IHS Director's Corner
VISION
FOR
THE INDIAN
HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Robert G. McSwain
Indian Health Service Director
My
vision for the lndian Health Service and the role it plays within the greater
lndian health care system is to work in partnership
with Tribal Governments; American lndian and Alaska Native people; and Federal,
State, and local governments, agencies, and organizations to respond in every
way possible to preserve and improve our health system for future generations
of lndian people. This partnership effort must also include the active participation
of patients and the entire lndian health system in our common vision of health
care access to "medical homes." A "medical home" is a patient-centered,
compassionate, comprehensive,
and culturally appropriate model of care.
Accomplishing this vision requires honoring tribal sovereignty, continuing meaningful consultation with Tribes, and doing everything possible to ensure that tribal self-determination in health delivery choices is honored and successful. This includes integrating Traditional Healing practices with modem medical science where the community and individuals desire it. Our shared goal is to attain healthier lndian communities - where children grow to fulfill their promise, where lives are lived healthier and in concert with traditions, and where elders complete their lives in respect and dignity. Our health care system is integral to achieving this vision of well-being for American lndian and Alaska Native people throughout the United States.
Our shared vision of preserving and improving the lndian health care system and carrying out the mission of the lndian Health Service guides our medical, research, and support efforts toward activities and programs that offer unique prospects for improving the health status of lndian people. Initiatives that will raise the health status of lndian people include Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Behavioral Health, Chronic Care, Trauma Care, Health Information Technology, Telehealth, Health education and Training, and Environmental Health.
The future of our health system requires continuing evolution and adaptation to address historic and emerging health challenges. Powerful forces acting over decades have been inexorably shaping all health care models in the United States, including ours. Future success requires that we consider abroad array of options. These options include solidifying our community-oriented primary caremodel, transforming - not diminishing - services, equalizing access where feasible, balancing priorities for direct and contract health services, aligning eligibility rules, and effectively sharing infrastructure and support systems.
The beliefs, traditions, and customs handed down through many generations shape lndian values about life, health, and healing. We will remain respectful of these values of listening, mutual respect, generosity, compassion, and reverence in all our efforts to secure health resources and services, in caring for American Indians and Alaska Natives and their families, and toward one another. These values comprise the foundation within the lndian Health Service and shape a diverse and multi-cultural workforce into a partnership of dedicated and compassionate staff working daily to build a legacy of lndian health care for future generations.
MISSION:
The mission of the Indian Health Service, in partnership with American Indian and Alaska Native people, is to raise their physical, mental, social, and spiritual health to the highest level possible.
