IHS Blog

IHS National E3 Vaccine Strategy Launches Pilot Community Development Project

May 8, 2024
by Dr. Loretta Christensen, MBA, MSJ, FACS, IHS Chief Medical Officer

In November 2022, I announced the IHS National E3 Vaccine Strategy to ensure that we offer every patient at every encounter every recommended vaccine, when appropriate. Vaccination is our agency’s clinical and public health prevention priority, as we work to mitigate the risks of vaccine-preventable ... Continue reading

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Take Action. Save a Life: Fentanyl Awareness Day

May 6, 2024
by Cassandra Allen, Public Health Advisor, Indian Health Service

May 7 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day, a day for individuals to stand united against overdose and overdose deaths as a result of fentanyl.

Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Due to its potency, very small amounts can damage the brain and lead to overdose or overdose death. ... Continue reading

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Outlining the Intersection between Health Care and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

May 2, 2024
by Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services

To my fellow colleagues – violence is and will remain a health care issue. Alarmingly, an average of 40 percent of women involved in sex trafficking are identified as American Indian and Alaska Native. The unfortunate health consequences for those engaged in sex trafficking include rape, unwanted ... Continue reading

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Power to Protect: National Infant Immunization Week

April 22, 2024
by Elise Balzer, Public Health Advisor in the Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, Office of Public Health Support

National Infant Immunization Week is a yearly observance, highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. This year, NIIW is from April 22 - 29. During this time, and throughout the year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ... Continue reading

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Building Strength in Community for National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April 17, 2024
by Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P, Forensic Nurse Consultant, Division of Nursing Services

During April, we highlight and recognize the importance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Prevention of child abuse and maltreatment is not singular. It takes the collective strength, motivation, and connection of entire communities nationwide to drive change.

According to the Administration ... Continue reading