WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched a new interagency map application, Find Health Care & Resources for Native Veterans, to increase access to health care, community-based resources, and other essential services for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans.
The interactive map application is housed on the IHS website and integrates location-based data from 41 urban Indian organizations with 82 locations and 1,500 VA health care facilities. The application creates an immersive one-stop platform for Native veterans to search and explore health care and other supportive services by clicking on the map to gain additional details and driving directions within specified areas of interest.
“American Indians and Alaska Natives have a long history of exceptional service in our nation’s military,” said IHS Director Roselyn Tso. “At the IHS, we believe that we owe veterans all our heartfelt gratitude and dedication to serving their medical needs. I am grateful for our partnership with the VA in serving veterans across Indian Country.”
“American Indian and Alaska Native veterans deserve access to world-class health care, no matter where they live,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “Through this new tool, VA and IHS are making health care more accessible for these heroes, which will lead to better health outcomes and better lives.”
The development of the map application is a part of the Native American Veteran Homelessness Initiative, a multi-agency effort led by the White House Council on Native American Affairs Health Committee, including VA, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Housing and Urban Development. This initiative’s overall goal is to develop relationships between VA, IHS, and other organizations serving Native Americans to provide education on VA and IHS resources and encourage Native veterans to access these services. These organizations include federal, tribal, and urban Indian organization partnerships.
“This interagency map is another step forward connecting American Indian and Alaska Native veterans to various health and support services,” said White House Council on Native American Affairs Executive Director Anthony Morgan Rodman. “Through its whole-of-government approach, the White House Council on Native American Affairs will continue working with IHS, VA, and other agencies to offer innovative programs and accessible resources for Native veterans.
