make major cuts in federal dollars. (Courtesy Sitting Bull College) Indigenous students and families are concerned about rising costs as the U.S. Department of Education resumes wage garnishment for federal student loans in default. The Mountain West News Bureau's Daniel Spaulding has more. The Department of Education started to send notices to borrowers whose loans have gone unpaid for more than nine months. Employers can withhold up to 15% of disposable income without a court order. This policy may hit Indigenous communities especially hard. Higher education analysts say that about 40% of Native borrowers default on their federal loans, and many carry balances longer after graduation than other groups. Nez Perce tribal member Sienna Reuben, who graduated from the University of Idaho in 2021, says wage garnishment adds another financial burden to Native families already stretched thin. “I feel like student loans obviously come last because are you eating them? Are they feeding you? Are they housing you? Are they doing any of this stuff?” Reuben also says that Indigenous alumni often have the additional responsibility of supporting family members. The Ketchikan Indian Community is one of over a dozen tribal governments that have signed onto the new alliance. (Photo: Michael Fanelli/KRBD) More than a dozen tribal governments have formed the Alliance of Sovereign Tribes of Southeast Alaska. KRBD’s Hunter Morrison reports. The new partnership promotes a unified approach to addressing regional tribal concerns while acknowledging each tribe's individual differences. Gloria Burns is the president of the Ketchikan Indian Community. She says the new partnership has already improved communication between the region's tribes. “And as we communicate, we're going to partner with each other, and when we partner with each other, then we're creating real movement and change with each other.” Albert Smith is the mayor of the Metlakatla Indian Community, the only reservation in Alaska. He says there has not been an established partnership of Southeast Alaska tribes in more than 20 years. “The importance is just tribes helping tribes, working together for a common goal of the betterment of our region, and Indigenous peoples of our region.” Other tribal governments in the alliance include the Craig Tribal Association, the Organized Village of Kake, and the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out the latest episode of Native America Calling Tuesday, January 20, 2026 – Tribes see increasing urgency to confront flooding threat

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs will hold an oversight hearing titled "Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service." Witnesses Panel one Mr. Benjamin Smith Deputy Director U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, D.C. The Honorable Chuck Hoskin Jr. Principal Chief Cherokee Nation Tahlequah, Oklahoma The Honorable Greg Abrahamson Chairman Spokane Tribe of Indians Wellpinit, Washington Mr. Jay Spaan Executive Director Self-Governance Communication & Education Tribal Consortium (SGCETC) Tulsa, Oklahoma The Honorable Victoria Kitcheyan Council Member Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Winnebago, Nebraska Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=418497 Committee Documents: https://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=118725

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs will hold an oversight hearing titled "Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service." Witnesses Panel one Mr. Benjamin Smith Deputy Director U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, D.C. The Honorable Chuck Hoskin Jr. Principal Chief Cherokee Nation Tahlequah, Oklahoma The Honorable Greg Abrahamson Chairman Spokane Tribe of Indians Wellpinit, Washington Mr. Jay Spaan Executive Director Self-Governance Communication & Education Tribal Consortium (SGCETC) Tulsa, Oklahoma The Honorable Victoria Kitcheyan Council Member Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Winnebago, Nebraska Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=418497 Committee Documents: https://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=118725

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs will hold an oversight hearing titled "Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service." Witnesses Panel one Mr. Benjamin Smith Deputy Director U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, D.C. The Honorable Chuck Hoskin Jr. Principal Chief Cherokee Nation Tahlequah, Oklahoma The Honorable Greg Abrahamson Chairman Spokane Tribe of Indians Wellpinit, Washington Mr. Jay Spaan Executive Director Self-Governance Communication & Education Tribal Consortium (SGCETC) Tulsa, Oklahoma The Honorable Victoria Kitcheyan Council Member Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Winnebago, Nebraska Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=418497 Committee Documents: https://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=118725

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs will hold an oversight hearing titled "Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service." Witnesses Panel one Mr. Benjamin Smith Deputy Director U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, D.C. The Honorable Chuck Hoskin Jr. Principal Chief Cherokee Nation Tahlequah, Oklahoma The Honorable Greg Abrahamson Chairman Spokane Tribe of Indians Wellpinit, Washington Mr. Jay Spaan Executive Director Self-Governance Communication & Education Tribal Consortium (SGCETC) Tulsa, Oklahoma The Honorable Victoria Kitcheyan Council Member Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Winnebago, Nebraska Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=418497 Committee Documents: https://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=118725

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs will hold an oversight hearing titled "Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service." Witnesses Panel one Mr. Benjamin Smith Deputy Director U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, D.C. The Honorable Chuck Hoskin Jr. Principal Chief Cherokee Nation Tahlequah, Oklahoma The Honorable Greg Abrahamson Chairman Spokane Tribe of Indians Wellpinit, Washington Mr. Jay Spaan Executive Director Self-Governance Communication & Education Tribal Consortium (SGCETC) Tulsa, Oklahoma The Honorable Victoria Kitcheyan Council Member Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Winnebago, Nebraska Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=418497 Committee Documents: https://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=118725

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs will hold an oversight hearing titled "Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service." Witnesses Panel one Mr. Benjamin Smith Deputy Director U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, D.C. The Honorable Chuck Hoskin Jr. Principal Chief Cherokee Nation Tahlequah, Oklahoma The Honorable Greg Abrahamson Chairman Spokane Tribe of Indians Wellpinit, Washington Mr. Jay Spaan Executive Director Self-Governance Communication & Education Tribal Consortium (SGCETC) Tulsa, Oklahoma The Honorable Victoria Kitcheyan Council Member Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Winnebago, Nebraska Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=418497 Committee Documents: https://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=118725

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs will hold an oversight hearing titled "Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service." Witnesses Panel one Mr. Benjamin Smith Deputy Director U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, D.C. The Honorable Chuck Hoskin Jr. Principal Chief Cherokee Nation Tahlequah, Oklahoma The Honorable Greg Abrahamson Chairman Spokane Tribe of Indians Wellpinit, Washington Mr. Jay Spaan Executive Director Self-Governance Communication & Education Tribal Consortium (SGCETC) Tulsa, Oklahoma The Honorable Victoria Kitcheyan Council Member Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Winnebago, Nebraska Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=418497 Committee Documents: https://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=118725

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs will hold an oversight hearing titled "Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service." Witnesses Panel one Mr. Benjamin Smith Deputy Director U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, D.C. The Honorable Chuck Hoskin Jr. Principal Chief Cherokee Nation Tahlequah, Oklahoma The Honorable Greg Abrahamson Chairman Spokane Tribe of Indians Wellpinit, Washington Mr. Jay Spaan Executive Director Self-Governance Communication & Education Tribal Consortium (SGCETC) Tulsa, Oklahoma The Honorable Victoria Kitcheyan Council Member Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Winnebago, Nebraska Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=418497 Committee Documents: https://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=118725

The federal government has a trust responsibility to fund Indigenous health care. But the Indian Health Service (IHS) has long been underfunded by it.June Zhao, an assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health, said she learned about this issue in conversation with leadership at an IHS clinic in the state. They shared how limited financial resources result in challenges with hiring staff and maintaining facilities. This has impacted their ability to provide health care.She decided she wanted to help address this fundamental problem.StateImpact's Jillian Taylor and KOSU's Sarah Liese spoke with Zhao about her recent research, which explores a solution that could help increase and sustain IHS funding.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

The State Election Board says all political parties are closing their primaries for two years.Tulsa is getting ready to celebrate 100 years of Route 66.A researcher identifies solutions to underfunding at Indian Health Services.You can find the KOSU Daily wherever you get your podcasts, you can also subscribe, rate us and leave a comment.You can keep up to date on all the latest news throughout the day at KOSU.org and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Tik Tok and Instagram at KOSU Radio.This is The KOSU Daily, Oklahoma news, every weekday.

Last month, reporter Mary Hudetz published a story with nonprofit newsroom ProPublica that unearthed a new system of censorship within the federal Indian Health Service. Hudetz spoke to doctors and other public health experts to try and figure out why the department has essentially gone dark over the past year when it comes to messaging about vaccines. Executive Producer Jeff Proctor sat down with Hudetz to talk about what she found and consider how these new actions might impact Native communities.Correspondent: Jeff ProctorGuest: Mary Hudetz (Apsaalooke/Crow), Investigative Reporter, ProPublica  Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guest: Mary Hudetz (Apsaalooke/Crow), Investigative Reporter, ProPublica  

Show Summarywith Lesa Shaw, an experienced Indigenous consultant and community leader with more than 30 years of service across Tribal, federal, state, and municipal sectors. Lesa and I talk about PsychArmor's effort to develop training materials through their effort supporting Native American and Alaska Native Veterans and Service Members. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestLesa Shaw is a tribal leader, public-health consultant, and advocate dedicated to improving health outcomes for Native and Tribal communities, especially Native American veterans. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Oklahoma. Over her career, Lesa has held multiple roles across federal, state, tribal, and local government. She has served as a contracting officer and practice manager with the Indian Health Service, worked as a health-policy analyst for tribes, and served as a municipal-level elected official in the city of Shawnee at the request of the central tribes. In tribal service, Lesa has worked to bridge cultural traditions and modern health policy — advocating for culturally respectful care that honors tribal identity and heritage while addressing systemic inequalities in access to care. More recently, she has been part of the advisory committee of PsychArmor 's Native American & Alaska Native Veterans Health & Wellness initiative — helping guide efforts to make veteran care more culturally informed and supportive of Native and Tribal peoples. Lesa remains deeply committed to amplifying the voices of Native veterans and their families, building trust between tribal communities and federal care systems, and laying the groundwork for long-term, culturally grounded health equity.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeBTM214 – Dr. Melita “Chepa” RankBTM 220 – CSM(R) Julia KellyBTM222 – Dean DauphinaisPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course course Understanding the VA for Caregivers. This course helps caregivers navigate and better utilize the services of the VA – the largest integrated healthcare system in the country. The content for this course was developed collaboratively with a working group of various VA Departments. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/understanding-the-va-for-caregivers-2 Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Ben Smith, the acting director of the Indian Health Service, addresses the National Congress of American Indians on November 21, 2025. Smith is a citizen of the Navajo Nation. He is a career employee of the IHS, previously serving as deputy director of the agency, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services. Smith spoke at NCAI's 82nd annual convention in Seattle, Washington.

Drs. Jensen and Richey welcome Dr. Rikesh (Ricky) Patel to Dean's Chat! Rikesh A. Patel, DPM, AACFAS has joined the Indian Health Service in Winslow, Arizona, where he provides advanced foot and ankle care to the community. This episoded is sponsored by the American Podiatric Medical Association! A graduate of Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. Patel recently completed an advanced foot & ankle fellowship with the Northwest Illinois Foot & Ankle Foundation and previously practiced with the Ankle & Foot Center of Central Florida. He is a fellowship-trained foot & ankle surgeon committed to helping patients regain mobility through innovative surgical and nonsurgical treatments. Follow him on social media as "Pretty Ricky"!

Rural medicine, Indian Health Service, MD advocacy, and so much more

Women make up half the population, but their rights have always been treated like a special request. In this episode we dive into the real history of women's rights in America: from forced sterilizations and credit card restrictions to the myth of the 19th Amendment being a universal win. We exposes how progress has always come with an asterisk and why women's rights are the ultimate test of any democracy.The Original Setup: Eve, the Apple, and the Birth of BlameVotes for Some: The Long Road to Women's SuffrageRights on Paper, Fights in Practice: A Tour Through Women's HistoryThe Mother of Gynecology - and the Daughters Who Paid the PriceSterilized and Silenced: When Reproductive Rights Were't Yours'Til Regret Do us Part: Marriage, Divorce and the Trap of ForeverMusic by Loghan LongoriaFollow us on instagram: Sergio Novoa My Limited View PodResources & ReferencesThe Bible & Eve• Augustine, On the Good of Marriage — Early church writings framing women as morally weaker.• Tertullian, On the Apparel of Women — One of the first texts blaming Eve for humanity's downfall.Women's Suffrage• National Archives: 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution• Library of Congress: Frederick Douglass's support at Seneca Falls, 1848.• Alexander Keyssar, The Right to Vote: The Contested History of Democracy in the United States.Voting Rights & Racial Exclusion• U.S. Department of Justice: Voting Rights Act of 1965• Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 (National Archives).• Mae Ngai, Impossible Subjects: Illegal Aliens and the Making of Modern America.Workplace & Economic Rights• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Equal Pay Act of 1963• U.S. Department of Labor: Civil Rights Act Title VII• U.S. Department of Education: Title IX Overview• Federal Reserve: History of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act• Congressional Research Service: Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988.Reproductive Rights• Supreme Court: Roe v. Wade (1973).• Congressional Record: The Hyde Amendment (1976).• Supreme Court: Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022).Medicine & Exploitation• Harriet A. Washington, Medical Apartheid.• Journal of Medical Ethics: Reproductive Surgery and the Enslaved Body: The Case of J. Marion Sims.Forced Sterilization• Supreme Court: Buck v. Bell (1927).• Paul Lombardo, Three Generations, No Imbeciles.• Dorothy Roberts, Killing the Black Body.• Alexandra Minna Stern, Eugenic Nation.• Madrigal v. Quilligan case (Los Angeles, 1978).• Jane Lawrence, “The Indian Health Service and the Sterilization of Native American Women,” American Indian Quarterly (2000).Marriage, Divorce & Domestic Rights• California Family Law Act of 1969 — first no-fault divorce law.• Andrew Cherlin, Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage.• U.S. Department of Justice: Violence Against Women Act of 1994.

Dr. Carole Keim welcomes pediatric dentist Dr. Ian Kott, DDS, to The Baby Manual to talk about children's oral hygiene, everything from brushing teeth to weaning kids off pacifiers. Dr. Kott explains when a child's first dental visit should happen and what to expect from it, and gives tips on how to start brushing children's teeth as soon as the teeth appear. Dr. Keim and Dr. Kott discuss cavity prevention, the importance of discouraging thumb sucking and pacifiers, and when to consider discontinuing bedtime bottle use. Dr. Kott explains that training toothpaste is useful, even when it doesn't contain fluoride, because it teaches children the aspect of teeth brushing that involves spitting. He shares tips on how to make teeth brushing easier or more fun for children who fight it. The causes of cavities in kids are from anything that is a fermentable carbohydrate: milk, juice, and even breast milk, once a child is on solid food. One of the reasons to wean children off nighttime bottles of formula is to prevent tooth decay from the fermentable carbohydrate staying on their teeth too long, but also because pacifiers, bottles, and thumb sucking all change the swallowing patterns and shape of the palate in children over the age of two. There is a vast amount of very helpful practical advice, knowledge, and information about pediatric dental care contained in this episode.   Dr. Ian Kott, DDS:Originally from Michigan, Dr. Kott received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan in 1999. As a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Public Health Service, Dr. Kott has completed several tours of duty as Senior Dental Officer in the United States Coast Guard and as Deputy Chief Clinic Administrator with the Indian Health Service, all stationed in Alaska. After gaining a variety of valuable experiences in general dentistry, Dr. Kott felt compelled to specialize in treating children. He completed his Postgraduate Residency in Pediatric Dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston in 2009. Dr. Kott is married with two young sons.__ Resources discussed in this episode:The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on AmazonThe Baby Manual is also available on Amazon__Contact Dr. Carole Keim, MDlinktree | tiktok | instagramContact Dr. Ian Kott, DDSwebsite | linkedin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Oversight Hearing titled “Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act Successes and Opportunities at the Department of the Interior and the Indian Health Service” Date: September 17, 2025 Time: 2:30 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 Witnesses Mr. Kennis Bellmard Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Economic Development U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, DC Mr. Benjamin Smith Acting Director, Indian Health Service U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, DC The Honorable Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. Principal Chief Cherokee Nation Tahlequah, Oklahoma Mr. Victor Joseph Executive Director Tanana Tribal Council Tanana, Alaska Mr. Jay Spaan Executive Director Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium Tulsa, Oklahoma Committee Notice: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/oversight-hearing-entitled-indian-self-determination-and-education-assistance-act-successes-and-opportunities-at-the-department-of-the-interior-and-the-indian-health-service/

Simon and Julie join John for a powerful discussion honoring the late Graham Greene, reflecting on his legacy as an actor, mentor, and champion for Native voices. They also discuss the government's $18 million payout to victims of Dr. Stanley Patrick Weber (Non-Indigenous), a former Indian Health Service doctor who sexually abused Native boys for years. Callers share their heartfelt reactions, stories, and reflections.Julie's latest Substack is a moving tribute to Graham Greene. Here is the link https://open.substack.com/pub/juliefrancella/p/graham-greene-was-everyones-uncle?r=1u83jb&utm_medium=iosSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Armand Harpin, Director of Federal Healthcare at IMEG, joins this episode to discuss the firm's extensive work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense Health Agency (DHA), and Indian Health Services. Under Armand's leadership, IMEG has been ranked the top Veterans Affairs engineering firm by BD+C Magazine.   “We serve the VA across probably 75 percent of the campuses throughout the country,” Armand says. These projects span a range of services, from facility condition assessments and master planning to infrastructure upgrades like boiler and chiller plants. “We've also spent a great deal of time over the last few years and are still involved in electronic health record projects for the VA,” Armand adds.   For most of the firm's federal healthcare projects, IMEG collaborates closely with more than 20 service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses—partnerships that are extremely valued. “It's a real pleasure to support those architectural and AE firms,” says Armand. On larger projects, those $100 million and above, the firm partners with national AEC firms across the country.   Armand says the federal healthcare market is currently experiencing a transitional period, with shake-ups in leadership within the VA's Office of Construction and Facilities Management (OCFM). “They've lost their senior director, they've lost a good portion of their associate directors, and so they're in the process of rebuilding,” he says. This comes as the VA continues to face major issues with its building stock; most VA facilities are 50 to 60 years old, creating significant operational challenges. “It's becoming more and more difficult... to provide for today's healthcare needs,” Armand says. Some major campuses, he adds, are being “decanted,” with their services being moved to leased, community-based outpatient clinics in more population-dense areas. “That's called ‘commercialization,' and it's been a critical piece for bringing services and positive outcomes to veterans in underserved areas.”   Speed and efficiency in project delivery have become top priorities, with Armand citing increased use of design-build and integrated delivery approaches to accelerate project timelines. One such example is a $600 million healthcare center project in El Paso, Texas, currently being executed by IMEG in partnership with Clark Construction.   Armand has been involved in the federal healthcare market for many years and his work in the sector hits close to home. “My brother served in the Air Force. My father served as a Marine... and passed away in the VA hospital in San Diego,” he says. “This is an incredibly personal mission.”   His passion also dovetails with IMEG's stated purpose to create positive outcomes for people, communities, and the planet.   “It's a mission of stewardship, of accountability, and trying to provide the healthcare outcomes that VA and active military patients need,” he says.

Simon and Julie join John for another segment of We're Still Here. They dig into a disturbing new report revealing that Trump-era officials pushed to remove books on slavery, Native history, and even George Washington from national park gift shops, all in the name of “patriotism.”Then they turn to Arkansas, where a whites-only settlement is quietly building a “fortress for the white race” under the banner of “returning to the land.” Yes, it's 2025. No, you didn't misread that.But it's not all grim news: the House has approved $8.4 billion for the Indian Health Service, with advance appropriations that could offer much-needed stability for Native healthcare—if it survives the political storm ahead.They unpack all of it with humor, fire, and a healthy dose of listener calls.Simon Moya-Smith - instagram.com/simonsaidtakeapic threads.com/@simonsaidtakeapicJulie's Substack “The Fire I Keep” https://substack.com/@juliefrancella?r=1u83jb&utm_medium=iosCheck out Julie's artwork on her website - juliefrancella.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Simon and Julie went live with John to explore powerful stories from Indian Country. They covered the Miccosukee Tribe's lawsuit over “Alligator Alcatraz”; reflected on 80 years since the U.S. detonated the first nuclear bomb on stolen Mescalero Apache land; and discussed how Medicaid cuts threaten Native healthcare. They also highlighted the water crisis on reservations, where half of households still lack reliable clean water. Listeners called in to share their stories—one even asked about burning sage (smudging) at an Indian Health Services clinic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the spending bill just signed by President Donald Trump will increase the number of people without health insurance by 16 million over the next ten years. The $1.1 trillion cuts to Medicaid will also affect Native Americans who rely on it to pay for health care through the Indian Health Service and threatens rural hospitals with a high rate of Medicaid-dependent patients. The new spending plan also substantially reduces the number of people who will collect food assistance through the federal government. We'll get insights on what these numbers mean for Native Americans who disproportionately rely on these two federal government programs. We'll also find out about the significance of the new Indigenous head of Mexico's Supreme Court. GUESTS A.C. Locklear (Lumbee), CEO of National Indian Health Board Aaron Payment (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), tribal councilman and former chairperson for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Kelli Case (Chickasaw), senior staff attorney for the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative Gaspar Rivera-Salgado (Mixteco), director for the UCLA Center for Mexican Studies

The Indian Health Service (IHS) remains largely misunderstood by those not directly connected to it, and often derided as a bureaucratic and confusing system by those who are. IHS marks its 70th anniversary, providing care to all Native citizens. Of course, the agency's history is also documented in the hundreds of treaties over almost 200 years in which the U.S. Government explicitly signed on to its responsibility. We'll trace the history of IHS from the first immunizations to Public Law 638, and chart its future amid a major reassessment of federal government services.

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Legislative Hearing on H.R. 411, H.R. 2916, H.R. 3620 & H.R. 3670 Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 411 (Rep. Bergman), “Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claim Settlement Act of 2025” H.R. 2916 (Rep. Stefanik), To authorize, ratify, and confirm the Agreement of Settlement and Compromise to Resolve the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim in the State of New York, and for other purposes H.R. 3620 (Rep. Begich), “Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act of 2025” H.R. 3670 (Rep. Stansbury), “IHS Provider Expansion Act” More on Indianz.Com: https://indianz.com/News/2025/06/10/house-subcommittee-on-indian-and-insular-affairs-schedules-hearing-on-four-bills/

This week on The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, breaks down two major stories: sweeping proposed cuts to key federal health agencies in the 2026 U.S. budget, and a new national partnership between GHLF and Walgreens aimed at improving care for chronic skin conditions. Steven explains what’s at stake, how advocacy can influence policy decisions, and why pharmacists are essential allies in supporting skin health. Among the highlights in this episode: 00:34: Steven breaks down the proposed 26% cut to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including a 40% cut to NIH and 44% to CDC 01:00: Steven explains the impact of these cuts on medical research, vaccine surveillance, and chronic disease care 01:56: Steven discusses how Indian Health Services and HRSA programs would also be severely reduced, putting vulnerable populations at further risk 02:43: Steven emphasizes that this is a proposed budget and not a done deal—public advocacy still has power 03:10: Steven urges listeners to contact their members of Congress and help make budget policy personal for patients 03:40: The episode pivots to good news: GHLF’s new campaign with Walgreens: Your Skin, Your Health: How Pharmacists Help You Take Control To watch the videos from the campaign and explore more resources from GHLF and Walgreens, visit: https://linktr.ee/YourSkinYourHealth 03:58: Steven introduces the campaign’s focus on empowering patients with HS, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia through pharmacist guidance 04:28: Steven explains why pharmacists are ideal allies in chronic skin care—offering support from symptom recognition to navigating insurance 05:01: Steven outlines how the campaign will reach millions across GHLF and Walgreens channels, with weekly videos and actionable resources 05:40: He reflects on why this campaign matters: for many patients, it provides long-overdue validation and support from trusted professionals Contact Our Host Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Budget Hearing – Indian Health Service Meeting Status: Scheduled Hearing Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 1:30 PM Location: Capitol Complex, 2008 RHOB, Washington, DC, 20515, USA Witnesses Mr. Benjamin Smith Acting Director, Indian Health Service Ms. Jillian Curtis Director, Office of Finance and Accounting, Indian Health Service Committee Notice: https://appropriations.house.gov/schedule/hearings/budget-hearing-indian-health-service

The Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative (TMC) live-streamed this seminar from the annual Practice & Presence gathering at Duke Divinity School on September 23rd, 2022. Brian Volck was interviewed by TMC Faculty member Dr. Martha Carlough for this conversation, entitled "The Art of Living as Creatures." Dr. Volck is a pediatrician and writer with an MD from Washington University in St. Louis and an MFA in creative nonfiction from Seattle Pacific University. He has provided pediatric care at an Indian Health Service hospital on the Navajo Reservation, at an inner-city community health center in Kentucky, rural clinics in Honduras, a storefront pediatric office, a university-affiliated combined internal medicine-pediatrics teaching practice, and a major teaching hospital. He currently divides his time working in Cincinnati as a pediatric hospitalist, the Navajo Reservation as a pediatrician and writer, and Baltimore, Maryland, where he lives.

Dr. Molly Fuentes is medical director at the inpatient rehabilitation unit at the Seattle Children's Hospital. Dr. Fuentes is an assistant professor of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Medicine. She also is a pediatric physiatrist. She completed her undergraduate degree at Stanford University and is a graduate of the School of Medicine at the University of Michigan. She completed her residency at the University of Washington and later completed a pediatric fellowship at the Seattle Children's Hospital. She then completed a research fellowship in pediatric injury at the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center at the University of Washington. She is the medical director at the inpatient rehabilitation unit at the Seattle Children's Hospital.   Part 2 She indicated that the Indian Health Service per capita receives half of what Medicaid receives. Treaty-bound trusts for providing health care are chronically underfunded. The Indian Health Service operates under a funding cap, which is annually appropriated. In contrast, Medicare and Medicaid are entitlement programs. She then returned to looking back at the injury-equity framework. She wanted to dive into the pre-event phase factors for native children and teens. An example pertains to motor vehicle injuries. Tribal sovereignty means that tribal laws are what is important to safety on reservations roads, e.g., speed limits and seat belt use. She described various programs that aim to improve safety on tribal roads. She then discussed the post-event phase involving rehabilitation and the golden hour that affects health outcomes. Where native people mostly reside in the U.S., there are fewer trauma centers. A related topic is models of access to health care services. The acceptability of these services by patients is a key element in the quality of health care provided.  High rates of health uninsurance affect this population negatively.

More than a fifth of Indigenous Oklahomans are counted by the U.S. Census Bureau as uninsured – including those who solely use the Indian Health Service as health care coverage. For some, having no insurance can be costly.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

The 2023 FBI Internet Crime Report reveals that nearly 21% of ransomware attacks targeted the healthcare and public health sectors—making them the top victims.   This week on Feds At The Edge, we explore how agencies can defend against these growing threats.   Benjamin Koshy, Chief Information Security Officer and Director, Division of Information Security of Indian Health Service, explains the unique identity management challenge in healthcare: balancing open patient access with strict data protection.  Keith Busby, Acting CISO at CMS, outlines how to go beyond Zero Trust with real-world risk assessments and robust incident response plans - not just a three-ring binder gathering dust on a shelf.  And Alec Lizanetz, Identity Protection Specialist from CrowdStrike, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing threats and using frameworks like CISA's to respond efficiently.   Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform today to hear practical, high-impact strategies to secure critical systems and protect patient care, perfect for healthcare leaders who must protect both data and lives.      

Today, Dr. Katie Burden-Greer, founder of Outlaw Medical, highlights her unique path from her rural Oklahoma roots through her comprehensive medical education and training, which included a residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. She discusses her choice to establish a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice on the Muskogee or Creek Nation Reservation. Despite access to Indian Health Services, Outlaw Medical is building stronger physician-patient relationships and overcoming the access challenges posed by IHS. Already, Dr. Burden-Greer's patient panel is composed of over 20% Native People. Dr. Burden-Greer shares compelling stories from her journey, insights into her practice, and her motivations, including a deep connection to her community. The episode also touches on broader issues in healthcare accessibility and the impact of the DPC model in a rural setting.Hint Summit @ Rosetta Fest 2025! Take $50 off your RosettaFest 2025 registration through May 31st with code HINT50. Register HERE! The DPC Directory: If you're a DPC doctor, you'll find resources to grow your practice! If you serve the DPC world, grab a FREE listing today and get discovered by doctors who need your services.

Think of a mother living in a remote village in Alaska. It's a cold morning, temperatures well below freezing, and she needs urgent medical care for her child—but there's no road connecting her village to any hospital. Her only hope is a plane or a boat, neither of which might arrive in time. Across America, thousands of Native Americans face similar hurdles every day—lack of access to basic healthcare, clean water, and enough nutrition. This is not a challenge of the distant past; it's happening today, in the wealthiest country in the world. I first met Roselyn Tso at last year's Rosenman Symposium, where her talk left a profound impression on me. Her insights into the healthcare barriers that tribal communities face struck a deep chord, highlighting an urgent issue that many of us rarely think about. Stepping forward to tackle these issues head-on is Roselyn, a proud Navajo Nation citizen who has dedicated her life to improving healthcare for American Indians and Alaska Natives. As Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) from 2022 to 2025, Roselyn managed healthcare delivery to approximately 2.8 million individuals, becoming the first Navajo citizen and second woman to ever hold this role. Her career spans more than four decades, each day driven by a deep personal commitment shaped by her own upbringing on the Navajo reservation. Roselyn believes real solutions require more than just medicine—they demand community engagement, cultural sensitivity, and innovation. Under her leadership, Indian Health Service championed initiatives addressing food insecurity, transportation challenges, and infrastructure gaps, fundamentally reshaping what healthcare means in tribal communities. In our conversation, Roselyn shares her powerful personal journey, the realities faced by Native communities, and her visionary approach to leadership and collaboration. She offers compelling insights into the systemic changes needed to make healthcare truly equitable and effective. Do you have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@rosenmaninstitute.org.

Loma Linda University's ethical care for the San Manuel tribe contrasted with the U.S. government's forced sterilizations, fostered a long-term relationship of trust. This culminated in a $25 million gift from the tribe in gratitude for the university's compassionate service.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. is overseeing an unprecedented cut of nearly a quarter of the department's staff, drawing widespread concerns about possible adverse affects for thousands of Native Americans who depend on those services. Everything from bill processing to testing and research to prevent lead contamination in children could be constricted. At the same time, Sec. Kennedy successfully reversed Elon Musk's termination of 900 Indian Health Service employees by the Department of Government Efficiency. Kennedy is also reaching out to tribes and maintaining contact through the department's Tribal Self Governance Advisory Committee. We'll look at the latest word on what some of the potential effects of the federal actions are on Native health and health care. GUESTS A.C. Locklear (Lumbee), CEO of the National Indian Health Board Kristen Bitsuie (Navajo), tribal health care outreach and education policy manager for the National Indian Health Board Kim Russell (Navajo), policy advisor for Sage Memorial Hospital

The Department of Health and Human Services underwent an unprecedented purge this week, as thousands of employees from the National Institutes of Health, the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other agencies were fired, placed on administrative leave, or offered transfers to far-flung Indian Health Service facilities. Altogether, the layoffs mean the federal government, in a single day, shed hundreds if not thousands of combined years of health and science expertise. Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, Rachel Cohrs Zhang of Bloomberg News, and Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss this enormous breaking story and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews KFF Health News' Julie Appleby, who reported and wrote the latest “Bill of the Month” feature about a short-term health plan and a very expensive colonoscopy. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: Stat's “Uber for Nursing Is Here — And It's Not Good for Patients or Nurses,” by Katie J. Wells and Funda Ustek Spilda. Sarah Karlin-Smith: MSNBC's “Florida Considers Easing Child Labor Laws After Pushing Out Immigrants,” by Ja'han Jones. Lauren Weber: The Atlantic's “Miscarriage and Motherhood,” by Ashley Parker. Rachel Cohrs Zhang: The Wall Street Journal's “FDA Punts on Major Covid-19 Vaccine Decision After Ouster of Top Official,” by Liz Essley White. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textThe transformative power of lived experience drives Monique Allen's mission to revolutionize healthcare access for Native American communities. As a woman who defied doctors' predictions that she wouldn't survive past age 12, Monique has channeled her personal health journey into founding Ma'at Enterprises, a tribally-owned healthcare staffing company serving Indian Health Service facilities nationwide.Named after the Egyptian concept representing truth, balance, and justice, Ma'at embodies Monique's servant leadership philosophy. Her connection to this work deepened upon discovering her own Native American heritage through her mother's tribal connections in Oklahoma, bridging her healthcare expertise with a profound understanding of tribal communities' needs and historical challenges.What sets Ma'at Enterprises apart is Monique's nuanced approach to partnership. Rather than imposing solutions, she builds trust by respecting tribal sovereignty and ensuring communities maintain ownership of their healthcare journey. This stands in stark contrast to broken promises that have characterized much of the historical relationship between government agencies and Native Nations. As Monique powerfully states, "We are not just trying to colonize your data... we want to partner with you."The innovative services Ma'at provides extend beyond traditional staffing to include partnerships with Hospitals Without Borders for rapidly deployable modular clinics, telehealth solutions for remote communities, and connections to cutting-edge diagnostic technologies. These approaches address the stark reality that in 2025, many tribal reservations still lack basic infrastructure like clean water and reliable internet access.Guided by her faith and commitment to authentic service, Monique carefully vets potential collaborations to ensure alignment with Ma'at's mission. Her goal is clear: to become a trusted resource for Native American communities by proving reliability through demonstrated action rather than empty promises. Through this work, she's not just delivering healthcare services – she's helping to heal historical wounds while building pathways to a healthier future for Indigenous communities across America.Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!

Minnesota has seen a drop in money available for a new budget and could face an even larger projected shortfall down the road. The Department of Management and Budget says lawmakers have just $456 million available for setting the next two-year budget — about 25 percent worse than before.U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar are pressing federal agencies for answers regarding the potential termination of the Bemidji Area Indian Health Service's lease.Those stories and more in Thursday's afternoon update.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.Minnesota's budget situation worsens in the near and long term with possible deficit growingKlobuchar, Smith call for answers about potential Indian Health Service office lease terminationSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Business Meeting to consider several bills Date: March 5, 2025 Time: 2:30 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 H.R.165, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to complete all actions necessary for certain lands to be held in restricted fee status by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe S.105, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to complete all actions necessary for certain lands to be held in restricted fee status by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe S.240, To amend the Crow Tribal Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 S.241, To provide for the settlement of the water rights claims of the Fort Belknap Indian Community S.390, To require Federal law enforcement agencies to report on cases of missing or murdered Indians S.546, To amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to make a technical correction to the water rights settlement for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation S.550, To provide for the equitable settlement of certain Indian land disputes regarding land in Illinois S.562, To approve the settlement of water rights claims of the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna in the Rio San José Stream System and the Pueblos of Jemez and Zia in the Rio Jemez Stream System in the State of New Mexico S.563, To approve the settlement of water rights claims of Ohkay Owingeh in the Rio Chama Stream System, to restore the Bosque on Pueblo Land in the State of New Mexico S.564, To approve the settlement of water rights claims of the Zuni Indian Tribe in the Zuni River Stream System in the State of New Mexico, to protect the Zuni Salt Lake S.565, To approve the settlement of water rights claims of the Navajo Nation in the Rio San José Stream System in the State of New Mexico S.612, To amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations S.620, To provide public health veterinary services to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations for rabies prevention S.621, To accept the request to revoke the charter of incorporation of the Lower Sioux Indian Community in the State of Minnesota at the request of that Community S.622, To amend the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act to provide for the transfer of additional Federal land to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe S.632, To amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to allow Indian Health Service scholarship and loan recipients to fulfill service obligations through half time clinical practice S.637, To amend the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act to make improvements to that Act S.640, To make a technical correction to the Navajo Nation Water Resources Development Trust Fund, to make technical corrections to the Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund and Aamodt Settlement Pueblos' Fund S.642, To provide compensation to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community for the taking without just compensation of land by the United States inside the exterior boundaries of the L'Anse Indian Reservation that were guaranteed to the Community under a treaty signed in 1854 S.673, To amend the Miccosukee Reserved Area Act to authorize the expansion of the Miccosukee Reserved Area and to carry out activities to protect structures within the Osceola Camp from flooding S.689, To approve the settlement of the water right claims of the Tule River Tribe S.719, To amend the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 to improve that Act S.723, To require the Bureau of Indian Affairs to process and complete all mortgage packages associated with residential and business mortgages on Indian land by certain deadlines S.748, To reaffirm the applicability of the Indian Reorganization Act to the Lytton Rancheria of California S.761, To establish the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States More on Indianz.Com: https://wp.me/pcoJ7g-w6g

The current flu season is the worst in 15 years in terms of doctor's visits. Tuberculosis cases are rising. On the horizon is a possible bird flu outbreak that is already affecting millions of livestock birds and it's starting to make the jump to humans. This is all happening with the backdrop of lapsed information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, confirmation of a federal health secretary who openly expressed skepticism about vaccines, and unprecedented cuts in the works for the Indian Health Service. We'll get a gauge of the current threats to the health of Native Americans. GUESTS Dean Seneca (Seneca), CEO and founder of Seneca Scientific Solutions+ Katherine Minthorn (Umatilla), an owner of Rez Chicks Co-Op Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma (Samoan), director general of Samoa's Health Ministry Chanda Hesson, nurse consultant for the State of Alaska's section of epidemiology and the lead nurse consultant for the Alaska Department of Health's tuberculosis team Dr. Robert Belknap, executive director of the Public Health Institute at Denver Health

  Indian Health Service director could become an assistant secretary   Murkowski seeks to ensure tribes during federal funding uncertainty   Whale of a Good Time: ANSEP celebrates 30th anniversary with students  

One possible change to Medicaid being floated in Congress right now includes a $2.3 trillion cut over the next 10 years. Other potential changes include adding certain work requirements and shifting costs and distribution of Medicaid funds to states, which have no trust obligations to tribes. As it is, Medicaid provides direct support to at least one million Native Americans. It's also one of the secondary sources that help provide health care through the Indian Health Service. Advocates are bracing for changes as they continue to make the case for the program's life-and-death importance in Indian Country. GUESTS Dr. Damian Chase-Begay (Mandan and Arikara), associate research professor of public health at the University of Montana Kristen Bitsuie (Navajo), tribal health care outreach and education policy manager for the National Indian Health Board Nanette Star (Choctaw descendant), director of policy and planning at the California Consortium of Urban Indian Health Winn Davis, congressional relations director at the National Indian Health Board

According to recent government reporting, Native Americans have medical debt that is double the national average. That’s despite the fact that the federal government is under a legal and moral obligation to provide healthcare to registered members of federally recognized tribes. In many cases, the debt stems from medical care the Indian Health Service was unable to provide but was supposed to pay for when members sought care elsewhere. The resulting debt damages credit scores and adds to health disparities that impact many indigenous communities, including high costs and poor access to care. Indigenous Affairs reporter Melanie Henshaw has been covering problems with healthcare access for InvestigateWest and joins Libby to share her reporting. Guest: Melanie Henshaw, InvestigateWest Indigenous Affairs Reporter Relevant Links: Native Americans face double the average medical debt, report finds — often for bills that aren’t their responsibility | InvestigateWest Colville tribal citizens left on the hook when Indian Health Service doesn’t pay medical bills | InvestigateWest Report lays bare stark disparities in health care outcomes for Native Americans in Washington | InvestigateWest Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roselyn Tso (Diné) spent just over two years as director of the Indian Health Service. But her career at the agency spanned more than three decades, most recently as the IHS Navajo Area Director. As her term comes to an end, we'll hear about her call to provide health care for Native Americans, food as medicine, and the immediate and long-term hurdles for IHS. We'll also get an update on efforts by IHS to head off RSV infections that are putting Native children in the hospital as much as ten times more frequently than other populations.

 In this powerful episode, we meet Alastair Lee Bitsóí from Naschitti, Navajo Nation, New Mexico, a water clan storyteller whose journey weaves together traditional Indigenous wisdom and modern advocacy. From the challenges of water access affecting one-third of Navajo households to the unexpected healing power of an ancient Four Corners potato, Alastair shares how returning to the land has become a path toward personal and community healing.

In the wake of the recent presidential election, we're revisiting one of our favorite podcast episodes from 2023 about the hurdles America's Indigenous peoples face in accessing health care. What's being done to help elder Native Americans receive culturally competent long-term care? Would it surprise you to learn that relying on the Indian Health Service may not be enough to meet their needs? Why are some members of this highly vulnerable population buying health insurance too? To find out, we spoke to Elder Billie Tohee, executive director of the Albuquerque-based National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) and former chair of the board.

Donald Trump targeted trans issues during his presidential campaign. He promised to take aim at gender-affirming care early in his upcoming term in office, including restricting federal funds for trans medical support. That could have a major effect on such care within the Indian Health Service. In addition, at least half of all states now ban gender affirming care for minors. A pending U.S. Supreme Court decision will determine the future of such care in those states. We'll gauge the direction for trans issues and find out how trans advocates are preparing both politically and personally for the next few years. GUESTS Shelby Chestnut (Assiniboine), executive director of the Transgender Law Center Dr. Itai Jeffries (Occaneechi), program director for the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board's Paths (Re)Membered Project Dr. Hannah Wenger, clinical consultant and contractor at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board's Trans and Gender Affirming Care ECHO Program and Paths (Re)Membered Project

Personal stories of pregnancy-related complications by Indigenous women are the centerpiece of a new informational campaign by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC wants to raise awareness about the high rate of pre- and post-natal complications among Native women. The effort comes just as the March of Dimes launched its own initiative to improve poor maternal care outcomes. It includes a map of "maternity care deserts", many of which are in areas with high Native populations. We'll talk about these and other efforts to improve care for pregnant Native women. GUESTS Dr. Jennifer Richards (Diné, Oglala Lakota, and Taos Pueblo), assistant professor at Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health Crystal Austin (Diné), director of external affairs for the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health Dr. Brian Thompson (citizen of the Oneida Nation), physician, obstetrician gynecologist, and member of the national board of March of Dimes Vanessa Sanchez (member of the Shoshone Bannock Tribes), mother from the HEAR HER video campaign Dr. Tina Pattara-Lau, maternal child health consultant at Indian Health Service headquarters