In a sweeping agreement, Upstate Medical University and the federal Indian Health Service (IHS) have committed to taking the necessary steps, through service, research and education to improve the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities across New York.

A key element of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Upstate and IHS is the development of an alliance of public health and medical institutions across the state to serve the priority needs of the AI/AN communities. Upstate will take the lead role in building institutional partnerships aimed at meeting the health needs of AI/AN communities.

“We are pleased to enter into this Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Health Service,” said Upstate President Mantosh Dewan, MD. “This partnership is about working together to improve the health outcomes for the American Indian and Alaska Native communities in New York. By fostering collaboration across education, research, and service, Upstate and IHS aim to empower these communities with the resources, knowledge, and support needed to address the health disparities they face.”

“The Memorandum of Understanding between SUNY Upstate Medical University and the Indian Health Service represents a transformative partnership built on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to action,” said IHS Director Roselyn Tso. “This collaboration is more than just an agreement—it is a promise to work together toward meaningful, measurable improvements in the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. By combining our strengths, we are taking a significant step forward in reducing health disparities and advancing health equity.”

Additionally, Upstate will work with IHS to expand educational and health-related training opportunities for AI/AN individuals. The educational prong of the agreement seeks to broaden the diversity of the health care workforce, especially in such areas as community health, public health programming, health administration, policy development, and biomedical research. Distance learning and other options will be considered to ensure programming availability to remote tribal areas.

Research also is a major focus of the MOU. Upstate will ensure that its research agenda focuses on understanding and addressing the health disparities and prevention needs faced by AI/AN communities. These research efforts will be conducted in consultation with tribal nations to ensure that they are relevant, culturally sensitive, and respectful of the unique needs of these communities. Collaborative community research programs will be considered along with the inclusion of AI/AN investigators in studies, ensuring that all work is built on trust, sound scientific principles and the inclusion of diverse perspectives.

The MOU also includes provisions for technical assistance and consultation, particularly in epidemiology, maternal and child health, infectious diseases, adolescent health, health communication, environmental health, and program evaluation. IHS will provide support to Upstate as it works to strengthen tribal health programs, offering expertise and guidance to ensure the effectiveness of health initiatives that serve the unique needs of AI/AN communities.

In addition to research and education, the MOU outlines plans for community capacity-building initiatives, including community-based training and workshops for tribal health workers and professionals. These efforts will focus on increasing the effectiveness of local health programs and providing continuing professional education to support the long-term sustainability of healthcare in tribal communities. The partnership will also explore opportunities for on-site training, outreach worker development, and other resources that can strengthen health infrastructure at the community level.

Communication of projects and partnerships to be developed following MOU will be carefully vetted by tribal nations affected by such endeavors. Officials say communication with IA/NA communities will be essential to the MOU’s success. 

The MOU will strengthen Upstate’s ties with AI/AN communities.

Upstate provides health care services at the Onondaga Nation Health Center located on the Onondaga Nation. It’s a relationship that dates back to 2010. Eva Gregory, MD, Upstate assistant professor of family medicine, serves as the center’s medical director. She has been recognized by the Onondaga County Medical Society for service at the center.

Upstate also hosts a pre-admission workshop that attracts America Indian and Alaska Native students from across the country to familiarize them with the medical school application process, while also providing networking opportunities to meet with other students. The program is in partnership with the Association for American Indian Physicians (AAIP), which supports programs that “motivate American Indian and Alaska Native students to remain in the academic pipeline and to pursue a career in the health professions and/or biomedical research.”

Upstate worked with the Oneida Indian Nation to find a location for the new Upstate Cancer Center in Verona, which opened in 2023.

“We hope that this partnership with IHS will make lasting, meaningful improvements in healthcare access and outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native peoples across the region,” Dewan said.

Caption: Upstate President Mantosh Dewan, MD, seated left, and federal Indian Health Service Director Roselyn Tso, seated right, sign a memorandum of understanding outlining a partnership between both institutions to address taking the necessary steps—through service, research and educatio—to improve the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities across New York. Looking on our representatives of Upstate and the Onondaga Nation.