The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) has released a new resource to support Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) in strengthening relationships with policymakers: A How-To Toolkit for Inviting Members of Congress to Visit Your Urban Indian Organization. 

This new toolkit provides step-by-step guidance for UIOs to invite and host Members of Congress, which provides an opportunity to showcase services provided to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people living in urban areas, share community impact, raise awareness of urban Indian health needs, and highlight the importance of federal support for UIOs. 

Developed by NCUIH in collaboration with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, the toolkit includes: 

• Step-by-step instructions and best practices for scheduling a congressional visit.  
• Template email language to help connect with congressional schedulers.  
• Tips for highlighting the impact of UIOs and issues facing Native communities in urban areas.  

On September 30, 2025, Congress failed to reach an agreement on the House-passed Continuing Resolution (CR) to maintain FY 2025 funding through November 21. This failure resulted in the expiration of government funding and the first shutdown in six years. A government shutdown halts most discretionary funding, forces widespread staff furloughs, and may trigger Reductions in Force (RIFs).

“Advance funding for the Indian Health Service is saving lives today. This Administration and Congress have committed to the fulfillment of trust and treaty responsibilities. We urge Congress and the Administration to extend exceptions to all of Indian Country to reduce any further impacts and protect our communities.” – Francys Crevier (Algonquin), CEO of NCUIH.

NCUIH Action

On September 29, 2025, NCUIH signed on to a letter by the Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty (CTS) to OMB Director Russell Vought  calling for an immediate directive to except all federal employees serving Tribal Nations, Tribal citizens, and Tribal communities from any shutdown-related furloughs or reductions in force. In addition to the letter, CTS provided Director Vought with a list of funded accounts essential to protecting health services, housing, and public safety in Indian Country.

NCUIH echoes this call, stressing the urgent need for a blanket exception for all programs serving Indian Country, particularly as reports emerge of HHS staff working on IHS-related programs being furloughed.

Impacts on Indian Country

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Fortunately, due to strong bipartisan support, the Indian Health Service (IHS) received advance appropriations for FY 2026, meaning IHS will continue to receive funding and all 14,801 IHS staff will be protected from furloughs. Urban Indian Organizations are covered under the advance appropriations. While most IHS operations will continue unimpacted, several IHS accounts do not receive advance appropriations. These include facilities construction, sanitation facilities construction, Contract Support Costs and 105(l) leases, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Fund, and Electronic Health Records line item.

Health and Human Services (HHS)

The HHS Contingency Plan states that 32,460 employees (41%) will be furloughed, and HHS will cease all non-exempt and non-excepted activities.  HHS programs are critical for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) and Tribal organizations. While some programs are insulated because they do not rely on an October 1 funding cycle, HHS agencies cannot award new grants during a shutdown. In addition, existing grant management activities may be deemed non-essential, leading to delays in communication and possible disruptions in disbursements.

Next Steps

There is no clear indication of how long this shutdown will last. The Senate is expected to continue debating the House-passed CR through the weekend, while the House of Representatives is not expected to return until next week.

NCUIH will work with Tribal partners, federal agencies, and congressional allies to minimize the shutdown’s impact on American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Past experience shows any disruption in funding in the Indian health system can have grave consequences. During the 2019 government shutdown, funding disruptions led to reduced services and facility closures, resulting in tragic consequences including loss of life due to opioid overdoses in some communities.

We urge policymakers to prioritize Tribal health and safety by ensuring that all Tribal-serving staff and programs are fully protected.

NCUIH Contact: Meredith Raimondi, Vice President of Policy and Communications, mraimondi@ncuih.org

In this Edition:

• 💰 FY 2026 Labor HHS: House bill released; Indian Country program levels increase in several lines.
• 🤝 Coalition Advocacy: CTS letter to OMB on Executive Order 14332 and Trust/Treaty obligations.
• ⚖️ Parity & Stability: Urban Indian Health Parity Act reintroduced; bipartisan Advance Appropriations bill returns.
• 🏥 OBBBA RHTF: CMS opens state NOFO; UIO eligibility clarified; AZ consultation proposes 10% set-aside.
• 📑 AI/AN Medicaid Exemptions: CMS one-pager affirms protections and state implementation support.
• 💉 Vaccines: CDC ACIP meets Sept. 18–19 (COVID-19, RSV, HepB, MMRV).
• 🧠 Behavioral Health: Native Connections grant sustainability concerns from UIOs.
• 💛 Diabetes Leadership: UIO representation at IHS Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee.
• 🔄 IHS Engagement: NCUIH comments on IHS strategic realignment and PATH EHR scope.
• 📊 FY 2028 Budget Formulation: Area consultations anticipated to begin in November.
• 📆 Save the Dates: UIO Focus Groups (Oct. 7–9), UIO Caucus (Oct. 20), IHS–UIO Federal Summit (Oct. 21–23), STAC/DSTAC (Sept. 22–26), NCUIH Policy Workgroup (Oct. 15).

National Tribal Health Conference 2025

National Indian Health Board Hosts NTHC
(Sept. 8–12, Phoenix, AZ)

NCUIH actively represented Urban Indian Organizations throughout the NIHB National Tribal Health Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, with multiple sessions, activities, and opportunities to spotlight UIO leadership.

Exhibit Hall Booth: Shared resources with attendees, including our Pew Behavioral Health toolkit, Hope for Life Day information, NCUIH 2026 Annual Conference Save the Dates, while engaging leaders and Tribal partners.

Federal Engagement: Met with Dr. Hartwig, the new Senior Advisor at the Indian Health Service, alongside Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium and the National Indian Health Board.

Meredith Raimondi, Vice President of Policy and Communications, joined a panel on advocacy and messaging strategies, sharing NCUIH’s approach to advancing policy priorities and amplifying UIO perspectives in federal conversations.

Thank you to the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) for convening this year’s National Tribal Health Conference and to the Gila River Indian Community for hosting. Your partnership created a productive space for Tribal and Urban Indian Organization leaders and federal partners to advance shared priorities in Native health – in a good way.

Appropriations and Fiscal Policy Updates

Labor–Health and Human Services (LHHS) Bill – House Action

► FY 2026 HHS: $108B – $7B below FY25, $22B above President’s request, $8B below Senate proposal.
○ Does not fund the Administration for a Healthy America.
○ Make America Healthy Again Initiative: $100M (10% set-aside for Tribes, Tribal organizations, UIOs, and health service providers to Tribes serving rural communities).

• This is a new funding line item that would allow the Secretary to invest in prevention innovation programs for rural communities and telehealth resources for chronic care and nutrition services. The Committee encourages the Secretary to support opportunities for advancing telemedicine tools and remote monitoring technologies at universities. This research should support studies on the efficacy of virtual care for managing chronic illnesses, development of AI-assisted telehealth platforms, and training programs for healthcare providers on integrating remote solutions into standard practice.

► Indian Country Programs: 
○ Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country: $30M (+$6M)
○ Improving Native American Cancer Outcomes: $14M (+$8M)
○ Minority HIV/AIDS Fund – Tribal Set Aside: $6M
○ Tribal Behavioral Health Grants (Native Connections): $30M (+$6.3M)

Next Steps: House and Senate leadership to reconcile final bill.

The House released their text for a Continuing Resolution

Timeframe: The CR will go from September 30 to November 21.
SDPI: Reauthorizes SDPI for the CR period and provides $22.7 million in funding.

Next steps: The House passed the bill on September 19. However, the Senate was unable to pass the bill. The Senate will need to come to an agreement by September 30 to prevent a government shutdown.

Federal Advocacy and Policy Updates

► One Big Beautiful Bill Act Implementation

• CMS confirmed AI/AN exemptions from cost sharing, work requirements, and frequent eligibility redeterminations, and will provide guidance and TA to ensure proper implementation.
• Sept. 15: CMS released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for States to apply for Rural Health Transformation Fund (RHTF).
• UIOs considered CMS FQHCs (CMS definition differs from HRSA’s); UIO eligibility affirmed.
• Aug. 19: NCUIH sent template letters to UIOs for state submissions to CMS.
• Tribal Consultation in Arizona held Sept. 11; proposals included a 10% state set-aside for Indian Country.

Action: 1. Encourage your state to hold Tribal consultation and urban confer.

              2. Engage in Urban Confer/Tribal Consultation with your state on RHTF plans.

► Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act

• Reintroduced by Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), Sen. Mullin (R-OK), and Sen. Luján (D-NM).
• Legislation would authorize advance appropriations to the Indian Health Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Bureau of Indian Education to avoid funding lapses due to delays in enacting annual federal spending bills.

► Urban Indian Health Parity Act (H.R. 4722)

• Reintroduced by Reps. Ruiz (CA-25) and Bacon (NE-02).
• NCUIH is working to secure Republican co-sponsors.
• Request for UIOs: Email Republican offices to sign on.

► American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Medicaid Exemptions

• CMS confirms AI/AN exemptions from cost sharing, work requirements, and frequent eligibility redeterminations.
• CMS will provide guidance and TA to ensure proper implementation.

Health & Behavioral Health Updates

► Vaccines

• Sept. 18–19: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting — topics include COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, hepatitis B, and measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV).
• AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) reaffirmed that health plans will continue covering all ACIP-recommended immunizations as of September 1, 2025 — including updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines — with no cost-sharing for patients through the end of 2026.
• Questions for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs): Are you administering COVID-19, RSV, and/or influenza vaccines? Which remain uncertain?

► SAMHSA Native Connections Grant

• Several UIOs report grant funding ending, raising sustainability concerns.
• NCUIH has engaged with HHS for clarity. The administration has directly requested the information below. Your responses are critical to protecting the program.
• Questions for UIOs: Can you share measurable results and positive outcomes from this grant?

► Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee Update

• Sept. 16–17: NCUIH represented UIOs at IHS Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee.
• Adrianne Maddux [picture above alongside Chairman Rep.Jeff Hurd, CO-03] represented UIOs as the NCUIH representative.

Key Updates:

• TLDC recommendation to IHS on Realignment: Conduct Tribal Consultation/Urban Confer once they have a finalized plan.
• SDPI grantees can request supplemental funding for SDPI if their area has unobligated balances. Grantees can make one request per year only if the Tribe/UIO has spent down all of their funds. Grantees can with their area office on their request.

IHS Engagement & Consultations

► IHS Strategic Realignment – NCUIH Comments (Aug. 28)

• Protect Urban Health line item.
• Maintain dedicated IHS branch for urban Indian health.
• Clarify role of 2023–2027 OUIHP Strategic Plan.
• Advocate for 100% FMAP.
• Hold additional Urban Confer sessions and develop HHS-wide Urban Confer policy.
• Strengthen Area Office collaboration with IHS facilities.
• Fill vacancies and preserve IHS Tribal advisory groups.

► PATH EHR Modernization – NCUIH Comments (Sept. 6)

• Clarify mobile app capabilities.
• Provide training periods before go-live to account for staff/time constraints.
• Ensure PATH EHR capabilities include the ability to document social services provided at UIOs, including Traditional Healing and Medicine services

► FY 2028 Budget Formulation

• Area budget formulation meetings for Fiscal Year 2028 are anticipated to begin in November.
• UIO participation in Area Consultations is essential to secure urban line-item funding. NCUIH will share information on the Area Budget Formulation meetings and assist UIOs in preparing for their Area Consultations in October.
• Action: Share consultation details with NCUIH at Policy@NCUIH.org.

Upcoming Summits and Meetings

► NCUIH UIO Caucus and Tacos

• Oct. 20 | Indian Gaming Association, Washington, DC.
• Please RSVP by October 14

► IHS UIO and Partner Federal Agencies Summit

• Oct. 21–23 | HHS Humphrey Building (Room 800), Washington, DC.
• Objectives: Introduce federal partners, share priorities, and explore collaboration.

►  NCUIH UIO Focus Groups

• Oct. 7 | Full Ambulatory (1–2 p.m. ET), Outpatient/Residential (3–4 p.m. ET).
• Oct. 8 | Limited Ambulatory (1–2 p.m. ET), Outreach/Referral (3–4 p.m. ET).
• Oct. 9 | Make-Up Session (1–2 p.m. ET).
• Topics: 2026 Policy Priorities, 2025 accomplishments/challenges, candid feedback.

►  Other Key Dates

• September 18: Department of Urban Indian Affairs (DUIA) (Formerly OUIHP)-Urban Program Executive Directors/Chief Executive Officers Monthly Conference Call
• Sept. 22–26: HHS Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) and IHS Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee (DSTAC) meetings (Martha’s Vineyard, MA)
• September 30: Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) Task Force on Research on Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women Meeting
• Oct. 15: NCUIH Monthly Policy Workgroup (Virtual).

Federal Engagement Highlights

► Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty (CTS)

• Aug. 28: Letter to OMB urging that implementation of EO 14332 (Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking) not undermine federal trust and treaty obligations.
• CTS continues as a unifying voice of inter-tribal, policy-oriented organizations.
  [Resource: www.coalitionfortribalsovereignty.org]

About CTS: The Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty (CTS) is a collaborative alliance that serves as a powerful unifying voice of regional and national inter-tribal policy-oriented, non-profit organizations to engage with federal policymakers on critical issues affecting the sovereign interests, rights, and authorities of Tribal Nations, tribal citizens, and community members across the United States.

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.

On July 24, 2025, NCUIH joined the National Indian Health Board and 19 organizations who serve American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) families, mothers, and infants across Indian Country in sending a letter to House and Senate leadership urging Congress to protect investments for AI/AN families in fiscal year (FY) 2026.

The President’s proposed FY 2026 budget includes a new agency, the Administration for Healthy America (AHA) that would consolidate programming across Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and other agencies, and shift transfers several programs to the new agency as part of its HHS reorganization. The proposal would reduce funding for HRSA Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grants and maintain funding for Head Start, while eliminating $274 million in maternal and child health programs across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that AI/AN communities rely on. Several successful programs that are slated for elimination are:

• Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Maternal and Infant branch, including initiatives like the Safe Motherhood & Infant Health program which funds the Hear Her Campaign, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) 
• HRSA Healthy Start program

Senate Labor-HHS Bill Maintains Funding for Programs Cited in Letter 

On July 31, 2025, the Senate Appropriations Full Committee passed their FY 2026 appropriations bill for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), and notably did not fund the AHA. The Senate bill does not eliminate LIHEAP, Healthy Start, or the Safe Motherhood & Infant Health program. The bill proposed funding for Head Start at $12.36 billion, and proposed funding for HRSA Maternal and Child Health Block Grants for FY2026 at $799 million, $32.7 million above the President’s request and $14 million below the FY 2025 enacted amount.

The House has not yet released their Labor-HHS appropriations bill, which is expected to be released in September.

• Read NCUIH’s analysis of the Senate Labor-HHS bill here.

Full Letter Text

Dear Speaker Johnson, Leader Thune, Leader Schumer, and Leader Jeffries:

On behalf of the undersigned organizations who serve American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) families, mothers, and infants across Indian Country, we write to express deep concern regarding the proposed budget reductions to critical divisions and departments within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as outlined in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Proposal. We are greatly appreciative of both the Administration and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies for proposing increases to the Indian Health Service (IHS) budget. However, the IHS is only one agency of many within HHS that discharge the federal government’s trust obligation to provide for the healthcare of Indians. The proposed FY 2026 budget will eliminate $274 million across multiple maternal and child health programs1 that AI/AN communities have come to rely on. We respectfully urge Congress to protect investments for AI/AN families to support the health of current and future generations.

Tribal Nations hold a unique political government-to-government relationship with the United States, carried out through the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations which are carried out, in part, through a series of federal statutory mandates and programming to AI/AN citizens. This includes set-asides, program funding, and the federal personnel necessary to administer Tribal programs. These are legal obligations rooted in treaties, trust obligations, the U.S. Constitution, and federal statutes.

Despite operating with minimal federal resources, Tribal and Native-led programs continue to provide culturally-responsive care to AI/AN families. AI/AN communities remain chronically underserved, contributing to AI/AN women being three times more likely to die from pregnancy- related causes than non-Hispanic white (NHW) women2 and AI/AN infants facing mortality rates twice as high as NHW infants.3 These unacceptable disparities reflect longstanding underinvestment in maternal and child health for Tribal communities.

The proposed FY26 reorganization under the new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA) will centralize oversight of most maternal health programs. However, it is alarming that several successful programs are slated for elimination under the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). These programs include the ACF Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the CDC Maternal and Infant branch, and HRSA’s Healthy Start. These vital programs are often lifesaving, and their removal will severely impact AI/AN family health outcomes.

While AHA will oversee the administration of the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program, funding for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grants will be reduced by $46.45 million compared to FY25. Currently, Tribes do not receive MCH Block Grants funding directly, but instead must rely on states to distribute these resources. While AHA supports state authority in administering these funds, Tribal Nations, recognized as sovereign governments, should also have the authority to directly access MCH funding through a dedicated Tribal set-aside. This direct access would greatly benefit AI/AN populations by expanding access to culturally appropriate programming targeted to improve health outcomes. Potential cuts to these vital programs would significantly impact Indian Country’s ability to deliver culturally-appropriate services and conduct culturally responsive research. Such reductions represent a harmful divestment from the limited resources that support the health and well-being of Tribal families. Consolidating or eliminating these programs would jeopardize critical infrastructure that Tribal Nations rely on.

Administration for Children and Families (ACF): The consolidation of ACF will dismantle critical programs like LIHEAP and flat line funding for Head Start. In FY25, LIHEAP block grants were funded at $400,025,000 while Head Start was funded at $12.2 billion. The loss and reduction of these funds will undoubtedly leave a gap in local programming and services, often provided in rural and remote areas.

LIHEAP ensures Tribal families have access to heating, cooling, and electricity, resources that are increasingly urgent for rising energy costs and inflation. In many cases, LIHEAP offsets household costs to ensure other basic needs such as food and medications are met. LIHEAP is a safety net for millions of families and the elimination of funding will undoubtedly harm low- income households.

The Budget Justification proposes funding Head Start at FY25 funding levels with a $356.8 million set-aside for AI/AN Head Start and we are thankful to see the Secretary’s preservation of these funds. However, the Justification itself states that Head Start is expected to fund 21,789 fewer slots for children and 7,591 Head Start staff. Many Tribal governments supplement funding gaps within their Head Start programs, but without a funding increase Tribal resources will be exhausted. AI/AN Head Start programs cannot afford to stretch their existing funds further than they already do. The failure to increase appropriations for Head Start would further exacerbate the lack of early education programming available for rural and remote AI/AN communities. We respectfully request an increase in appropriations for Head Start FY26 and beyond.

We would also like to bring to your attention HHS’s intent to reform principles guiding the modernization of the Head Start program for the 21st century. We request your support in seeking additional information from the Administration regarding the potential impact of these proposed reforms impact on AI/AN Head Start programs. We also urge you to direct HHS to conduct formal Tribal consultation on these proposed reforms. Any proposed reforms affecting AI/AN Head Start programs must respect Tribal sovereignty and preserve the current structure of direct federal funding to AI/AN Head Start agencies without state involvement or interference.

These programs serve as an extension of federal obligations and must be maintained and increased under the Administration for Children, Families, and Communities (ACFC) or AHA. Any proposed reforms must respect the unique needs of and sovereignty of Tribal Nations.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): At CDC, the proposed reorganization would eliminate numerous maternal and child health initiatives, including the Safe Motherhood and Infant Health program, funded at $108 million in FY23, which includes the Hear Her campaign; the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS); and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES).

The Hear Her campaign was one of the only federal programs that directly invested in culturally appropriate models that fit the needs of Indian Country. This program built trusting relationships with our people, which have been setback by this rushed reorganization. Moreover, the termination of PRAMS will significantly undermine AI/AN data collection and analysis. PRAMS remains one of the few national tools available to track maternal and infant health disparities in AI/AN populations. Without it, federal and Tribal health agencies will lose a vital tool for identifying risks, informing interventions, and saving lives.

Recent reductions in force (RIFs) have included the dismissal of staff from the Reproductive Health Division and Hear Her campaign, both of which are essential to supporting maternal and child health in Tribal communities. We have also received reports of the Healthy Native Babies Project consultants being terminated, which has abruptly halted access to culturally tailored resources available for pregnant women, families, and healthcare professionals. Eliminating these programs are not the solution for improving maternal and child health in Indian Country.

In the interest of honoring the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations, we respectfully call on your leadership to maintain investments that ensure the health of our current and future generations.

Health Resources Services and Administration (HRSA): The proposed reduction of HRSA, to other divisions will significantly endanger AI/AN maternal and child health services across Indian Country. Tribal communities heavily rely on the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant and Healthy Start.

The Maternal and Child Health Block Grant is proposed to receive $767.3 million in funding, representing a $46.45 million decrease from FY24 and FY25. The reorganization provides an opportunity to establish a dedicated Tribal set-aside within the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. Currently, states receive funding through a formula- based allocation which includes AI/AN individuals, but those dollars do not always flow to the Tribe to support the programs for that population. We strongly recommend the creation of a Tribal set-aside within the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant to improve health outcomes for AI/AN women, children, and families.

In FY25, the Healthy Start initiative received $45.5 million. Healthy Start is only authorized through FY 2025, but its full elimination would be catastrophic. Healthy Start is designed to improve health outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period, reduce infant mortality, and mitigate adverse perinatal outcomes. In 2022 alone, Healthy Start reached 85,000 participants. The Healthy Start program supports high-risk pregnant individuals through home visiting services, health education, case management, and linkages to prenatal and pediatric care—all tailored to the specific needs of Tribal communities. Without HRSA and Healthy Start, the maternal and child health crisis will worsen in Indian Country.

Conclusion 

To ensure that the federal trust responsibility is not impeded by the HHS reorganization efforts, we respectfully request your leadership protecting funding for our Tribal Nations and AI/AN families. Improving maternal and child health outcomes for AI/AN communities requires more than programmatic support, it requires meaningful policy change from Congress.

Congress must act to strengthen Native maternal and child health by strengthening funding for programs Native moms and children rely on and creating legislation that recognizes Tribal sovereignty and ensures sustained, direct funding for Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. We urge Congress to include dedicated provisions for AI/AN maternal and child health in any forthcoming legislation to fulfill its trust and treaty obligations.

Sincerely, 

National Indian Child Welfare Association
National Indian Head Start Directors Association
National Indian Health Board
National Council on Urban Indian Health
National Hispanic Council on Aging
Native Organizers Alliance
Native American Women’s Dialog on Infant Mortality
Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project
United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund
California Rural Indian Health Board
Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board, Inc.
American Indian Health Commission
Seattle Indian Health Board
Sacred Bundle Birthwork
Xa?Xa? Indigenous Birth Justice
Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services
What to Expect Project
Chamber of Mothers
Yellowtail Lactation Consultants
Encoded 4 Story
Indigena Consulting