The Indian Health Service announced a $15.3 million investment for eight staff quarters projects intended to support the healthcare workforce and facilities in Indian Country. The funding, provided through the Healthcare Facilities Construction Funds Quarters Program, is designed to address the shortage of safe, functional, and energy-efficient staff housing.
The investment includes $13.575 million appropriated for fiscal year 2026, combined with available prior-year carryover funds, to reach the total of $15.331 million. The 2026 appropriation directs the IHS and selected projects to incorporate renewable energy, green infrastructure, and modern energy-efficiency standards to reduce environmental impacts.
Clayton Fulton, the IHS Chief of Staff, stated that building additional staff quarters represents a significant investment in the future of workforce infrastructure. Fulton noted that these projects are critical for Indian Country and help improve care for the Tribal communities served. He added that the initiative demonstrates a commitment to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified professionals in critical positions through IHS-Tribal partnerships.
The Division of Facilities Planning and Construction selected the top eight projects following a request for proposals in January. The selection process involved 22 applications from six IHS Areas, with projects chosen based on cost, remoteness, readiness for implementation, demonstrated housing needs, and the ability to support essential staffing. Eligible applicants included facilities operated by the federal government or Tribally operated facilities under Title I or Title V.
The projects receiving funding include:
Hoopa Valley Tribe, California Area – $3,651,000
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC), Alaska Area – $3,000,000
Santee Sioux Nation, Great Plains Area – $2,386,000
Chugachmiut, Alaska Area – $2,000,000
Karuk Tribe, California Area – $1,505,000
Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA), Alaska Area – $1,055,000
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Great Plains Area – $977,000
Omaha Tribe, Great Plains Area – $757,000
The Indian Health Service is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives belonging to 575 federally recognized tribes in 37 states. The IHS Office of Environmental Health and Engineering supports these communities by providing technical and financial assistance and maintaining healthcare facilities and staff housing.
