WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today sat down with Indian Health Service (IHS) Director Dr. Yvette Roubideaux to discuss current Indian Country health care issues. Roubideaux, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, took over the agency in May.

“It was good to meet with Dr. Roubideaux to again hear her thoughts on several important issues affecting Indian Country,” Johnson said. “She knows firsthand the health care challenges in Indian Country and I look forward to working with her to improve the health care of American Indians in South Dakota and across the country.”   

Johnson and Roubideaux discussed, among other things, Indian Health Service facilities in South Dakota. Roubideaux said she looks forward to working closely with Johnson on improving these facilities and making sure the funds are used to properly serve the unique needs of Indian Country.

IHS is responsible for providing federal health care services, including health facilities and programs to Native Americans. An estimated 1.9 million Native Americans receive health care services through IHS or tribally-operated health programs.

Roubideaux, who graduated from Stevens High School in Rapid City, was nominated by President Obama to lead IHS following her many years working to improve health care in Indian Country. Roubideaux has practiced internal medicine at Indian health care facilities and also worked at multiple IHS-run hospitals.