Efforts to prevent chronic diseases among Native American and Alaska Native populations have been highlighted by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his recent visits to tribal communities in Arizona and New Mexico. Despite his emphasis on these priorities, Kennedy did not publicly address the reduction in funding for the Healthy Tribes program, which employed traditional medicine and foods to combat conditions like diabetes and liver disease. The program experienced significant cuts during recent federal health layoffs, leading to concern among Native leaders about the consistency between Kennedy’s stated priorities and actions.
The Healthy Tribes program, previously part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, operated under Kennedy’s agency, allocating $32.5 million annually. The cuts have left many Native leaders questioning the commitment of the Trump administration to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The program’s restructuring has left uncertainty regarding its current state and personnel, posing a challenge for tribal governments that rely on grants like Healthy Tribes to supplement inadequately funded federal health services.
Tribal leaders have expressed that these cuts represent a breach of the federal government’s legal obligations, often referred to as trust responsibilities, which include providing healthcare, education, and public safety to over 570 federally recognized tribes. With federal resources consistently falling short, tribal governments depend heavily on additional funding through programs like Healthy Tribes. Communication and collaboration channels have been significantly disrupted, according to Onawa Miller, director of tribal public health for United South and Eastern Tribes.
Staffing reductions at the Healthy Tribes program were confirmed via emails from the CDC, indicating the elimination of over 30 positions, including 11 from the Healthy Tribes initiative. Dr. Julianna Reece, the program’s director, is among those affected, facing separation from the agency. Native leaders highlight the lack of consultation from federal authorities on these decisions, which further undermines trust.
Despite the turmoil, Kennedy’s visit to the Southwest included engagements at community health centers and participation in a tribal governance conference, though he avoided public discussions on the cuts. Tribal leaders, like W. Ron Allen of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, have urged Kennedy to decentralize operations to better support tribal communities directly.
Programs funded by Healthy Tribes, such as GATHER in Seattle, emphasize the integration of traditional tribal medicine into healthcare, utilizing community resources like gardens for healing practices. However, with the recent disruptions, sustaining these initiatives has become challenging. Esther Lucero of the Seattle Indian Health Board voiced concerns about the administration’s inconsistent communication, which complicates program execution.
Lycia Ortega, a leader in Los Angeles-based United American Indian Involvement, echoed the sentiment of confusion and highlighted the political power of Native communities in advocating against the administration’s reductions in initiatives perceived as diversity efforts. The necessity of respectful partnerships and consultation, as emphasized by Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community, remains critical for fulfilling federal responsibilities to tribal nations.
The Bottom Line
The reduction of the Healthy Tribes program funding could have significant implications for Native American and Alaska Native communities, where chronic diseases like diabetes and liver disease are prevalent. The cuts may exacerbate existing health disparities, as tribal governments struggle to fill the financial gaps left by insufficient federal funding. The disruption of programs integrating traditional medicine into healthcare could impact community well-being and cultural preservation.
Furthermore, the dissonance between federal actions and commitments to support tribal initiatives may lead to a decline in trust and cooperation between tribal nations and the government. As these communities navigate the challenges posed by program reductions, the need for transparent and respectful dialogue with federal authorities becomes increasingly vital. The sustainability of health services and cultural practices for Native communities will depend on finding solutions that honor the unique political and cultural status of tribal nations.