Native News
New Tool Maps Native Serving Healthcare
Healthcare systems serving Native American patients can now be searched in a single database developed by Indigenous Healthcare Advancements, a Nevada-based tribal healthcare management service.
IHA announced today the launch of WayFinder, a free, web-based locator that maps Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, tribally operated 638 programs, urban Indian health organizations, and community health centers that provide care to Native patients. The tool is the first of its kind to combine the four distinct categories of health services into one searchable map.
John R Reeves III, MHA, Founder and President of IHA, said in a press release that the Way Finder is meant to help relatives navigate care across jurisdictions, tribal health leaders mapping referral networks and care coordination partners, urban Indian organizations identifying neighboring tribal programs, and the broader Indian health workforce.
“Most relatives can name the closest IHS clinic. Far fewer can name the closest urban Indian program, the tribal-operated 638 clinic two counties over, or the FQHC that serves Native patients at all-inclusive rates,” Reeves III said. “WayFinder closes that gap. Whether you are a community member navigating care or a tribal health director mapping referral networks, you should not have to guess where the door is.”
The map is searchable by city, ZIP code, or current location, and can be filtered by facility type, including IHS, tribal, urban Indian, or community health.