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; and
• Identifying gaps in the existing healthcare delivery systems and developing strategies to address these gaps.

AIHAC consists of sixteen (16) representatives nominated by federally recognized Tribes, tribal government organizations or other organizations serving American Indian communities. All nominations are submitted to the Secretary of the Department of Health for consideration. The Committee consists of fifteen (15) voting members and one non-voting Co-Chair who collectively represents the 22 Tribes, off-reservation communities, and other individuals or health entities that provide services to American Indian people in New Mexico.

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. The Tribal Liaisons are Ex-Officio, non-voting members.