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 Tribal Self-Governance Planning Cooperative Agreement Program supports tribes in the planning phase of self-governance related to health care program administration. It focuses on legal and budgetary research, internal tribal government planning, and organizational preparation. With each grant valued at approximately $180,000 for a one-year duration, the program anticipates issuing about five awards. The planning phase supported by this grant is essential for tribes to make informed decisions about assuming control over programs, services, functions, and activities, and to prepare for the successful transfer of these responsibilities from the Indian Health Service (IHS) to tribal health programs.