Functional Statement
The mission of the Indian Health Service is to assure a comprehensive health services delivery system for American Indians and Alaskan Natives with sufficient options to provide for maximum tribal involvement in meeting their health needs. The goal for the Indian Health Service is to raise the health level of the Indian and Alaskan Native people to the highest possible level.
To carry out its mission and to attain its goal, the Indian Health Service: (1) assists Indian tribes in developing their capacity to staff and manage their health programs through activities including health and management training, technical assistance, and human resource development; (2) facilitates and assists Indian tribes in coordinating health planning, in obtaining and utilizing health resources available through Federal, State, and local programs, and in health program evaluation; (3) provides comprehensive health care services, including hospital and ambulatory medical care, preventive and rehabilitative services, and development of community sanitation facilities; and (4) serves as the principal Federal advocate for Indians in the health field to assure comprehensive health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
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