ROCKVILLE, M.D.-The Indian Health Service Office of Urban Indian Health Programs has awarded grants totaling more than $7.5 million to 30 urban Indian organizations in 17 states across the country. These grants will make health care services more accessible for American Indians and Alaska Natives residing in urban areas and will support operations at urban health care facilities.

Funding will be used to support four health program areas: health promotion and disease prevention services; immunization services; alcohol and substance abuse related services; and mental health services. These programs are integral components of the IHS health care delivery system and the grant funding will benefit thousands of urban Indian patients.

"The 4-in-1 grant program underscores IHS' commitment to provide quality health care for urban Indians," said IHS Principal Deputy Director Rear Adm. Michael D. Weahkee. "We are excited to address the health needs of urban Indians across the nation by partnering with urban Indian organizations to provide access to comprehensive and culturally appropriate health care services."

The IHS Office of Urban Indian Health Programs was established in 1976 to make health care services more accessible to urban Indians. IHS enters into limited, competing contracts and grants with 41 urban Indian nonprofit organizations to provide health care and referral services for urban Indians throughout the United States. Urban Indian organizations define their services based upon the service population, health status and documented unmet needs of the urban Indian communities they serve. Urban Indian organizations provide health care services for urban Indians who do not have access to the resources offered through IHS or tribally operated health care facilities because they do not live on or near a reservation.

The IHS, an agency in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 2.6 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. To see the list of those receiving the grants, go to https://www.ihs.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2019pressreleases/ihs-awards-7-5-million-to-urban-indian-organizations-through-the-4-in-1-grant-opportunity/