FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Omaha Tribe of Nebraska Celebrates Indian Health Service Award to Strengthen Health Care Workforce Housing
MACY, Nebraska — August 13, 2026 — The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska is proud to announce that the Carl T. Curtis Health
Education Center has been selected by the Indian Health Service (IHS) to receive funding through the IHS Staff Quarters Construction
Program, part of the agency’s nationwide $153 million investment in workforce housing projects across Indian Country. The
investment is designed to improve recruitment and retention of health care professionals serving Tribal communities by expanding the
availability of quality staff housing in remote and underserved areas.
The award represents a significant investment in the future of health care for the Omaha Tribe by addressing one of the greatest
challenges facing rural Tribal health systems: attracting and retaining qualified physicians, nurses, behavioral health professionals,
dentists, pharmacists, and other essential health care personnel.
The Carl T. Curtis Health Education Center, a tribally operated health system serving the Omaha Tribe and surrounding communities,
continues to expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive health care. This new investment will help ensure that health care
professionals have safe, modern housing while serving the Tribe, strengthening long-term workforce stability and improving
continuity of care for Tribal citizens.
“This award is about far more than constructing buildings; it is about investing in our people,” said Sarah Rowland, Chief Executive
Officer of the Carl T. Curtis Health Education Center. “Across Indian Country, recruiting and retaining qualified health professionals
remains one of our greatest challenges. By investing in workforce housing, the Indian Health Service is helping Tribal health systems
compete for talented providers who are committed to serving our communities. This project will strengthen our ability to provide
consistent, high-quality care for our patients while supporting the long-term sustainability of our health system.”
The Staff Quarters Construction Program is specifically intended to address housing shortages that limit the ability of Tribal health
facilities to recruit and retain employees. IHS
prioritizes projects based on demonstrated workforce need, housing market constraints, remoteness, cost effectiveness, sustainability,
and innovation.
The Omaha Tribe recognizes that investments in health care infrastructure extend beyond clinics and medical equipment. Housing is a
critical component of building a stable workforce capable of delivering quality health services to Tribal communities for generations
to come.
“The Omaha Tribe is grateful to the Indian Health Service for recognizing the importance of investing in our health care workforce,”
said Cheyenne Robinson, Treasurer of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska. “Our Tribal Council remains committed to strengthening every
aspect of our health care system, and this award represents another important step toward that goal. When we can recruit and retain
outstanding medical professionals, our citizens receive better care, our families become healthier, and our Nation grows stronger. This
investment reflects the Tribe’s continued commitment to building a healthier future for our people.”
The Omaha Tribe also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Indian Health Service Billings Area Office, the Division of
Facilities Planning and Construction, and the Carl T. Curtis Health Education Center staff whose work helped make the project
possible.
As the project moves into the planning and development phase, the Omaha Tribe looks forward to working closely with IHS to deliver
housing that supports the dedicated professionals who care for Tribal citizens every day.
About the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska
The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska is a sovereign Tribal Nation headquartered in Macy, Nebraska. Through the Carl T. Curtis Health
Education Center, the Tribe provides comprehensive health services that promote the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of Tribal citizens while advancing Tribal self-determination and excellence in health care delivery.