NCUIH Calls for Improved Data Accuracy, Partnerships with Other Agencies, and Urban Indian Health Inclusion in IHS Strategic Plan

On June 28, 2024, the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) submitted written comments to the Indian Health Service (IHS) Director, Roselyn Tso, in response to IHS’ May 2, 2024, Dear Urban Indian Organization (UIO) Leader Letter (DULL) and May 30, 2024, Urban Confer regarding IHS’ Draft Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2028 (Draft Strategic Plan). In its comments, NCUIH requested that IHS include improved data accuracy and partnerships with other key agencies and stakeholders including the Office of Management and Budget in the agency’s Draft Strategic Plan.

Background on IHS Strategic Plan

The Draft Strategic Plan will establish IHS’ direction for the next five years. It is developed based on feedback received from Headquarters Offices and the Strategic Plan Workgroup and builds on the work of Headquarters Offices to determine appropriate measures. IHS is also incorporating input and feedback from other stakeholders including UIOs. The Draft Strategic Plan includes three Strategic Goals which consist of their own Strategic Objectives, Performance Goals, and Measures.

NCUIH’s Requests

In its comments in response to the May 2, 2024, DULL and May 30, 2024, Urban Confer, NCUIH requested that IHS:

• Incorporate urban Indian health into the Draft Strategic Plan.
  • Cross-walk goals and objectives from the Office of Urban Indian Health Programs’ Strategic Plan into IHS’ Draft Strategic Plan.
  • Incorporate findings from the Urban Indian Organization Infrastructure Study Fiscal Year 2023 into the Draft Strategic Plan.
• Include improved data accuracy in the Draft Strategic Plan.
• Include a partnership with the Office of Management and Budget.
• Continue to engage with UIOs throughout the development of the Draft Strategic Plan.