Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with American Indian and Alaska Native leaders, expressing a commitment to revitalize the Indian Health Service. However, Native leaders raised concerns over his recent layoffs of employees in key health programs, including the closure of five regional HHS offices. They question the lack of consultation with tribal leaders, as required by treaty obligations. The reassignment of senior officials, rather than hiring qualified medical personnel, further aggravates the situation. Deb Haaland criticized these actions as a breach of trust with Indian tribes, calling them shameful.
Kennedy's actions contradict his claims of commitment to improve Native health, leading to distrust among tribal leaders who see significant cuts to vital programs and staffing.
Native leaders question why layoffs and office closures occurred despite Kennedy's promises, highlighting a history of neglect towards the Indian Health Service's needs.
The reassignment of officials within the Indian Health Service instead of hiring necessary medical staff reveals a lack of understanding of Native health care challenges.
Deb Haaland emphasized the breach of trust by Kennedy's administration towards Indian tribes, calling the situation "terrible" and "shameful."
#indian-health-service #native-american-health #robert-f-kennedy-jr #tribal-leadership #healthcare-policies
Collection
[
|
...
]