IHS Director Signs New Health Services Charter

Grim said they recently created a senior position that will work exclusively with Direct Service Tribes.

"Now they will have a single point of contact at a high-level in the organization to make sure things get done," he said.

Navajo Nation Vice President Frank Dayish Jr. thanked Grim for signing the charter.

"I am reminded by Dr. Grim's statement that IHS is obligated to provide health care services to Indian tribes," Dayish said.

Dr. Charles Grim prepares to sign the charter.
(Photo courtesy George Joe)

"The signing of the Direct Service Tribes' charter is not only historical, but places us at the same table as that of the National Congress of American Indians, the National Indian Health Board, self-governance tribes, and others," said Navajo councilwoman Alice Benally, a member of the planning committee.

Tribes who sign the charter (P.L. 638) contracts or compacts with the government already have an office within the IHS, said Anslem Roanhorse Jr., Navajo Division of Health executive director.

"This should have been done along time ago," Roanhorse said. "In time, Navajo could go completely 638, but for now we still have most of our direct services still being provided by IHS. Nationally, nine out of 12 area offices still serve as primary care provider for respective Indian tribes."

Some of the topics and speakers were also very good, said Emmett Temple Jr., tribal health director for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. "Like methamphetamine and how unprepared we are. There were also good discussions about behavioral health."

Winslow Indian Health Care Corporation chief executive officer Sally Pete called the conference "well-organized," adding, "I am from a 638 organization, but I'm here because I'm interested in some of the presentations. This is a good learning experience."