The American Indian Health Commission (AIHC) for Washington State is a Tribally-driven non-profit organization with a mission of improving health outcomes for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) through a health policy focus at the Washington State level. AIHC works on behalf of the 29 federally-recognized Indian Tribes and two Urban Indian Health Organizations (UIHOs) in the state.
In Washington, the AI/AN population continues to experience the poorest health outcomes and highest overall mortality rates than any other population. AIHC serves as a forum where a collective Tribal government voice is shaped on shared health disparity priorities. Tribes and UIHOs then work collaboratively with Washington State health leaders, the Governor’s office and legislature to address these priorities.
The Commission’s policy work improves individual Indian access to state-funded health services, enhances reimbursement mechanisms for Tribal health programs to deliver their own culturally-appropriate care, and creates an avenue for Tribes and UIHOs to receive timely and relevant information for planning on state health regulations, policies, funding opportunities, and health-specific topics. By bringing state and Tribal partners together, specific health disparity priorities are addressed across multiple systems—pooling resources and expertise for greater health outcomes.
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