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Rural Health Information Hub
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Rural Health
News by Topic: Tribal communities

Apr 15, 2026 - Notice from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announcing a Tribal Consultation session between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ACF Office of Head Start (OHS) and the leadership of tribal governments operating Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The purpose of this consultation session is to discuss ways to better meet the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) children and their families, taking into consideration funding allocations, distribution formulas, and other issues affecting the delivery of Head Start services in their geographic locations. The meeting will be held on June 18, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Pacific in Costa Mesa, California.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) is accepting nominations of candidates to serve as primary and alternate delegates for the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity Tribal Advisory Committee (CIIHE TAC). CIIHE TAC delegates must be elected tribal officials from a federally recognized tribe acting in their official capacity or individuals designated by an elected tribal official. There are vacancies for all Indian Health Service areas. Nomination letters are encouraged by May 18, 2026, but nominations will be accepted until all primary and alternate delegate positions are filled.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2026 - The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan announced a new grant to strengthen food sovereignty and safety in tribal communities across the state over the next 4 years. The project will improve communities' access to nourishing, locally-grown foods and support community-driven food safety training and infrastructure projects.
Source: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Apr 10, 2026 - Highlights 4 forensic healthcare programs from Indian Health Service providers in South Dakota, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and New Mexico for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Includes resources and information for healthcare providers and the general public.
Source: Indian Health Service
Mar 27, 2026 - Highlights the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026, bipartisan reauthorizing legislation addressing access to safe, affordable housing for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.
Source: United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
Mar 27, 2026 - Discusses food insecurity in South Dakota and efforts by some South Dakota-born members of the Pittsburgh Steelers to raise awareness and money for a local nonprofit. Discusses the particular challenges for a rural and native communities.
Source: KOTA
Mar 12, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the Indian Health Service (IHS) announcing the Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund (CHEF) threshold for fiscal year 2026. The purpose of the CHEF is to meet the extraordinary medical costs associated with the treatment of victims of disasters or catastrophic illnesses who are within the responsibility of IHS.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 6, 2026 - Highlights the StrongHearts Native Helpline, a helpline addressing domestic and sexual violence in Native American communities. Notes the program recently received new federal funding to continue connecting survivors with service providers. The program will also strengthen work for Alaska Native communities, enhance existing partnerships, and improve its website.
Source: Native News Online
Mar 5, 2026 - Describes challenges around building a new hospital on Navajo Nation. Discusses working within multiple levels of governments, funding, incorporating traditional medicine and facilities, and attracting workforce.
Source: Cronkite News
Feb 28, 2026 - Describes the focus on native culture as a preventive strategy for suicide and mental health crises in Lummi Nation. Discusses high rates of drug overdoses among Lummi Nation youth.
Source: Native News Online