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Posted March 8, 2021
National Indian Health Board Releases 2021 Legislative and Policy Agenda, Roadmap for Biden Administration
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) released its annual Legislative and Policy Agenda listing Tribal health-related administrative and legislative requests for 24 issues areas ranging from COVID-19 response and recovery and increased telehealth capacity to full funding for the Indian Health Service and improving water and sanitation infrastructure as an integral public health measure. The NIHB Board of Directors adopted the Agenda along with a Roadmap for the Biden Administration on February 26, 2021.
NIHB’s 2021 Legislative and Policy Agenda highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a disproportionate impact on American Indian and Alaska Native people and illuminated many of the disparities Tribes experience, which have led to worse COVID-19 outcomes.
NIHB’s Roadmap for the Biden Administration to Advance American Indian and Alaska Native Health and Public Health focuses on six areas: Supporting the Government to Government Relationship, Supporting Tribal Sovereignty, Supporting Workforce Development, Studying and Addressing Long-Term Issues and Pressing Problems, and Advancing Legislative Priorities.
Read the full press release.
Posted March 4, 2021
Federal Agencies Announce Tribal Consultations following President Biden's Executive Order
President Biden’s January 26, 2021 “Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships” is intended to strengthen the government's relationship with Tribes while encouraging federal agencies to consult with Tribes on all issues that impact Tribal Nations.
In March, several federal agencies that directly impact Tribal health are holding Tribal consultation sessions and/or have deadlines related to their Tribal consultation plans. This includes the US Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Emergency Management Agency, US Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Click here to view the full schedule and comment deadlines.
Posted March 2, 2021
National Indian Health Board Elects Executive Committee
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is pleased to announce its Executive Committee members elected on February 26, 2021. These distinguished national Tribal health leaders will provide leadership and governance in advancing the organization's mission and vision for the best quality health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native people. NIHB's Board of Directors is comprised of 12 members each elected to serve on the NIHB Board from among the Tribes located within the 12 Indian Health Service geographic service areas.
Read the full press release
Posted February 26, 2021
NIHB Submits Testimony to House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health on Tribal Priorities for COVID-19 Vaccines
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted written testimony in response to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing "Road to Recovery: Ramping up COVID-19 Vaccines, Testing and Medical Supply Chain" held on February 3, 2021. NIHB strongly urged the House Energy and Commerce Committee to ensure a minimum 5% direct set-aside of total healthcare funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal nations, and urban Indian organizations. Since the pandemic hit the United States in March 2020, American Indians and Alaska Natives have continued to sufferer increased COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates when compared to the general population while receiving care at historically underfunded facilities.
Read the full testimony.
Posted February 22, 2021
Join NIHB in Support of Congresswoman Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior
The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is holding a hearing on Tuesday, February 23 at 9:30 AM EST to consider the nomination of Congresswoman Deb Haaland (D-NM) to be Secretary of the Interior. Follow the link to watch the hearing: https://www.energy.senate.gov/live-webcast.
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) fully supports Congresswoman Haaland's nomination. In December 2020, the NIHB Board of Directors sent a letter to then-President Elect Biden endorsing Congresswoman Haaland as the Secretary of the Interior as well as issued a press statement.
Ahead of the confirmation hearing on Feb. 23, NIHB encourages Tribal leaders, advocates, and community members to call the Senators urging a confirmation vote. NIHB has provided phone numbers and talking points.
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