Health continued
The Honorable Les AuCoin
2159 Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Washington D.C. 20515
The Honorable Sidney Yates, Chairman
Subcommittee on Interior
House Appropriations Committee
218 Capitol Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Otis R. Bowen, Secretary
Department of Health & Human Services
Hubert Humphrey Bldg. Room 615F
200 Independence Av. SW
Washington, D.C. 20201
Senator Bob Packwood
173 Russell Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable James McClure, Chairman
Subcommittee on Interior
Senate Appropriations Committee
128 Capitol Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Mark 0. Hatfield
322 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
We are including a sample letter for your reference, you are welcome to use it as a
source: for writing your letter:
Dear :
I am opposing the proposed changes in the Indian Health Services. I am strongly
opposed to the application of a blood quantum requirement for IHS eligibility. This
would cut off from health services, enrolled members of my tribe and would be a
serious infringement on tribal sovereignty.
I am in support of the recommendations that are proposed by the Northwest Portland
Area Indian Health Board for eligibility of Indian Health Services. I urge your
support in this very important issue that will affect the Native Americans of the
United States.
Sincerely,
Member of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community
A letter was written to the above named persons from the Northwest Portland Area Indian
Health Board which stated the recommendations that the 37 tribes of the Northwest
developed. The recommendation criteria is proposed as a substitute to the current
eligibility criteria and applies' both to direct and contract care services.
1. One who is an enrolled member or eligible for enrollment in a federally
recognized Indian tribe regardless of residence; OR
2. One who is an unenrolled descendant or other unenrolled Indian living within
a geographic area to be determined by the tribe if the tribal council certifies
that the individual has close social and economic ties with the tribe.
We hope to see some of you at our next meeting! THE GRAND RONDE HEALTH COMMITTEE