FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with Indian Health Service (IHS) leadership on January 5 to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding the proposed IHS realignment and its potential effects on Tribal communication, coordination, and the delivery of healthcare services.
During the meeting, IHS officials explained that the proposed realignment is intended to strengthen Tribal relations by preserving area offices as the primary points of contact for tribes. The plan would also allow area leadership to focus more directly on partnerships, consultation, and supporting tribes in navigating IHS and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services systems. Discussions further emphasized the importance of improving internal coordination and ensuring consistent, transparent communication across the agency.
President Nygren emphasized the critical importance of protecting Tribal shares, funds that belong to tribes for the delivery of healthcare services to tribal citizens, and maintaining current funding levels throughout any organizational changes. In response, IHS leadership affirmed that Tribal shares would remain unchanged and outlined steps to enhance transparency, including the development of a national Tribal shares database and a crosswalk system to ensure funding remains traceable under the proposed structure.
Additional discussions addressed the need for timely and effective communication between service unit leadership and upper management, clear lines of authority during emergency situations, and continued attention to facilities and infrastructure needs impacting Tribal communities. President Nygren also reiterated the importance of advancing priority healthcare projects, including the Gallup Indian Medical Center.
“We want to ensure that the funds our communities currently receive are protected and do not diminish through this process,” President Nygren said.
IHS representatives shared that the consultation period remains open through February 9, with additional opportunities for Tribal input planned as the process moves forward.
