WHEREAS, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), established in 1972, serves all Federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal governments by advocating for the improvement of health care delivery to AI/ANs, as well as upholding the Federal government’s trust responsibility to AI/AN Tribal governments; and

WHEREAS, the unmet health needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives are severe and the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives is far below that of the general population of the United States, resulting in an average life expectancy for American Indians and Alaska Natives 4.2 years less than that for the U.S. all races population; and

WHEREAS, American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest level of participation in the armed forces compared to any other population; and

WHEREAS, American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans are also more likely to lack health insurance and to have a disability, service-connected or otherwise, than Veterans of other races; and

WHEREAS, American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans are eligible for healthcare services from both the Indian Health Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs; and