Life of Service: Jamie Olsen’s 25-Year Journey with IHS
For almost 25 years, Jamie Olsen has worked hard to support the health and well-being of American Indian communities. As part of the Indian Health Service (IHS) Alzheimer’s Program and Elder Health team, she brings not just experience, but also compassion, humility, a quick smile, and a deep understanding of the people she serves.
Jamie started her work with American Indian communities in the Red Lake area of northern Minnesota. “Red Lake taught me what it means to truly listen, to be present, and to serve in a way that honors both tradition and innovation,” she says. Her time there shaped who she is today: grounded, mindful, and focused on helping others.
She started at IHS as the first in-house mammographer. Later, she became the radiology supervisor for Red Lake and a champion for access to women’s health services. In 2023, she embraced a new role as a management analyst with the Elder Health team.
“If you had asked me years ago if I’d be working in elder care, I probably would have laughed and said, ‘No way,’” she admits with a smile. “Red Lake and its people touched my heart every single day. I never thought I’d leave.”
Now, Jamie supports American Indian and Alaska Native communities who are dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She provides technical assistance for the Dementia Models of Care Grantees. She has visited 13 tribal and urban Indian communities, building relationships and strengthening programs that reflect local values. In her job, she is also the contracting officer representative for the team and manages and helps with some aspects of virtually all of the Alzheimer’s Program activities.
“In my role, I focus on building relationships and connections with I/T/Us and our other partners,” Olsen explains. “Whether through technical help, workforce development, or education, everything we do is built on collaboration.”
Looking back on her time with IHS, Jamie says, “I’m deeply proud of my 25 years with IHS—from my early days in radiology to my current work in elder care. The journey has been filled with meaningful relationships and valuable lessons that continue to guide my path.”
Pictured top right: Jamie Olsen serves as a management analyst with the Elder Health Team in the Division of Clinical and Community Services at IHS Headquarters.
Pictured bottom left: Jamie Olsen, right, stands with Valerie Jones, left, and Susan Bracamontes during a site visit with the Fallon Paiute–Shoshone Tribe.
This session will provide participants with a general understanding of the differences between Alzheimer’s disease and Frontotemporal Degeneration. It will focus on the young-onset and atypical caregiver experiences. Highlights will include the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to diagnosis, care planning, and caregiver support. 
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