This booklet summarizes programs of the Indian Health Service (IHS). The IHS was created in 1954 as part of the Public Health Service when responsibility for American Indian and Alaska Native health care was transferred from the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. The goal of the IHS is to raise the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest possible level. Since 1955 the average life expectancy for American Indians and Alaska Natives has risen 19%; mortality rate among Indians with tuberculosis has decreased 96%; and infant mortality rates have decreased 85%. These improved health numbers are the result of stronger central program supervision, more qualified staff, and an accelerated public health program, including establishment of public health clinics on all reservations. The booklet describes the following IHS programs: (1) health care programs (preventive health services, emergency medical services, environmental health and engineering services, pharmacy services, contract health services, health education program, community-based programs, alcoholism and substance abuse program, school-based programs, diabetes program, nutrition program, mental health program, community health representative program, dental program, laboratory program); (2) special health concerns and initiatives (AIDS, maternal and child health, otitis media, nursing, aging, health care database management system, physician services); (3) IHS career opportunities and training programs (IHS manpower program, advanced professional and specialty training, Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program); and (4) paraprofessional training (community health aide training, mental health worker training, nutrition and dietetics training, optometric assistant training, dental assistant training). The 12 Area Offices of the IHS health care delivery system are also described. Includes photographs and a national map of IHS health facilities. (TSP)