During Native American Heritage Month, the Indian Health Service is recognizing the contributions of federal, tribal and urban health care services and their impact across #IndianCountry. #NativeHealth #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth

On Wednesday, I met with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and toured the Reno Sparks Tribal Health Center in Nevada. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from members of the tribal council, the executive health board and health center staff about their tribal priorities & concerns.

This week, I am beginning a tour across #IndianCountry to gain a better perspective on national and regional issues affecting the tribal members served by the Indian health system. This is my way of opening the door to better communication across the agency. 1/3

The new YRTC is a place where youth can overcome their challenges and recover their lives to become healthy, strong, and resilient leaders. This demonstrates our commitment to Native youth and families by offering culturally-centered, individualized behavioral health services.

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of meeting with Rosebud and Fort Belknap tribal leadership in Mission, South Dakota. I appreciated the opportunity to meet with them, to hear their concerns, and to share information. I look forward to continuing our important relationship.

Yesterday, I visited with tribal leaders at the IHS Pine Ridge Hospital in South Dakota. I also toured the facility with Pine Ridge leadership and met with several employees to present the IHS COVID-19 Pandemic Response coin and thank them for their service during the pandemic.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit the construction site for the new Oyate Health Center, a tribally-operated health center in Rapid City, South Dakota. The center will serve Great Plains tribal members.

IHS Great Plains Area leadership joined me yesterday to meet with the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board and other Great Plains tribal leaders. Thank you to all the Great Plains leaders for sharing your time with me as we work together to serve our tribal members.

During my trip across #IndianCountry, I visited the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center in Pendleton, OR, & met with @NPAIHB this week. It has been a joy to be back in the northwest where I once served as director of the IHS Portland Area’s Office of Tribal & Service Unit Operations.

Yesterday was a very productive day! I was in Oregon meeting with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs’ Tribal Council and had the opportunity to visit the tribes’ water treatment facility.

Yesterday I visited the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in Anchorage, Alaska. They have quite an impressive health program, with Alaska Natives visiting their facility for care from across the state. We also met with Senator Lisa Murkowski, Alaska’s senior U.S. Senator.

Yesterday, I visited the Walker River Paiute Tribe and their tribal health clinic in Schurz, Nevada. I was honored to spend time with Chairman Amber Torres and hear about the amazing programs and plans in progress for the community. 1/2

On Tuesday, I visited the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe and their health clinic in Fallon, Nevada. I was honored to be welcomed by Chairwoman Cathi Tuni and the tribal council before we met with their dedicated health clinic team and toured their facility.

On Wednesday, I met with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and toured the Reno Sparks Tribal Health Center in Nevada. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from members of the tribal council, the executive health board and health center staff about their tribal priorities & concerns.