American Indian Health Advisory Council

The American Indian Health Advisory Council (AIHAC) was created in 2006 to provide guidance to the New Mexico Department of Health on issues impacting American Indian populations residing in New Mexico.

Responsibilities of the Committee include:

• Developing strategies to eliminate health disparities among American Indian populations residing in New Mexico;
• Identifying and providing technical assistance and strategizing training needs for American Indian communities;
• Identifying gaps in the existing healthcare delivery systems and developing strategies to address these gaps; and
• Facilitating partnerships that improve the health of American Indians in New Mexico.

AIHAC consists of fifteen representatives nominated for appointment to the New Mexico Department of Health by federally recognized Tribes/Nations/Pueblos and Off Reservation Organizations serving American Indian communities. All nominations are submitted to the Secretary of the Department of Health for consideration.

AIHAC also includes the Tribal Liaisons from the New Mexico Department of Health, Human Services Department, Indian Affairs Department, Children, Youth and Families, Aging and Long-Term Services Department, and the Behavioral Health Collaborative. In addition to the Tribal Liaisons, the Tribal leaders from all 22 New Mexico Tribes, Nations and Pueblos are considered Ex-Officio, non-voting members.