The Indian Health Service announced an expansion of telehealth across IHS federal facilities to meet the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native patients on Oct. 31.

In July 2021, IHS awarded a clinical video telehealth contract to AA RingMD, a secure, cloud-based solution that enables patient-to-provider and provider-to-provider telehealth meetings. IHS has been working with AA RingMD staff and engineers to prepare for implementation. Beginning Oct. 31, IHS clinicians and support staff at federal facilities were able to use the secure system.

“This expansion of telehealth will increase access to care, patient safety, continuity of care, quality of care, and ultimately patient...

24th Navajo Nation Council to elect new Speaker

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council convened in the Navajo Nation Council Chamber for a Special Session to place Speaker Seth Damon on administrative leave on Nov. 4. Legislation No. 0208-22 was introduced by Hon. Otto Tso to place the Speaker of the 24th Navajo Nation Council on administrative leave without pay and to establish Speaker Pro Tems for the remainder of the term.

The legislation noted the chairs of the four standing committees would rotate in increments of 15 days in the following order:

Chairman Daniel Tso - Health, Education, and Human Services Committee

Chairman Jamie Henio - Budget and...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Office and the Office of Management and Budget have notified the Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services that funding through the American Rescue Plan Act is now available for the development of detox and residential treatment/rehabilitation centers to provide support for members of the Navajo Nation who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction.

Currently, the Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services administers nine outpatient treatment centers in Chinle, Ariz., Dilkon, Ariz., Fort Defiance, Ariz., Kaibeto, Ariz., Kayenta, Ariz., Newlands, Ariz.,  Red Mesa, Ariz., Tuba City, Ariz....

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZ. – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer presented the State of the Navajo Nation Address on Oct. 17, the opening day of the 24th Navajo Nation Council’s Fall Council Session.

Jonathan Nez thanked the 24th Navajo Nation Council for approving $1 billion in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act to deliver water, electricity, broadband, housing for families and veterans, COVID-19 mitigation, bathroom additions, E-911/public safety, local chapter priorities, and hardship assistance.

Within the ARPA resolution, $210 million was allocated and divided among each of the 24 Council Delegate regions for local priorities. Jonathan Nez...