There is an opening at National Indian Health Board (NIHB) for the position of Executive Assistant.  The position description and instructions about how to apply for the job can be found here. 

If you know someone who you think would be a good fit for the position and for NIHB, please pass this along to them.  They can also find this information at www.nihb.org. 

On April 23, 2015, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a Budget Hearing on Programs Serving Native Americans.  This subcommittee is responsible for allocating annual funding for agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (with the exception of the Indian Health Service (IHS)) and the Departments of Education, Labor and related agencies.  The hearing represented a key opportunity for Tribal advocates to describe challenges that Indian Country faces when it comes to accessing federal programs at HHS and other federal agencies.  NIHB Executive Director Stacy Bohlen was among the witnesses testifying before the Committee.

"The federal trust responsibility to the Tribes extends to all agencies of the federal government.  When it comes to health, this is not just the Indian Health Service," said NIHB Executive Director Stacy A. Bohlen.  "With all these serious problems [in Indian Country], it is critical that Congress expand a support to build public health services and infrastructure in Indian Country."  NIHB highlighted the structural, administrative obstacles Tribes face when attempting to access HHS opportunities, such as block grant funds to the States with no assurance that Tribes will be able to access such funding.

You can view a webcast of the hearing here. 

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs joined forces to create Affordable Care Act (ACA) educational materials specifically for the Native youth population. The materials, highlighting the Fast Five Facts that Native youth need to know about the ACA, include three Public Service Announcements (PSAs), a poster and brochure. All materials are available for immediate download at NIHB's Tribal Health Reform Resource Center website. Tribes, Tribal organizations, I/T/Us, and other ACA stakeholders are encouraged to use the materials in their communities to help educate and empower youth, so that they in turn, can share information about the ACA with their families.

The Five Fast Facts that Native youth need to know about the Affordable Care Act are:

1. They can be added to or kept on their parent or guardian's health insurance until they turn 26 years old. 
2. They will be covered for prevention screenings for STDs, HIV, pregnancy, depression and diabetes.
3. Their additional coverage will allow them to receive services outside of the Indian Health Service.
4.  Medicaid may be an additional option for health coverage.
5. Their parents can file an exemption from the tax penalty for them.

For more information, contact April Hale, NIHB Tribal Health Reform Outreach and Education Communications Coordinator, at 202-507-4077 or [email protected]. 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) currently has vacancies, and is soliciting recommendations for nominations to serve as delegates for the areas with an open seat.

HHS established the STAC in 2010 in an effort to create a coordinated, Department-wide strategy to incorporate Tribal guidance on HHS priorities, policies, and budget.  The STAC's Tribal representation consists of seventeen primary positions: one delegate from each of the twelve Indian Health Service (IHS) areas and one delegate for the five National At-Large Member positions. In addition to the primary members, alternates are also designated. In working closely with Tribal leadership on this committee, the Department has elevated the level of attention given to the government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes and has developed mechanisms for continuous communication with Tribes. 

 Those selected will serve a two-year term. The vacancies open for nomination are:

1. Aberdeen
2. Alaska
3. Billings
4. Navajo
5. Phoenix
6. Tucson
7. National At-Large Primary Delegate (2)
8. National At-Large Alternate Delegate