The Indian Health Service (IHS) aims to elevate the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. Its mission encompasses a commitment to improving health management capabilities and services within Tribal communities, emphasizing public health functions and resilience building.
The grant program aims to enhance the capacity of Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations to execute core Public Health functions, services, and activities. It seeks to improve Public Health management capabilities within these communities. A key goal is to strengthen community resilience and widen access to the 10 Essential Public Health Services (EPHS), promoting a fair and just opportunity for optimal health and well-being among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. This effort includes adhering to the updated EPHS framework, which emphasizes equity and serves as a foundational guide for public health practice, including monitoring health status and diagnosing health problems within the community. This initiative aligns with the HHS Healthy People initiative's focus on enhancing Public Health Infrastructure to ensure essential public health services are effectively provided.