What government body operates the Indian Health Service (IHS)?

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is operated under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is responsible for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. HHS oversees a wide range of health-related programs, and the IHS specifically aims to deliver health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

This relationship is significant because HHS coordinates various initiatives aimed at improving the health outcomes of Indigenous populations, ensuring access to care, and promoting health programs tailored to their unique needs. The structural support provided by a department focused on health and human services allows IHS to effectively address the specific challenges and healthcare disparities faced by Native communities, fostering a more equitable healthcare system.

Overall, it is the role of the Department of Health and Human Services that makes it the correct answer, as it aligns directly with the mission and governance of the Indian Health Service.