# Indian Health Service Awards CHAP Grants

The Indian Health Service (IHS) awarded **$2.3 million** in grants on September 16, 2026, to four Tribes and Tribal organizations to support the national expansion of the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) across the contiguous United States. This funding aims to develop a multidisciplinary workforce to improve access to community-based primary, behavioral, and dental health care tailored to Tribal community needs. The grants span three years and focus on planning and implementation efforts to strengthen Tribal health services.

- The awardees include California Rural Indian Health Board, Inc., Cherokee Nation, Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes, and Indian Health Council, Inc., representing key Tribal stakeholders in California, Oklahoma, and Montana.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on culturally tailored health workforce development and community-based care models, which may influence future Tribal health program solicitations.
- Contractors specializing in health services, behavioral health, dental care, and workforce training can explore partnership opportunities with Tribal organizations expanding CHAP.
- This initiative reflects IHS and HHS priorities to enhance Tribal health infrastructure and may signal increased funding and procurement activity in Tribal health programs over the coming years.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- Indian Health Service (IHS)
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

### Vendors
- California Rural Indian Health Board, Inc. (awardee)
- Cherokee Nation (awardee)
- Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes (awardee)
- Indian Health Council, Inc. (awardee)

### Key Quotes
> CHAP allows us to invest in our local leaders, create new pathways into the health professions, and give Tribes the flexibility to build programs around our own cultures and priorities.
> — Mark Cruz, IHS Director

### Sources
- [Indian Health Service Awards $2.3 Million to Support National Expansion of the Community Health Aide Program | 2026 Press Releases](https://www.ihs.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2026-press-releases/indian-health-service-awards-2-3-million-to-support-national-expansion-of-the-community-health-aide-program/) - IHS