The Indian Health Service is conducting a review of all of its area offices in response to management concerns at the Aberdeen area, Director Yvette Roubideaux said.

The Aberdeen area was the subject of a critical Senate Indian Affairs Committee report. Roubideaux said the agency is taking steps to address numerous problems, such as lengthy paid leaves and background checks for employees.

Additionally, all areas of the IHS are being reviewed to ensure they aren't experiencing the same issues as Aberdeen. "We just finished the Albuquerque area, and we're doing the Billings area next," Roubideaux told The Rapid City Journal. "We are taking the report very seriously."

Tribal leaders in the Aberdeen area say services are faltering.

Get the Story:
Head of IHS cites progress after critical report (The Rapid City Journal 3/25)

Related Stories:
Director of IHS in South Dakota for tribal consultation session (3/24)
Editorial: Stop paying lip service and address problems at IHS (3/23)