Posted on June 01, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C.— For more than 50 years, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) has been working to improve the health of American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Now NIHB is demonstrating its commitment to global indigenous health by working to transform global understanding and efforts regarding the health of Indigenous People.
In April, NIHB addressed the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UN PFII) to support a worldwide adoption of the Indigenous Determinants of Health (IDH). The IDH report was crafted through an international collaboration of indigenous peoples from academia, Tribes and stakeholders, and indigenous serving organizations, including NIHB.
Posted on May 25, 2023
On June 2, 2023, from 2-5pm ET, the Office of Budget and Management (OMB) is holding a Tribal consultation on the to seek Tribal input and recommendations on the FY 2024 President’s Budget proposal to shift funding for the HHS Indian Health Service (IHS) from discretionary to mandatory beginning in FY 2025. Specifically, OMB is asking for input on the following topic areas:
Input on how mandatory funding for IHS should grow in the outyears, including specific feedback on the different components of the proposed mandatory formula.
Specific feedback on the highest priority programs and activities recommended for investment in the FY 2024 budget, including associated funding levels.
Specific suggestions on how the Administration can build support for enactment of this proposal.
Posted on May 19, 2023
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) is alerting the public about fraudulent activities aimed at members of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities in relation to behavioral health outpatient treatment centers (OTCs).
These schemes involve scammers who specifically target vulnerable AI/ANs by establishing phony sober living homes that claim to provide addiction treatment and support. However, these homes are actually fronts for illegal activities, posing a significant risk to individuals seeking help. In addition, Tribal members are falling victim to schemes involving trafficking and healthcare fraud. Perpetrators masquerade as healthcare providers, offering fake medical services or treatments, while simultaneously stealing personal information and medical identities. They then fraudulently bill for services that were never provided.
Posted on May 04, 2023
ANCHORAGE, AK - May 4, 2023 - Each year during the National Tribal Health Conference, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) hosts an evening to honor and recognize outstanding individuals, programs, and organizations from across Indian Country. Their service and selfless work have resulted in major contributions to improving American Indian and Alaska Native health.
The Keynote Speaker for the evening was Valerie Nurr’araluk Davidson, Yup’ik, an enrolled Tribal citizen of the Orutsararmiut Traditional Native Council in Bethel, and President and CEO of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. NIHB presented the Outstanding Service Awards at the 2023 NIHB Heroes in Health Awards Gala at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. NIHB recognized several individuals from across Indian Country in Area and Regional Impact, National Impact, Youth Leadership, and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Jake Whitecrow Award.
Posted on May 02, 2023
In coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Office of Budget and Management (OMB) is initiating a Tribal Consultation to seek input and recommendations on the FY 2024 President’s Budget proposal to shift funding for the HHS Indian Health Service (IHS) from discretionary to mandatory beginning in FY 2025. In particular, OMB is interested in Tribal views on the proposed mandatory funding formula for IHS. Under the proposed mandatory structure, IHS funding would grow automatically to address inflationary factors, key operational needs, and existing backlogs in both healthcare services and facilities. More information on the proposal can be found in the attachment (Appendix A).
This consultation will be held virtually on June 2, 2023, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM ET. Please note that feedback on the FY 2024 Budget proposal will help guide the formulation of the President’s FY 2025 Budget. OMB intends to hold a separate Tribal consultation later this year specifically to inform the FY 2025 Budget formulation process.