Biden Announces Nomination of Roselyn Tso for Director of the Indian Health Service

On March 9, 2022, President Biden announced the appointment of Roselyn Tso, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, as the Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS). Tso previously worked in the Portland Area where she began her career with IHS in 1984 and served in several capacities, including working with the three urban programs in the Portland Area that provide services ranging from community health to comprehensive primary health care services. Tso is currently the Director of the Navajo Area of IHS and most recently served as the Director of the Office of Direct Services and Contracting Tribes (ODSCT) within IHS. Tso holds a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in organizational management from Marylhurst University in Portland, Oregon. As the IHS Director, Tso will be responsible for administering a nationwide health care delivery program that is responsible for providing comprehensive health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives through the Indian Health Service, Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. The National Council of Urban Indian Health has previously stressed the importance of a appointing a permanent IHS Director and called for the elevation of the role to Assistant Secretary.

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