HEALTHCARE · ISSUE 3 OF 4
Workforce & Provider Shortage
What it is
Recruiting and retaining qualified healthcare providers on the Navajo Nation is a documented crisis. Capacity gaps in nursing, medicine, pharmacy, and behavioral health affect every other healthcare issue. 638 facilities face different workforce pressures than IHS facilities — and neither publishes its vacancy rates. Credentialing and privileging — verifying that providers are qualified to do what they say they can do — is a separate layer that candidates rarely named.
Learn
Understand the system — then consult an expert
Credentialing, Privileging & 638 vs IHS — how provider vetting works and where the gaps are.
Capacity, Leadership & Self-Governance 101 — healthcare workforce as a capacity problem.
Consult an expert: Ask about healthcare workforce on the Nation →
Plan & Assess
Where candidates stand — weigh it yourself
Healthcare & 638 — candidates side by side — who named provider retention and what they proposed.
Ask any candidate: What are the current vacancy rates at IHS and 638 facilities in your district? What is your specific plan for provider retention? Full list →
Act
What you can do now
Request it: Provider vacancy rates and credentialing board records are requestable. How to request records →
Report a gap: If you received care from an inadequately credentialed provider, document it. Find the right door →
Report & Monitor
Track progress — hold the right office accountable
What should be public: Provider vacancy rates by facility, credentialing board meeting minutes, and workforce development program outcomes. What should be public →
Track: Healthcare survey → · Community Findings →
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