Indian Health Service: National Indian Health, Outreach, and Education

The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to further the IHS mission and goals related to providing quality health care to the AI/AN community through outreach and education efforts with a focus on improving Indian health care, promoting aware

The IHS is committed to providing quality health care, consistent with its statutory authorities and its government-to-government relationship with each Indian Tribe. The IHS mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. To further mission success, the IHS seeks support on a national scale. The IHS serves as the principal Federal health care provider and health advocate for approximately 2.6 million American Indians and Alaska Natives from 574 federally recognized Tribes in 37 states, through a network of over 605 hospitals, clinics and health stations on or near Indian reservations and predominantly in rural locations. Tribes administer over half of the annual IHS discretionary appropriation. The IHS also enters into agreements with 41 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). These 41 UIOs are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide culturally appropriate and quality health care and referral services for Urban Indians in 22 states. The IHS seeks to collaborate with local communities, not-for-profit organizations, universities and schools, foundations, businesses, and Federal agencies. This effort will foster outreach and education addressing health policy and health program issues; broadcast educational information to all American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people; provide policy/legislative updates, advocacy, and technical assistance.

To be eligible for this funding opportunity, an applicant must be a 501(c)(3) organization that has demonstrated expertise as follows: Representing Tribal governments and providing a variety of services to Tribes, area health boards, Tribal organizations, and Federal agencies, and playing a major role in focusing attention on Indian health care needs, resulting in improved health outcomes for Tribes. Promoting and supporting health education for AI/AN people and coordinating efforts to inform AI/AN leaders of Federal decisions that affect Tribal government interests including the improvement of Indian health care. Administering national health policy and health programs. Maintaining a national AI/AN constituency and clearly supporting critical services and activities within the IHS mission of improving the quality of health care for AI/AN people. Supporting improved health care in Indian Country.

American Indians/Alaska Natives will be the ultimate beneficiaries of the funded projects either directly or indirectly depending upon the nature of the project. For example, those individuals who participate in research studies and receive services will be direct beneficiaries while those impacted by policy changes resulting from analyses of Indian health care issues will be indirect beneficiaries.

Federal assistance is to be used for the following purposes: (1) Research, analysis, and investigation of a broad range of issues affecting the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives; and (2) demonstration projects and studies that provide American Indians/Alaska Natives with impetus and involvement in their health care and that promote improved health care to Indian people.

All IHS Grants Funds are for discretionary grant activities.

The selection criteria are: Statement of problem(s) requiring solution; need for assistance; results or benefits expected from the project; approach or soundness of the applicant's plan for conducting the project; key personnel and their capability to carry out the project; and adequacy of management controls. Consideration will be given to the demonstrative aspects of the project and the compatibility of the project with the overall goals and objectives of the Indian Health Service.

After review and approval, a notice of award is prepared and processed, along with appropriate notification to the public.

Initial project period of up to 5 years, usually 3 years, with competitive renewals for periods not to exceed a total project period of 5 years.

Grant appeals will follow PHS appeals procedures: 42 CFR, Part 50, Subpart D.