Indian Health Service Joint Venture Construction Program Selects New Projects

The Indian Health Service announced today the selection of seven projects for new or expanded health care facilities through the IHS Joint Venture Construction Program. This program has strengthened partnerships with tribes across the country for over 30 years and has expanded access to comprehensive, culturally appropriate health services for American Indian and Alaska Native people.

"Quality health care for every American is a moral duty and the cornerstone of a stronger nation," said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "For more than 30 years, the Joint Venture Construction Program has shown what true partnership can achieve—building health, hope, and opportunity across Indian Country as we continue the mission to Make America Healthy Again."

Under the program, tribes or tribal organizations construct, acquire, or renovate a health care facility using non-IHS funds, and lease it to IHS at no cost for 20 years. In return, IHS requests funding from Congress to staff, operate and maintain the facility. Since its inception in 1991, more than 25 tribes have partnered to open or expand more than 30 facilities — including health centers and hospitals — that increase access to quality health care for tribal communities.

"These projects reflect the strength of our partnerships with tribal nations and the shared commitment to improving health outcomes across Indian Country," said Acting IHS Director Benjamin Smith. "Together, we are building not just facilities, but healthier futures for generations of American Indian and Alaska Native people."

Projects were selected through a two-phase process, which included evaluation by an objective review team comprised of members representing tribes, tribal organizations, the IHS, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The selected tribes and tribal organizations will now be required to prepare planning documents. The IHS will work with each tribe or tribal organization to develop a joint venture agreement, which includes the specific responsibilities and authorities of each party.

The Indian Health Service, an agency in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who belong to 574 federally recognized tribes in 37 states. Follow the agency via social media on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.