Diné have busy week in D.C. <br>

This legislation forms the backbone of the system of numerous federal health programs that serve American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Chairman Richard W. Pombo, R-Calif., and the committee unanimously passed H.R. 2440, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act of 2003, a bill introduced by Rep. Don Young, R-Ark.

“H.R. 2440 enhances the care and education of tribes and tribal members by improving the services and facilities of federal Indian health programs, which are extended in this legislation,” said Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Brian Kennedy.

On Sept. 23, Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley and several Navajo officials, concerned parties representing uranium issues, Navajo abandoned mines and EPA staffers attended a roundtable discussion on uranium issues. Three congressmen whose districts encompass the Navajo Nation were also present.

“As a member of the Health and Social Services Committee of the Navajo Nation Council, I am deeply concerned that the health of our people—those who live in mining areas and next to abandoned mines—continues to be threatened by this legacy of uranium mining,” Crownpoint, N.M. councilwoman Alice Benally, told the panel. “Keep in mind that much of this mining was promoted and authorized by the U.S. government.”

Navajo Division of Health officials also attended several other meetings on Medicaid issues along with a meeting of the Tribal Technical Advisory Group.

All in all, these meetings and other hearings, such as a congressional hearing on an item related to the Navajo Codetalkers brought an estimated 20,000 Native Americans to Washington. The Washington Post and the New York Times called it “the largest gathering of American Indians in Washington.”

Several national Native American organizations took advantage of the gathering to hold daily media and congressional briefings on health care, housing, and other issues.

Lorraine Whitehair, a public health nutritionist at Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, N.M. attended the IHS summit. She referred to one presentation, out of about 50, that stood out that she wanted to emulate.

“I learned about how to help people make behavior changes, using different strategies,” Whitehair said.

Paulita Hopper, from the Mechoopda tribe in Chico Rancheria, Calif., attended as a representative of the North Valley Indian Health board.

“Wellness is becoming an epidemic in Indian country,” Hopper said. “So learning about youth prevention and treatment programs from different tribes has been inspirational. I’m anxious to share this information with the rest of Northern Valley Indian Health board members.”

(George Joe is Senior Public Information Officer for the Navajo Division of Health.)

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