Rural Tribal Health – Resources

Tribal Broadband: Additional Assistance to Recipients Would Better Support Implementation of $3 Billion in Federal Grants
This provides an overview of Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) grants, including recipients who had not received prior funding from key federal broadband programs and recipients' plans for network ownership and financial sustainability. Examines the extent to which the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) provided technical assistance to recipients regarding financial sustainability and navigating the environmental review process. Presents recommendations to NTIA on technical assistance and reporting to Congress on the resources necessary to ensure the financial sustainability of TBCP projects.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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American Indian and Alaska Natives in Tribal Areas Have Among Lowest Rates of High-Speed Internet Access
Highlights the gaps in access to high-speed internet in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Details rates of broadband access by AI/AN households and on tribal lands in general, by state, and by year.
Author(s): Daniela Mejía
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Census Bureau
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Health Insurance Coverage and Access to Care among American Indians and Alaska Natives: Recent Trends and Key Challenges
Issue brief presenting data on rates of insurance coverage, Medicaid coverage, and access to healthcare for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) using American Community Survey data. Discusses the impacts of health disparities, coverage expansions under the Affordable Care Act, and state Medicaid expansions on AI/AN populations.
Date: 06/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
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Traditional Food Security and Food Sovereignty in the Coastal Region of South-Central Alaska
Features a study on traditional food security and sovereignty for the Alutiiq and Eyak peoples of the Chugach Region of Alaska. Breaks down results by community food resources, diet and health, culture, organization and governance, food resources, and natural resources and environment. Makes recommendation on overcoming barriers and improving food systems.
Author(s): Joseph Nyholm, Amanda Walch, Leslie Redmond
Citation: International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 83(1), 2359161
Date: 05/2024
Type: Document
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USDA Rural Utilities Service's Support for Tribes and Other Indigenous Entities
Provides an overview of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) programs that help offset the costs of building and repairing utility systems in rural areas. Describes the types of tribal and other Indigenous entities eligible to apply for RUS programs. Highlights two USDA Rural Development authorities that can help tribes and other Indigenous entities access RUS programs. Outlines issues Congress may consider if it chooses to constrict, maintain, or expand the laws governing these programs.
Date: 04/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Indian Health Service Memorandum of Understanding - Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2023
Annual report details the accomplishments of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) via their memorandum of understanding. Highlights the ways the VA and IHS have worked together to deliver healthcare to American Indian and Alaska Native veterans and discusses future collaborations.
Date: 04/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Indian Health Service, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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Indian Health Service Health Equity Report
Reports on efforts to advance health equity in the Indian Health Service (IHS). Discusses strategies and funding supporting access to facilities and services, quality of care, cultural appropriateness, wellness and disease prevention, and more.
Date: 04/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Indian Health Service
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Indian Health Service: Opportunities Exist to Improve Clinician Screening Adherence and Oversight
Examines the Indian Health Service's (IHS) oversight of the credentialing and privileging process that reviews and verifies the professional qualifications of IHS physicians. Describes administrative tasks performed by IHS clinicians at federally operated facilities and the amount of time spent on these tasks. Offers recommendations to IHS, including the development of a single, authoritative source outlining procedures to meet credentialing and privileging requirements.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 04/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Building Flourishing Native Families and Thriving Communities: A Reflection on 2023
Provides background on the Administration for Native Americans, outlines strategic priorities for 2023 and 2024, and discusses community partners and collaborations. Focuses on issues such as economic development funding for Native Hawaiians, early childhood development, Native languages, and missing and murdered indigenous people.
Date: 04/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Administration for Children and Families
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2024 Legislative and Policy Agenda for Indian Health
Provides policy recommendations from the National Indian Health Board regarding tribal health issues. Addresses equitable funding, infrastructure, health equity, behavioral health, tribal healthcare workforce, access to quality healthcare, and more.
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Indian Health Board
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