PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH Urges Senate Appropriations Committee to Match House Funding Request of $81 Million for Urban Indian Health

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi
202-544-0344
mraimondi@ncuih.org

NCUIH Urges Senate Appropriations Committee to Match House Funding Request of $81 Million for Urban Indian Health

NCUIH sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee to request the same funding level as included in Chairwoman McCollum’s House bill for urban Indian health.

Washington, DC (June 10, 2019) — Today, the National Council of Urban Indian Health sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee requesting to match the funding for the urban Indian health line item in the House Appropriations bill that recently passed out of the full Appropriations Committee. Last month, the Senate held their first hearing on the Interior budget with Secretary Bernhardt.

“After years of stagnation and chronic underfunding to the urban Indian health budget, NCUIH would like to see the Senate follow the House by also including $81 million for the urban Indian health item. NCUIH urges the Senate to follow the House bill’s example which incorporates a solution of addressing the unmet needs of urban Indians by increasing the overall IHS budget without taking away from the other line items,” said NCUIH Executive Director Francys Crevier.

Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) are the only part of the Indian health System (IHS/Tribal facilities/UIOs) that only receive funding from one source within the IHS budget – the urban Indian line item. The 41 UIOs in 22 states are an integral part of the Indian health system.  Currently, UIOs receive less than 1% of the IHS budget creating serious budget constraints while still providing culturally-competent and quality healthcare.

The House Interior Appropriations Bill authored by Chairwoman Betty McCollum includes $81 million for the urban Indian health line item, which is an approximately $30 million increase from current levels. The House Bill will next move to the floor for a vote.

As the Senate continues to develop their Interior Appropriations bill, NCUIH requests that they include the $81 million for urban Indian health. This needed increase would allow UIOs to hire more staff, expand vital services from behavioral health to substance misuse programs, and improve health outcomes for the growing demand for health care for urban Indians.

PRESS RELEASE: House Interior Appropriations Bill Advances to the Full Committee with NCUIH Request of $81 Million for Urban Indian Health

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi
Manager, Communications & Events
National Council of Urban Indian Health
202-544-0344
mraimondi@ncuih.org

House Interior Appropriations Bill Advances to the Full Committee with NCUIH Request of $81 Million for Urban Indian Health

Chair Betty McCollum’s draft bill that advanced to full committee includes a $30 million increase to the urban Indian health line item.

Washington, DC (May 16, 2019) — Yesterday, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies approved by voice vote its fiscal year 2020 bill with the National Council of Urban Indian Health’s request of an increase for the urban Indian health line item to $81 million. The fiscal year 2020 bill draft from Chair Betty McCollum includes this increase of approximately $30 million for the urban Indian health line item from current funding levels and a $537 million increase to $6.3 billion for the Indian Health Service overall budget from fiscal year 2019.

Chair McCollum’s bill incorporates a solution of addressing the unmet needs of urban Indians by increasing the overall IHS budget without taking away any money from Tribes. This needed increase would allow the 42 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) to hire more staff, expand vital services from behavioral health to substance misuse programs, and improve health outcomes for the growing demand of health care for urban Indians.

“NCUIH applauds the leadership of Chair Betty McCollum and her longstanding commitment to fulfilling the trust and treaty responsibilities of the US government with American Indians and Alaska Natives by investing in the Indian Health Service and urban Indian health programs. After years of stagnation and chronic underfunding to urban Indian health and the Indian Health Service (IHS) budget, NCUIH is hopeful that Chair McCollum’s bill requesting $6.3 billion for IHS, which is higher than the proposed budget by the President of $5.9 billion, and $81 million for urban Indian health will continue to move forward for consideration by the full House,” said NCUIH Executive Director Francys Crevier.

“This bill continues our subcommittee’s nonpartisan approach to addressing issues facing our Native American brothers and sisters. I am committed to honoring our trust and treaty obligations,” said Chair McCollum in her opening remarks during yesterday’s hearing.

“We strongly agree on Indian Country. It’s a testament to [Chair McCollum] and the rest of the members on this subcommittee that we continue our nonpartisan approach to programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives which constitute roughly a quarter of this bill. In this often hyper partisan environment, the work we do together on behalf of Indian Country is a welcome change.” said Ranking Member Dave Joyce during his opening remarks before the bill was approved.

Earlier this year, NCUIH President Maureen Rosette testified before the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee for this increase of the urban Indian line item to a total of at least $81 million. NCUIH also sent a letter to all Members of Congress with facilities in their districts to support higher funding for urban Indian health. 16 Members of Congress signed the final letter, led by Rep. Raul Grijalva, to the Interior Appropriations Committee, in support at least $81 million for the urban Indian health line item.

The increased funding would be critical to the 42 UIOs across the country. These UIOs an integral part of the Indian health system, which is comprised of the IHS, federally recognized Tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations (I/T/Us). UIOs provide culturally-competent healthcare to approximately 70% of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) living in urban settings. UIOs are on the front lines in assisting the federal government in providing for the health and well-being of urban Indians.

The full text of the bill is here. The bill next heads to the full Committee for markup.

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About the National Council of Urban Indian Health (https://ncuih.org)

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the only national organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban settings. NCUIH envisions a nation where comprehensive, culturally competent personal and public health services are available and accessible to AI/ANs living in urban communities throughout the United States.  NCUIH is the only organization that represents all 42 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) federally funded by the Indian Health Service.

PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH Releases Preliminary Report on Impacts of Government Shutdown and Trackers for Regulations and Legislation

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi
202-544-0344
mraimondi@ncuih.org

NCUIH Releases Preliminary Report on Impacts of Government Shutdown and Trackers for Regulations and Legislation

During the 2019 Washington Summit, NCUIH provided an update on findings of impacts from the government shutdown and published trackers for regulations and legislation online.

Washington, DC (April 30, 2019) — On April 23 and 24, NCUIH hosted over 120 attendees including representatives from Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs) and federal agencies. During the Summit, NCUIH released a preliminary report on the impact on the government shutdown on Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs). In addition, the Policy Department released online trackers for regulation and legislation.

  • The shutdown report survey brief and key findings can be found here.
  • The legislative tracker will be updated on a biweekly basis with new legislation that NCUIH is watching as it relates to Urban Indian Health Program (UIHP) funding and policy. View the legislative tracker here.
  • The regulation tracker is a resource for following activities at federal agencies as they relate to the work of UIHPs. View the regulation tracker here.

The conference featured 7 keynote speakers for a total of over 47 speakers who presented on topics including 2020 Census Update, Strategies to Promote Compliance and Achieve Quality in your Healthcare Program, Sovereignty in the Era of Medicaid Work Requirements and ICWA from Gregory Smith and Elliott Milhollin of Hobbs Strauss, and Past, Present, Future: Urban Indian Health Policy. Many of the presentations are available online here.

“During the shutdown we heard about clinics closing. Indian Country has come together to say we can’t afford another shutdown,” said Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director at the National Council of American Indians (NCAI).

“Indian health is part of a trust obligation that goes back to the earliest treaties of American Indians with the United States Government. There is no argument to justify that urban Indian populations should receive any different level of health care from US Government as part of that trust obligation,” said Professor Matthew Fletcher, Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center at the Michigan State University.

Day two of the Summit included a keynote from Dr. Rose Weahkee, Acting Director of Office of Urban Indian Health Programs at the Indian Health Service and a panel of Native American Staffers from Capitol Hill including Naomi Miguel from the House Committee on Natural Resources, Jacqueline Bisille from the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Heidi Todacheene from the Office of Congresswoman Deb Haaland.

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About the National Council of Urban Indian Health (https://ncuih.org)

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the premier National 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban settings. NCUIH envisions a nation where comprehensive, culturally competent personal and public health services are available and accessible to AI/ANs living in urban communities throughout the United States.  NCUIH represents 42 Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs) in the United States.

PRESS RELEASE: At NCUIH Washington Summit, Leaders from Indian Country Address Impacts of Government Shutdown and Outline Vision for Urban Indians

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi
Manager, Communications & Events
National Council of Urban Indian Health
202-544-0344
mraimondi@ncuih.org

At NCUIH Washington Summit, Leaders from Indian Country Address Impacts of Government Shutdown and Outline Vision for Urban Indians

On the first day, the National Council of Urban Indian Health Washington Summit featured key insights about the government shutdown and the future of urban Indian health.

Washington, DC (April 24, 2019) — The National Council of Urban Indian Health had a successful first day with keynotes from Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee, Principal Deputy Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS), Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director at the National Council of American Indians (NCAI), Professor Matthew Fletcher, Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center at the Michigan State University. The over 100 individuals in attendance included representatives from over 20 Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs).

In keeping with the Summit’s theme of One Voice Acting Strategically to improve our Health through Policy and Partnerships, Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee stressed the importance of interagency collaboration with Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs).

“During the shutdown we heard about clinics closing. Indian Country has come together to say we can’t afford another shutdown,” said Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director at the National Council of American Indians (NCAI).

“Indian health is part of a trust obligation that goes back to the earliest treaties of American Indians with the United States Government. There is no argument to justify that urban Indian populations should receive any different level of health care from US Government as part of that trust obligation,” said Professor Matthew Fletcher, Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center at the Michigan State University.

Day two of the Summit includes a keynote from Dr. Rose Weahkee, Acting Director of Office of Urban Indian Health Programs at the Indian Health Service and a panel of Native American Staffers from Capitol Hill including Naomi Miguel from the House Committee on Natural Resources, Jacqueline Bisille from the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Heidi Todacheene from the Office of Congresswoman Deb Haaland.

View the agenda for April 24 here.

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About the National Council of Urban Indian Health (https://ncuih.org)

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the premier National 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban settings. NCUIH envisions a nation where comprehensive, culturally competent personal and public health services are available and accessible to AI/ANs living in urban communities throughout the United States.  NCUIH represents 42 Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs) in the United States.

PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH’s 2nd Washington Summit Highlights include Keynotes from IHS, NCAI’s Jacqueline Pata and Professor Matthew Fletcher

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi
Manager, Communications & Events
National Council of Urban Indian Health
202-544-0344
mraimondi@ncuih.org

NCUIH’s 2nd Washington Summit Highlights include Keynotes from IHS, NCAI’s Jacqueline Pata and Professor Matthew Fletcher

This week, the National Council of Urban Indian Health will host their second Washington Summit.

Washington, DC (April 23, 2019) — The National Council of Urban Indian Health will host their second Washington Summit on April 23 and 24 in Washington, DC. With an expected attendance of over 120 individuals from urban Indian Health Programs across the country and 10 federal agencies, the Summit’s theme is One Voice Acting Strategically to improve our Health through Policy and Partnerships.

“We are pleased to have an opportunity for urban Indian health programs (UIHPs) to meet with leaders from federal agencies especially after the government shutdown impacted so many of our facilities. We expect fruitful conversations that will help all of us to work to better serve American Indians and Alaska Natives no matter where they live,” said Executive Director Francys Crevier.

The Summit includes keynotes from Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee, Principal Deputy Director, Indian Health Service (IHS) on Tuesday, April 23 and Dr. Rose Weahkee, Acting Director, IHS Office of Urban Indian Health Programs on Wednesday, April 24. Other keynotes include Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director at the National Council of American Indians (NCAI) and Professor Matthew Fletcher, Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center at the Michigan State University. NCUIH Youth Council Members Shoshanna Johnson and Adon Vazquez will present on “Using Social Media Campaigns to Raise Awareness: Suicide and Substance Misuse Prevention for Native American Youth”.

The following federal agencies will send representatives: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, Veterans Affairs,Indian Health Service – Division of Behavioral Health, Health Resources and Service Administration, Administration for Native Americans, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Office of Inspector General, US Department of Health and Human Services.

The Honorary Host Committee includes Congressman Tom Cole, Congressman Ruben Gallego, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, Congresswoman Deb Haaland, Congressman Doug LaMalfa, Congressman Ben Ray Luján, and Congresswoman Betty McCollum with Senator John Hoeven, Senator Jon Tester, Senator Tom Udall, and Senator Elizabeth Warren.

This year’s Summit is sponsored by:

Indian Health Service
Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Denver Indian Health and Family Services
First Nations Community Healthsource
Indian Health Care Resource Center
UND National Resource Center on Native American Aging
Tribal Diagnostics

The Summit artwork is by Kevin Tushka. “Arrowheads practice precision and pierce the elements. On the left side of this arrowhead: a pregnant woman carries her family’s water; a man serenades on flute, an elderly chief’s eyes carry the wisdom and weight of life in extremes. The right side: a young WWI veteran, a woman petitioning at a podium, a violin is played while muscular arms cross to represent many Native masters of Arts and fitness in this day. Lessons and stories were told over fires and our stories won’t end. We will pierce the future and stake the flag of heritage everywhere he hit our targets,” said Kevin Tushka, Summit Artist.

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About the National Council of Urban Indian Health (https://ncuih.org)

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the premier National 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban settings. NCUIH envisions a nation where comprehensive, culturally competent personal and public health services are available and accessible to AI/ANs living in urban communities throughout the United States.  NCUIH represents 42 Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs) in the United States.

PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH’s Response to President Trump’s FY 2020 Budget Request

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi

202-544-0344

mraimondi@ncuih.org

 

NCUIH’s Response to President Trump’s FY 2020 Budget Request

The National Council of Urban Indian Health applauds a proposed Indian Health Service increase but is concerned about proposed cuts potentially impacting Urban Indian Health Programs.

Washington, DC (March 12, 2019) — On Monday, March 11, 2019 President Trump released his request for the FY 2020 budget to Congress.  Under the request, the Indian Health Service (IHS) would receive $5.9 billion in FY 2020, a projected increase of $392 million above the President’s FY 2019 budget.  NCUIH, as part of the Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup (TBFWG), had encouraged the Administration to fund IHS at $7 billion with an urban Indian health line item of $32.7 million for FY 2020. The IHS proposed budget falls more than $1 billion short of TBFWG’s overall IHS recommendation. The President’s budget does not delineate its recommendation for the urban Indian health line item at this time.

“NCUIH appreciates the budget proposal’s recommended increase for IHS of $392 million above the FY 2019 budget. There are some concerns regarding proposed cuts to programs impacting urban Indian health, including Medicaid, which is a vital source of access to care for AI/ANs. We look forward to the opportunity to continue to work with the Administration to advance shared priorities between tribes and urban Indians to fully fund IHS”, said Executive Director Francys Crevier.

The proposed budget seeks to cut funding to several key programs vital to the Indian health system and UIHPs. Overall, the budget proposal would cut the Department of Health and Human Services funding by 12%.  In addition, the Administration proposes a $4.5 billion cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including a nearly $900 million cut to the National Cancer Institute and $769 million cuts to the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, which includes most of NIH’s HIV research. Also, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s budget would be cut by $1.27 billion overall, though its program centering on vaccines for children would increase by $586 million.

The budget would also eliminate Medicaid’s open-ended funding and, instead, proposes fixed grants to states or setting per-person caps, a major transformation that was recommended as part of efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.  This move would slash states’ budgets for the Medicaid program and limit access to health care for recipients, including AI/AN individuals. Congress intended that the Medicaid program supplement an underfunded Indian health system when it authorized Medicaid reimbursements– and a loss of Medicaid revenues would be detrimental to AI/AN health.

Congress will consider the President’s request as it begins to draft appropriations bills for FY 2020.  NCUIH will monitor updates and provide more information as it becomes available.

About the National Council of Urban Indian Health (https://ncuih.org)

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the premier National 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban settings. NCUIH envisions a nation where comprehensive, culturally competent personal and public health services are available and accessible to AI/ANs living in urban communities throughout the United States.  NCUIH represents 42 Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs) in the United States.

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You may review the recommendations of the Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup for FY 2020 here.

For additional questions, comments, or concerns, please contact NCUIH Director of Congressional Relations Carla Lott at cmlott@ncuih.org or Director of Federal Relations Julia Dreyer at jdreyer@ncuih.org.

NCUIH Receives Award to Support Urban Indian Health Programs

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 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Maurice “Mo” Smith, Executive Director

MSmith@ncuih.org, (202) 544-0344

 

WASHINGTON, DC —The Indian Health Service, Office of Urban Indian Health Programs (OUIHP) has awarded a cooperative agreement to the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) to act as an education and research partner for OUIHP and urban Indian organizations (UIO) funded under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act through public policy, research and data, structured training and technical assistance, and national representation. This program will support UIO to fulfill their mission to provide healthcare services to an estimated 80,000+ American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in urban settings in 21 states and more than 100 counties across the country.

The new award will allow NCUIH to provide highly specialized and culturally competent education and capacity building services to the UIO. In alignment with its mission, NCUIH will work collaboratively with OUIHP and the UIO leadership to support the following four core programmatic activities: a) Policy and Legislation Education; b) Research; c) Training and Technical Assistance; and d) Marketing, Public Relations and Outreach.

“We are eager to continue our work in Indian Country, raising awareness surrounding the healthcare needs of the Native Community,” says NCUIH Board President Ashley Tuomi. “I am excited for this opportunity, to continue fostering relationships with those providing healthcare services to the community, and for the continued growth of NCUIH. This is a great time to improve our relationships with programs and to continue advocating for the health of our community.”

“The Indian Health Service looks forward to a continued partnership with the National Council of Urban Indian Health to enhance access to quality health care for the urban American Indians and Alaska Natives that we serve,” said Sherriann Moore, Director of the Office of Urban Indian Health Programs, Indian Health Service.

NCUIH is a national 501(c) (3) non-profit urban Indian organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally competent health services for AI/AN living in urban settings. Its members include urban Indian organizations and providers across the country.

For more information go to www.ncuih.org.

National Council of Urban Indian Health supports Standing Rock Sioux Tribe opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2016

Contact: Francys Crevier
NCUIH Policy Analyst and Congressional Relations Liaison

FCrevier@ncuih.org

National Council of Urban Indian Health supports Standing Rock Sioux Tribe opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline

Washington, D.C. – Protestors in North Dakota, officials in Washington DC representing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department on the Interior and the Advisory Council on Historic Prevention voice their concerns and seek support against Dakota Access oil pipeline contrition project.

The Dakota Access oil pipeline is intended to transport nearly 470,000 barrels of crude oil per day, through an approximate 1,100 mile pipeline from the Bakken region of western North Dakota across South Dakota and Iowa to Illinois where it will be connected to an existing pipeline with assess to Gulf of Mexico. A section of the pipeline is designated to run across Missouri River north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

While the pipeline will not run directly thought the Standing Rock Reservation it will be located several hundred feet upstream form Standing Rock’s boarder which poses conceivable irreversible harmful impacts on water, environment, resources, and land of Standing Rock Nation. The quality of water of the Missouri River, as the only natural source of water in the area, is crucial to the health as well as economic and cultural well-being of Standing Rock Sioux for generations to come.

Pursuant to federal environment and historic prevention laws, projects such as the
Dakota Access Pipeline are required to consult with federally recognized tribes living in near proximity prior to initiation of any construction activities. Unfortunately, Standing Rock Nation’s voiced concerns were not taken into consideration which, consequently, led to violation of the trust responsibility between the government and the Tribe.

In the light of this event, the President of National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), Ashley Tuomi, wrote a letter to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in support of the opposition of Dakota Access Pipeline and a plea to initiate an Administrative process enforcing full Tribal input that would address consideration of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s health, environmental, and cultural well-being concerns.

Read President Tuomi’s letter of support to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

Press Release: NCUIH 2016 Recognition Dinner Honors Native Health Leaders

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Contact:Maurice “Mo” Smith,
Executive Director
MSmith@ncuih.org,
(202) 544-0344
To see this release in html version click here

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ support helps recognize practitioners using culturally grounded approaches in collaboration with modern health practices

ALPINE, CA—The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has awarded the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) a grant to support the 2016 Pendleton Blanket Recognition Dinner, to be held on May 12, at the 18th Annual NCUIH Leadership Conference, Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine, California. This generous contribution from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians enhances NCUIH’s ability to address key health issues facing American Indian and Alaska Native people living in urban areas, and helps NCUIH recognize Native health leaders.

The NCUIH will recognize American Indian and Alaska Native health leaders and medical practitioners who exemplify effective use of culturally grounded, strengths-based approaches and interventions, in collaboration with modern practices of health, education, and medicine, to improve the health and well-being of urban Indians. This year’s honorees are Donald Warne, M.D., director of the Master of Public Health Program at North Dakota State University, and Joe Bulfer, CEO of the San Diego American Indian Health Center.   By recognizing Native health leaders and their contributions to the well-being of urban Indians, the award acknowledges the importance of integrating traditional and culturally competent practices with overall health strategies to treat the whole person. These holistic approaches to addressing mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health and well-being are proven to have the best outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native patients, but are not fully embraced by modern health care systems.

“One of the most important aspects of Urban Indian Health Programs is our cultural strength,” says NCUIH Board President Donna LC Keeler. “At a recent meeting and workshop the discussion of ‘what is culture’ became very dynamic and powerful. It is very hard to actually pinpoint a definition of culture – it is more powerful to view the concept of ‘how’ you provide culturally sensitive care, rather than ‘what’ you provide. To me culture competency is like the wind—you can’t see it, but you feel it; you know when it is there and when it is not. It is hard to describe but you know it is real.”

Increasing awareness and educating health care providers and funders about the benefits of traditional, knowledge-based approaches are crucial to promoting their increased use and encouraging greater federal funding to incorporate them into health delivery systems

The Honorees
Donald Warne, M.D., M.P.H., the national honoree, is the director of the Master of Public Health Program at North Dakota State University and senior policy advisor to the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board. Dr. Warne is a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation from Pine Ridge, S.D., and comes from a long line of traditional healers and medicine men. He has a proven commitment to advancing American Indian and Alaska Native wellness through his advocacy for using science and ethics to improve Native public health; incorporating traditional holistic practices that treat the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual condition; and focusing more investment on preventive care to keep people healthy rather than waiting to treat them when they are sick.

Joe Bulfer, the local honoree, is CEO of the San Diego American Indian Health Center and has 30 years of experience promoting quality American Indian and urban Indian health care. Under his leadership, San Diego’s urban program has nearly doubled the number of clinical visits provided each year and increased the number of patients served by 60 percent, while consistently serving a majority of Native patients. Mr. Bulfer has been a NCUIH board member for the past three years, and has been a strong advocate for Native health during federal budget appropriation committee hearings on tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and Indian Health Care Improvement Act amendments.

About NCUIH
The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is a national 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban settings. Members include urban Indian Health organizations and providers across the country.One member organization, Native American Lifelines in Baltimore, was recently featured in two news pieces that recognize the unique experiences urban American Indians face in today’s society.

An article in the Native Health News Alliance, highlights Lifeline’s youth programming as a way for youth to heal from the toxic stressors they face in urban communities. Lifelines was also featured in PBS’s Frontline’s story, “Chasing Heroin: How the Heroin Epidemic Differs in Communities of Color.”Lifelines provides positive cultural experiences, including indigenous gardening and adult mentoring, to combat cultural loss and renew self-identity, delivering trauma-informed care specific to and informed by the unique experiences of urban American Indians