Secretary Kennedy Visits Arizona Urban Indian Organization NATIVE HEALTH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MESA, AZ (April 8, 2025)– Today, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited NATIVE HEALTH’S Mesa clinic to learn more about the vital work of Urban Indian Organizations as part of the Indian Health System. Secretary Kennedy is on a tour that includes a focus on “Tribal Health & Self-Governance” and a discussion with Navajo Nation leadership on food sovereignty initiatives.
“NATIVE HEALTH is a shining example of innovative health care in Arizona, demonstrating the success of services developed by Native people for Native people. Secretary Kennedy’s commitment to protecting the Indian Health Service, including Urban Indian Organizations, reflects a shared dedication to better health outcomes for all Native people. We are especially encouraged by his willingness to engage directly with the community, witnessing firsthand the innovation and success of programs like NATIVE HEALTH and listening to Native leaders. Together, we aim to build on this foundation, fostering collaboration and sustainable progress for future generations,” said NCUIH CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin).
HHS Secretary Kennedy speaks with NCUIH President and NATIVE HEALTH CEO Walter Murillo (Choctaw) at NATIVE HEALTH Mesa.
Native Leaders Urge Secretary Kennedy to Honor Trust and Treaty Obligations
Recently, Secretary Kennedy met with the HHS Tribal Advisory Committee and promised to protect IHS from any administrative changes. On February 25, HHS also issued an Advisory Opinion reiterating the “legal obligation to provide health care for Indian Tribes and their citizens.” The advisory opinion affirms that during his first administration, President Trump sought to enhance federal programs addressing the concerns of American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Administrative changes have recently been announced at HHS, and NCUIH has called upon the administration to honor the advisory opinion so that programs for Tribes and their citizens do not become collateral damage during reform efforts. NCUIH is hopeful that the administration will continue to engage in opportunities to hear from Native leaders as we work together to uplift the health care of all Native people.
L to R:
Francys Crevier (Algonquin), JD, CEO of NCUIH
Kyu Rhee, President and CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)
Secretary Kennedy
Jessica Yanow, President and CEO of the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers
Walter Murillo (Choctaw), CEO of NATIVE HEALTH
About NCUIH
The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is a national representative for the 41 Urban Indian Organizations contracting with the Indian Health Service under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. NCUIH is devoted to the support and development of high quality and accessible health and public health services for American Indian and Alaska Native people living in urban areas.
NCUIH respects and supports Tribal sovereignty and the unique government-to-government relationship between our Tribal Nations and the United States. NCUIH works to support those federal laws, policies, and procedures that respect and uplift Tribal sovereignty and the government-to-government relationship. NCUIH does not support any federal law, policy, or procedure that infringes upon or in any way diminishes Tribal sovereignty or the government-to-government relationship.
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NCUIH Contact: Meredith Raimondi, Vice President of Policy and Communications, mraimondi@ncuih.org
