During the recent confirmation hearing for the new Indian Health Service director, nominee Mr. Mark Cruz elevated the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) as key partners in building the health workforce Indian Country needs. 

AIHEC’s statement noted, “TCU leaders are ready to work with this Administration and Congress to provide solutions and expand the health professions pipelines that serve our communities.” The statement went on to point out that 14 out of 35 AIHEC member TCUs currently offer nursing degrees—ranging from associate of science to bachelor of science degrees in nursing—within Indian Health Service regions, which are identified as high‑need areas for nursing professionals.

AIHEC further stressed the need for federal support: “To make this vision a reality, Congress must fully fund Tribal Colleges and Universities and AIHEC-led workforce initiatives that are essential to closing staffing gaps.”