Klamath Leader Takes Helm at IHS | Santa Fe News

Mark Cruz, a Klamath Tribe member and newly confirmed director of the Indian Health Service, is set to lead the agency serving 2.8 million Native American and Alaska Native patients — a role that’s been vacant since late 2025. With a Senate vote of 51-47, Cruz brings firsthand tribal experience to tackle systemic challenges like staff shortages, crumbling facilities, and a $65 billion funding gap. He’ll also serve as senior advisor on tribal health to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., pledging to secure consistent funding and support tribal self-determination. Tribal advocacy groups applaud his appointment as timely and essential for fulfilling federal health obligations. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/160309e9e1879cdf