The Public Health in Indian Country Capacity Scan (PHICCS) is a national scan conducted by the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) every three years to assess the capacity of Tribal health and Tribal public health organizations to deliver public health services. PHICCS helps Tribes, Tribal organizations, partners, and policy makers better understand Tribal public health infrastructure and plan for future improvements.
Tribal nations have a vested interest and sovereign right to provide valuable public health services to the communities they serve. Although the definition of public health in Indian Country includes a diverse set of activities and services that vary by Tribe and region, public health is ultimately the work that is done to improve and maintain the overall health and well-being within Tribal communities as a whole. It is important to understand the capacity or the range of public health activities, workforce characteristics, governance structures and systems improvement activities across the nation. This knowledge informs the allocation of resources, policy development and advocacy needs to ultimately improve population health among American Indians and Alaska Natives.
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is excited to announce the release of the 2nd Public Health in Indian Country Capacity Scan (PHICCS II). This national scan evaluates the capacity of Tribal public health systems and organizations to deliver essential public health services.
Building on the foundational 2019 PHICCS report, PHICCS II provides a comprehensive overview of how Tribal public health is governed, as well as the services and activities shaping the health and well-being of Tribal communities. Key highlights include insights on workforce development, immunization, and prevention/education, along with newly integrated findings on COVID-19 screening, education, and preparedness.
The PHICCS II report represents years of partnership with Tribes, Area Indian Health Boards, Tribal Epidemiology Centers, and subject matter experts. NIHB is deeply grateful for this collaboration, which has made this resource possible. The findings not only guide NIHB’s programming but also offer critical insights to organizations and agencies working to support Tribal public health.
This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department Health and Human Services [HHS] as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,425,000 with 100% percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS) or the U.S. Government.
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President Trump’s recent Executive Orders on federal funding could have serious implications for Tribal health. NIHB is actively advocating for Tribal Nations and providing key updates—click to learn more and access resources.
