VA to Collaborate with Indian Health Service

On Tuesday, the Department of Veterans Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding with The Indian Health Service (IHS) to better the health of Alaska Native and American Indian veterans. Although the collaboration will be national in its scope, the real focus is at the local level between the VA, IHS, as well as urban and tribal programs. In turn, the partnership will improve the quality of care and increase services through the sharing of programs, creating new models of care, and focusing on workforce development.

"This memorandum of understanding is a renewal of the important partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Indian Health Service," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki. "It represents VA's commitment to American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans through associations with the Indian Health Service and tribal facilities throughout the nation."

Says Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, IHS Director, "It is an important step forward in our work to better serve all American Indian and Alaska Native people."

For more information about the VA and IHS' collaborative efforts, refer to the Department of Veterans Affairs' Press Release: Department of Veterans Affairs and Indian Health Service Sign Memorandum of Understanding.

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