Mark Cruz Appointed as Head of Indian Health Service, Aiming to Tackle Major Challenges
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In a significant move for Native American healthcare, the U.S. Senate has confirmed Mark Cruz, a member of the Klamath Tribes, to lead the Indian Health Service (IHS). With a mission to serve approximately 2.8 million Native American and Alaska Native patients, Cruz steps into a role that has remained unfilled since late 2025.
During his confirmation hearing in July, Cruz emphasized his commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes for Indigenous communities, asserting his dedication to the task ahead. “My family, my friends and my tribal community will live with the consequences of the work I do for decades to come,” Cruz stated to the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.
Securing his position with a narrow 51-47 vote, Cruz was confirmed alongside over 70 other nominees from President Donald Trump. The confirmation marked one of the Senate’s final actions before their August recess.
In addition to his new role, Cruz will continue as a senior adviser on tribal health to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Previously, he directed the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development under the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs during Trump’s first administration.
The IHS is responsible for operating 21 hospitals and 78 smaller health centers across the nation, fulfilling a federal obligation to provide healthcare to Native Americans. However, many of these facilities are aging, with an average age of 40 years and one-third classified as in “poor” condition, as reported by the U.S. Government Accountability Office in 2023.
Facing challenges such as high provider vacancy rates and a backlog of facility replacements spanning three decades, Cruz has vowed to address these issues. He aims to shield tribal health programs from federal budget interruptions and support tribes in managing their healthcare systems.
The National Congress of American Indians recognized the significance of Cruz’s confirmation at this “critical time.” NCAI executive director Larry Wright Jr. expressed, “We congratulate him on his confirmation and look forward to working together to ensure the federal government fully upholds its trust and treaty obligations.”
Echoing similar sentiments, the National Indian Health Board also praised Cruz’s appointment. The nonprofit estimates that approximately $73 billion is required for the IHS to adequately meet the healthcare needs of tribal nations. However, for fiscal year 2026, Congress has allocated just over $8 billion for the agency.
Story published via the Global Indigenous Reporting Network at The Associated Press.
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