Our work with Tribal Communities
The HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) serves an important role in working with Tribal communities and leaders throughout the nation to improve the health of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations through the development of health policies and programs that will help eliminate health disparities.
Tribal Consultation
OMH serves as the point of contact for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health and in collaboration with the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs for HHS’s consultation with Tribal governments on policy and programs that have significant direct impacts on Tribal governments and Tribal organizations.
- HHS Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC)
- HHS Annual Tribal Budget Consultations (ATBC)
- HHS Regional Tribal Consultations (RTC)
Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity
The December 27, 2020, Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 116-260) directed OMH to create a Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity (CIIHE) to support AI/AN and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander populations in efforts including research, education, service, and policy development related to advancing Indigenous solutions. OMH obtained tribal feedback on the establishment of the CIIHE through a February 2021 Federal Register Notice and an April 2021 Tribal Listening Session.
These entities include State Offices of Minority Health and Health Equity; community and faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education; tribal nations and tribal organizations; and other scientific and research organizations dedicated to improving the health of these targeted groups.