Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service (IHS) provides a comprehensive health services delivery system for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) with opportunity for maximum Tribal involvement in developing and managing programs to meet their health needs. The mission of the IHS, in partnership with AI/AN people, is to raise their physical, mental, social, and spiritual health to the highest level. The IHS goal is to ensure that comprehensive, culturally acceptable personal and public health services are available and accessible to all AI/AN people. The IHS mission and goal are based on its foundation to uphold the Federal Government’s obligation to promote healthy AI/AN people, communities, and cultures, and to honor and protect the inherent sovereign rights of Tribes.
In order to carry out its mission, attain its goal, and uphold its foundation, the IHS:
- Assists Tribes in developing their health programs through activities such as health management training, technical assistance, and human resource development;
- Assists Tribes in coordinating health planning, in obtaining and using health resources available through Federal, State, and local programs, and in operating comprehensive health care services and health programs.
- Provides comprehensive health care services, including hospital and ambulatory medical care, preventive and rehabilitative services, and development of community sanitation facilities.
- Serves as the principal Federal advocate in the health field for Indians to ensure comprehensive health services for Indian people.
Visit the Indian Health Service.
