HHS Secretary Thompson Visits Navajo Country

Thompson also said that passage of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act "is a priority of mine as well as the President's." Tribes have for years been trying to get the health care act reauthorized, observed Anslem Roanhorse, Jr., executive director of the Navajo Division of Health.

A recent follow up by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights on it report last year entitled "A Quiet Crisis," said the new act" appears to hold the most promise for improving the lives of Native Americans."

HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson visits with
Navajo elders (Photo courtesy of George Joe)

After some intense questioning about disparities in health care, Thompson told the council that money that could be used for health care needs is being diverted to President Bush's "War on Terror." But, he said, he would continue being "a better advocate" and push for more funding for Navajo healthcare. After his address, he was presented with a Navajo blanket by President Shirley.

Later, Thompson toured the Navajo Division of Health's twenty-bed, youth residential treatment center in Chinle, Arizona run by the behavioral health department. At the facility, two residents shared their struggles with the secretary and how the culture-based counseling provided at the center has helped in their recovery.

He also toured the thirty-five-bed Chinle Comprehensive Health Care facility, an IHS facility, and gave a speech to a crowd that had gathered and handed out awards to long-time IHS employees.

After the hospital tour, the caravan moved onto the residence of Charlie and Rose Toadacheenie, an elderly Navajo couple, just south of Chinle in the Nazlini community. Inside their home, through translators, Thompson asked about their health care needs.

"What do we need to do to make your life better?," he asked. But the Toadacheenies were unable to come up with one single answer, even when their home lacked running water. Charlie, 84, told the secretary that while he travels 19 miles to Ganado Sage Memorial for health care services, Rose, 77, must travel 26 miles to the Chinle hospital for her medical needs. Neither has a vehicle and must rely on family members to get to the hospital.