To ramp up access to high-quality masks amid the spread of the Omicron variant, Indian Health Service (IHS)-operated facilities, Tribally-operated facilities, and Urban Indian Organizations have received N95 respirator masks from the IHS National Supply Service Center for free distribution to patients, health center staff, and other individuals within the community. Upon request, IHS will distribute the N-95 masks to health care facilities operated by Tribes with an ISDEAA agreement and Urban Indian Organizations with an IHCIA agreement.
IHS- operated facilities will offer two masks for each person in the household. To order masks for your Tribal or UIO site, please contact your IHS Area Emergency Point of Contact (EMPOC).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend that any mask is better than no mask. And we do encourage all Tribal members to wear a well-fitting mask to protect themselves and prevent the spread of COVID-19.