Intertribal Life Newspaper -

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Indian Health Service has awarded grants totaling nearly $1 million to nine tribes and tribal organizations as part of a competitive program to develop and improve tribal capacity to manage health programs under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

"At IHS, we recognize that tribal leaders and members are in the best position to understand the health care needs and priorities of their communities," said Rear Adm. Michael D. Weahkee, principal deputy director of the IHS. "The IHS Tribal Management Grants are a way to help our tribal partners build health care management capacity and ensure the tools are in place for a successful transition of programs and services to tribal management."

The Tribal Management Grant Program is designed to prepare tribes and tribal organizations for assuming all or part of existing IHS programs, functions, services and activities, and to further develop and improve their health management capabilities. The program consists of four project types with funding amounts and project periods: Feasibility Study; Planning; Evaluation Study; and Health Management Structure.

The tribes and tribal organizations in the grid received funding:

The IHS Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes is responsible for a wide range of agency functions that are critical to the IHS' relationships with tribes and tribal organizations. They also coordinate and collaborate with the Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee to host a national forum for all tribal leaders to discuss best practices, partnerships, and resources to improve the Indian health care delivery system.