Update Indian Heath Care Improvement Act (S.1200)

Notice From the Friends Committee on National Legislation: Say Yes to Health and Fairness
[Note from SRT: Speaking up is very simple - go to the link below, or fcnl.org. From there, you can access the article below and a link to find your Senators by entering your zip code, and quickly tailor a brief message that FCNL will send via email or fax (your choice). In about 3 minutes you can contact your senators, and forward this info on to others. U.S. health care for Native American communities has not been _reauthorized_ (cutting off their access) since 1992(!) Let your senators know that this is an atrocity, and you are paying attention and want immediate change.]

The health delivery system for American Indians and Alaska Natives is out of date. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act, enacted in 1976, has not been reauthorized since 1992, preventing Native Americans from having access to essential services, programs, and medical providers. Congress should act this year to renew and update this act.

The Senate began considering the bill the week of January 21 and will return to it the week of January 28. Urge your senators to vote yes on improving health care for
millions of people in the United States.

President Bush has threatened to veto the bill, a move the New York Times calls "both cruel and grossly unfair." Read the administration's statement (go to link below).

Find out more about efforts to improve health care for Native Americans

http://fcnl.org/nativeam/

A Moral Issue? What Others Say:
"An absolute national disgrace and a moral abomination."
~ Rep. David Obey (WI), chair of the House Appropriations Committee, commenting on low funding for Indian health care programs at appropriation markup (5/23/07)

“Native Americans have a lower life expectancy than any other racial/ethnic group and higher rates of many diseases, including diabetes, tuberculosis, and alcoholism. Yet, health facilities are frequently inaccessible and medically obsolete, and preventive care and speciality services are not readily available..... The federal government’s failure to avail Native Americans of services and programs available to other Americans violates their civil rights.”
~ U.S. Commission on Civil Rights report

"Last year, Congress came close to reauthorizing IHCIA. This year, let us complete the job. Let us act like a nation great in riches and power. And let us fulfill our health-care promises to the first Americans and to their children."
~ Max Baucus (MT), chair of Senate Finance Committee