National Indian Health Board

On Native American Heritage Day, and as we close out Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate the cultures, teachings, and innovation that have shaped generations. NIHB is honored to work alongside Tribal Nations as they advance wellness, protect communities, and strengthen public health systems, and we remain dedicated to supporting Tribal-driven public health solutions and promoting healthier futures for all of Indian Country.

November is National Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness and honor the work Tribal communities are doing to prevent and manage diabetes. The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) continues to strengthen this effort - supporting prevention programs, expanding access to care, and improving outcomes across Indian Country. As we recognize this progress, we’re also reminding policymakers that continued, and long-term, funding for SDPI is essential to protecting Tribal health. #HealthyNativeCommunities #NativesLeadPublicHealth

#DYK if you get care at an IHS or Tribal facility, you can still use your Medicare benefits! Medicare and Indian Health Services work together to support your care. Work with a trusted Tribal Enrollment Assister to get the right plan for you. #GetCovered #MarketplaceOE #HealthyNativeCommunities #NativesLeadPublicHealth

This week, #NIHB staff were in Seattle for the National Congress of American Indians annual convention! It was a busy week of presentations and committee meetings that we rounded out by joining American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) to host an event that brought together over 80 Tribal leaders and Tribal health advocates from across Indian Country. Our CEO also joined up with Native Organizers Alliance to speak at their annual training nearby. Now it's back to DC to finish off the year strong (and get over our jet lag too) 🤩 #NIHBinAction #HealthyNativeCommunities #NativesLeadPublicHealth

#RedShawlDay is a reminder that the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people is not only an issue of justice – it’s a public health emergency. Today, we honor those who are missing and those we’ve lost, and we stand with the families, advocates, and Tribal Nations demanding justice, lasting change, and stronger protections for women, girls, and Two-Spirit people across Indian Country. Show your support by wearing red, sharing stories, and spreading awareness using #RedShawlDay.

Join #NIHB later this week for two different #NAHM webinars highlighting Tribal-led solutions in public health, data, and climate resilience: - At 2:00pm, we’re hosting a joint webinar with HIMSS on Tribal Data Modernization, where we’ll be discussing how Tribal Nations are strengthening data systems, modernizing infrastructure, and improving public health decision-making. - At 4:00pm, we’ll be hosting a Food Sovereignty and Climate Resilience webinar, where we’ll hear how Tribal communities are advancing food systems, natural resources management, and climate adaptation. Both sessions are free and open to Tribal health professionals, program staff, community partners, and those interested in learning more about both topics! Register for the 2pm session at https://bit.ly/49gEscR. Register for the 4pm session at https://bit.ly/47HvPH5. #HealthyNativeCommunities #NativesLeadPublicHealth #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth

Earlier this week, Congress passed a short-term funding bill, officially ending the longest government shutdown in US history. This Continuing Resolution ensures that the Indian Health Service (IHS), and key health programs like SDPI, will keep operating at last year’s funding levels through January 2026. However, critical funding remains at risk. The Enhanced Premium Tax Credits are set to expire at the end of 2025, which could increase health insurance costs for Tribal citizens and reduce resources for Tribal health programs. Swipe to learn what’s included in the agreement, and what comes next for Tribal health. For a more detailed breakdown, visit nihb.org/blog.

Today, we honor the courage and sacrifice of all who have served - especially the generations of Native Veterans whose service reflects a profound commitment to their homelands and communities. From the Revolutionary War to today’s front lines, American Indians and Alaska Natives have served at some of the highest rates of any group, guided by deep cultural values of honor, community, and duty. This #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, we celebrate their strength, resilience, and the lasting impact they’ve made on our Nation’s story.

#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth is not just about celebration—it’s about visibility and education. Did you know Tribal Nations operate more than 600 public health programs across the U.S.? Each one reflects unique community values and traditions. According to PHICCS II, these programs reach hundreds of Tribal communities nationwide, addressing priorities like behavioral health, chronic disease prevention, and injury prevention. Swipe to see more ways Tribal Health Organizations are improving health in Indian Country.

As we celebrate #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, #NIHB honors the traditions that connect us, the stories that strengthen us, and the vision of a future rooted in health, equity, and respect for all Tribal Nations. May this month remind us of the importance of cultural preservation, community wellbeing, and collective healing across Indian Country. #CultureIsMedicine #CommunityIsHealing #HealthyNativeCommunities #NativesLeadPublicHealth #NAHM2025