REPORT: Urban Indian Health at Risk – Federal Funding Disruptions Threaten Critical Services
Today, February 3, 2025, the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) releases a critical report on the potential impact of federal funding disruptions on Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). This timely survey highlights the importance of these vital healthcare providers serving American Indians and Alaska Natives in urban areas across the United States.
Key Findings
- Operational Sustainability: Over half of the surveyed UIOs report they would be unable to sustain operations beyond six months without federal funding. Alarmingly, some organizations can only maintain services for 30 days or less, underscoring the immediate threat to these essential healthcare providers.
- Workforce Instability: More than 60% of UIOs face potential staff reductions, with 23.1% definitely needing to furlough or lay off staff if federal funding is disrupted. This threatens not only the livelihoods of dedicated healthcare professionals but also the continuity of care for urban Native communities.
- Service Discontinuation: A significant number of UIOs anticipate discontinuing critical services if federal funding is disrupted.
- These at-risk services include:
- Primary care
- Behavioral health services
- Substance abuse treatment
- Community wellness initiatives
- Health programs (vaccinations, testing, education)
- Cultural and youth programming
- These at-risk services include:
Implications
The potential disruption of UIO services could have far-reaching consequences for urban American Indian and Alaska Native populations. UIOs serve patients from over 500 federally recognized Tribes, providing crucial primary care, behavioral health, traditional medicine, and social services. Any interruption in these services could exacerbate existing health disparities and undermine decades of progress in urban Native healthcare.
As we release this report, we call on policymakers, healthcare leaders, and advocates to recognize the critical role of UIOs in the Indian health system and take immediate action to ensure their continued operation and funding stability. The health and well-being of urban Native communities depend on the uninterrupted services provided by these organizations.
Report
IMPACT OF FEDERAL FUNDING PAUSES ON URBAN INDIAN ORGANIZATIONS
