Indian Health Service Programs

The IHS is responsible for providing a wide range of healthcare services to American Indians and Alaska Natives, including primary care, dental care, mental health services, and preventive care.

The Indian Health Service Act of 1955 established the Indian Health Service as a permanent federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Tribal governments have the authority to negotiate agreements with the IHS to determine the scope of healthcare services provided in their communities.

The Urban Indian Health Program provides comprehensive healthcare services to American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban areas, including primary care, dental care, mental health services, and preventive care.

The Indian Health Service Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing healthcare careers, such as medicine, nursing, and dentistry.

The Indian Health Service Behavioral Health Program provides mental health and substance abuse treatment services to American Indians and Alaska Natives, including individual and group therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention.

The Indian Health Service Diabetes Prevention and Control Program aims to reduce the incidence of diabetes among American Indians and Alaska Natives through prevention efforts, early detection, and comprehensive care.

The Indian Health Service Dental Program provides dental care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives, including preventive care, restorative care, and oral surgery.

The Indian Health Service Environmental Health Program aims to address environmental health hazards in Indian Country, such as air pollution, water contamination, and hazardous waste, to protect the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The Indian Health Service Home Health Program provides home and community-based care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives, such as skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

The Indian Health Service plays a critical role in coordinating emergency response efforts in Indian Country, including providing medical care and supplies, developing emergency preparedness plans, and training healthcare professionals in emergency response.

The Indian Health Service Traditional Healing Program provides traditional healing and complementary medicine services to American Indians and Alaska Natives, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and spiritual healing.

The Indian Health Service Research Program conducts research on health issues affecting American Indians and Alaska Natives, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, to improve the health and well-being of these populations.

The Indian Health Service Health Education Program provides health education and promotion services to American Indians and Alaska Natives, such as nutrition education, physical activity promotion, and tobacco cessation.

The Indian Health Service Quality Improvement Program aims to improve the quality of healthcare services provided to American Indians and Alaska Natives by promoting patient safety, satisfaction, and the implementation of evidence-based practices.