Join Meredith Raimondi, Vice President of Policy & Communications, and Chandos Culleen, JD, Senior Director of Federal Relations, Public Policy, in this episode as they delve into the crucial topic of stable funding for the Indian Health Service and need for advance appropriations. Learn more about why stable funding for the Indian Health Service including for Urban Indian Organizations is vital to deliver essential health care and social services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The episode draws attention to the pressing issue of the chronically underfunded Indian Health Service (IHS), with an estimated requirement of over $50 billion to meet the health care needs of Native communities. Advocacy for full funding for the IHS becomes paramount, with the ultimate goal of achieving mandatory appropriations for a reliable and consistent funding stream. Advanced appropriations take center stage, identified as a critical step in the journey to achieve full, stable funding for the Indian Health Service. By securing funding for IHS in advance, this strategic approach aims to eliminate uncertainties and streamline the budgeting process for more efficient health care delivery.
Produced by: Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Director of Communications and Events at the National Council of Urban Indian Health
Search key timestamps:
[00:02:06] Learn about what Urban Indian Organizations are and how they work within the Indian Health System.
[00:04:39] Understand the landscape of the health care services for American Indians and Alaska Natives, understanding the role of Urban Indian Organizations in providing essential support to urban Native populations.
[00:10:00] Learn the funding challenges that hinder health care accessibility, as Meredith and Chandos shed light on the obstacles faced by urban Native communities.
[00:13:33] Decode the concept of advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service and its impact on delivering vital services.
[00:18:43] Join the conversation on advocacy efforts, exploring the strategies and initiatives aimed at securing increased funding for the Indian Health Service.
[00:22:56] Delve into the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act, understanding its role in shaping the future landscape of health care for urban Native populations.