HHS Secretary Thompson Visits Navajo Country

Navajo officials said they were glad to see that the secretary got a first-hand look at the road conditions, the lack of electricity, running water, sanitation facilities, or telephone service.

"Hopeful, now he will be a stronger advocate for all of us in Indian country," said Evelyn Acothley, vice chairwoman of the tribe's Health and Social Services committee.

"We have to find ways in which we can reach more people," Thompson said. For 2005, the Bush administration's IHS budget proposal is nearly $3 billion, which includes an increase of $45 million, or 1.6 percent, over last year.

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

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George Joe is a Senior Public Information Officer for the Navajo Nation Division of Health in Arizona.