Indian Health Service

06/05/2026

Please join us in recognizing Evangelyn “Angel” Castagna, who is departing the Indian Health Service after 14 years of dedicated service and commitment to improving the health and well-being of American Indians and Alaska Natives. We wish her success as she pursues a new opportunity in continued service to Tribal communities in Alaska.

Throughout her distinguished IHS career, Castagna held increasingly significant leadership roles, serving as Director for the Office of Tribal Programs, Agency Lead Negotiator, and the Alaska Area Director. In each position, she brought strategic vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to advancing government-to-government relationships between IHS and Tribal nations. As Alaska Area Director, she led one of the nation’s most distinctive and expansive health care delivery systems, supporting 228 federally recognized Tribes through a comprehensive health care network.

Reflecting on her transition, Angel shared, “I strongly believe in the mission and vision and know that the work to bring needed health care to all Alaska Native and American Indian people will continue. I am excited for this new adventure with the Alaska Native Health Board and to continue to advocate for the highest quality health care.”

Her dedication has made a lasting impact on the agency, her colleagues, and the communities we serve. While we will miss her daily presence and leadership, we are grateful that her work on behalf of American Indian and Alaska Native communities will continue.

06/04/2026

New Funding Opportunity – Now Accepting Applications!

The IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention is inviting applications for Phase 2 funding of the IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4). This funding opportunity is designed to expand and enhance food security initiatives in Native communities by supporting partnerships between health care providers and food systems.

P4 focuses on increasing access to fruits, vegetables, and traditional foods, improving nutrition, encouraging healthier eating habits, and supporting overall well-being. Application materials can be found at https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362483, and proposals must be submitted by June 22.

06/03/2026

Advance your skills and support your community! There’s still time to apply for the 2026 Indian Health Geriatric Scholars Program. GeriScholars build skills to support elder care, complete a mentored project, and learn alongside peers from IHS, Tribal, and urban Indian health programs.

Applications close on July 7: bit.ly/4nAksXN

06/03/2026

—many can experience emotional distress, like anxiety, constant worrying & trouble sleeping, after a traumatic event. If you or someone you know is struggling with , help is available.

💙 Help yourself & share to help others samhsa.gov/find-help

06/02/2026

Join us this week for the new Clinical Dementia Training webinar series for primary care providers. Primary care teams are the first point of contact for evaluating cognitive concerns, diagnosing dementia, and guiding ongoing care for American Indian and Alaska Native people experiencing changes in memory and thinking.

The three-part series offers practical, skills-focused training designed to strengthen dementia care. CME is available, and participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions.

Register today: bit.ly/4uNt5Ra

06/02/2026

Extreme heat can strain the body and lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke—especially when your body can’t cool itself. Know the signs and take action early. Learn more: http://heat.gov

06/01/2026

The IHS and Haskell Indian Nations University, in partnership with the Haskell Indian Health Center, have signed a landmark agreement to support the construction of a new, state-of-the-art health care facility on Haskell’s campus in Lawrence, Kansas. This collaboration will strengthen health care access for the Lawrence community while creating expanded educational and workforce training opportunities for Native students.

“For generations, Haskell has helped develop Native leaders who strengthen their communities and serve this country,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy. “My father visited Haskell in 1968 because he understood the importance of investing in Native students and Tribal communities. This partnership carries that mission forward by expanding access to health care, strengthening Tribal health systems, and preparing the next generation of Native health professionals.”

Read more: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/haskell-indian-nations-university-and-indian-health-service-sign-landmark-agreement

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Education

06/01/2026

While sacred to***co is important for prayer, healing, and ceremony, commercial to***co is harmful to our health. American Indians and Alaska Natives who want help to quit commercial to***co can enroll in SmokefreeNATIVE – a free mobile messaging tool with tips, advice, and encouragement to quit. Text “NATIVE” to 47848 or visit https://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/text-programs/quit-for-good/smokefreenative to get started today.

On , know the facts: there are more than 7,000 chemicals in commercial to***co smoke.

Learn more about to***co, e-cigarettes and va**ng, and take the first step toward quitting or supporting others: samhsa.gov/substance-use/learn/to***co-va**ng

05/29/2026

Today, the IHS recognizes former Director Michael Weahkee, who is retiring after 28 years of federal service. An enrolled member of the Zuni Tribe and retired Rear Admiral with the U.S. Public Health Service, Weahkee led the agency as principal deputy director from 2017-2020 before being confirmed by the Senate as the 10th IHS director. He recently served as the deputy director for the Phoenix Area Indian Health Service and is the former CEO of the Phoenix Indian Medical Center.

Weahkee’s leadership has been defined by compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of Native people. His lifelong connection to the IHS, as both a patient and a leader, brought a unique perspective and heartfelt dedication to every role he served.

As director, Weahkee helped lead important efforts that strengthened the IHS mission and advanced meaningful progress across the agency. He oversaw the development and implementation of a new five-year strategic plan, the first in more than a decade, and pushed the IHS to address longstanding oversight recommendations from the Government Accountability Office and HHS Office of Inspector General. He also established a new Office of Quality at IHS headquarters to bolster accountability and oversight across area offices and service units.

Under Weahkee’s leadership in 2018, IHS launched the Health Information Technology Modernization Program, a long-term initiative designed to modernize the agency’s enterprise health IT system and provide clinicians with tools to deliver high-quality health care through a modern platform. He also led the IHS through the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, earning him the honor of being named Health Leader of the Year by the Commissioned Officers Association in 2021.

Throughout his distinguished career, Weahkee earned the respect of colleagues, Tribal communities, and partners nationwide through his visionary leadership, humility, and service-driven approach. His many accomplishments and honors reflect the lasting impact he has made on public health and Indian Country. We thank Weahkee for his decades of service and leadership and wish him all the best in a well-earned retirement.

05/29/2026

In our latest Health Information Technology Modernization Program video, clinicians share how PATH EHR will support patient-centered, efficient, and user-friendly care across Indian Country. Watch the video now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8lBmAdFgJU