Indian Health Service Releases its Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2029, Urban Indian Organizations Included in Key Health Care Goals
On December 5, 2025, the Indian Health Service (IHS) published a Dear Tribal Leader and Urban Indian Organization (UIO) Leader letter (DTLL/DULL), regarding the release of the final IHS Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FYs) 2025-2029 (Strategic Plan). Prior to this release, the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) submitted comments to IHS on June 28, 2024, regarding the Draft Strategic Plan. While IHS did not incorporate NCUIH’s suggestions, IHS does include Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) in the Strategic Plan in sections concerning ensuring comprehensive, culturally respectful health care services; advancing data-driven/evidence-based decision-making; promoting proactive intergovernmental and external relationships; and respecting self-determination.
Background
The Strategic Plan will establish IHS’ direction for FY 2025-2029. It is developed based on feedback received from Headquarters Offices, the Strategic Plan Workgroup, and other stakeholders, and builds on the work of Headquarters Offices to determine appropriate measures. IHS hosted a virtual Tribal Consultation on May 29, 2024, regarding the Draft Strategic Plan following a May 2, 2024, DTLL. IHS did not host an Urban Confer as it developed the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan includes four Goals with corresponding Strategic Objectives:
- Strategic Goal 1: Be a leading health care organization
- Strategic Goal 2: Ensure comprehensive, culturally respectful health care services
- Strategic Goal 3: Optimize operations through effective stewardship
- Strategic Goal 4: Promote proactive intergovernmental and external relationships
NCUIH believes that the Plan is an important vehicle to articulate leadership priorities, provide direction for program management functions, engage external partners and entities, and measure IHS’ progress towards meeting the goals and objectives contained in the Strategic Plan. NCUIH will continue to participate in the implementation and exercise of the Strategic Plan and inform UIOs of upcoming opportunities related to implementation of the Strategic Plan.
