WASHINGTON, D.C. – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to emphasize urgent healthcare priorities impacting the Navajo Nation and Tribal communities across the country.
During the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee meeting, President Nygren urged increased investment in the Indian Health Service, long-term funding stability, and expansion of 638 self-governance programs. He highlighted the construction of the Gallup Indian Medical Center as the Navajo Nation’s top healthcare infrastructure priority, stressing its importance in improving access to care for communities across the region.
The discussion also focused on strengthening workforce development, behavioral health services, and emergency preparedness, while raising concerns over proposed reductions to critical programs that support Tribal health systems.
“Healthcare for our people requires long-term commitment, not short-term fixes,” said President Nygren. “We are urging federal partners to invest in solutions that match the scale of the Navajo Nation. Advancing the Gallup Indian Medical Center and strengthening behavioral health services are essential to ensuring our communities have reliable, quality care. We appreciate Secretary Kennedy’s engagement and look forward to continued partnership to deliver meaningful results for our people.”
President Nygren also emphasized the importance of culturally grounded care, including behavioral health services that integrate traditional healing with modern treatment approaches.
The consultation provided an opportunity for direct engagement between Tribal leaders and federal officials, reinforcing the Navajo Nation’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and advocating for healthcare solutions that meet the needs of its people.
