WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and 25th Navajo Nation Council Delegate Germaine Simonson hosted senior leadership from the Indian Health Service at the Navajo Nation Washington Office to discuss the Nation’s health care needs and budget priorities.
The IHS leadership featured Acting Director Ben Smith (Navajo), as well as the Acting Deputy Director, Acting Deputy Director for Management Operations, Chief Medical Officer, Deputy Director for Intergovernmental Affairs, Deputy Director for Quality Healthcare and Enterprise Risk Management, Deputy Directors for Field Operations, and more.
During the meeting, President Nygren emphasized the need for better and more preventative care for those at risk for cancer or facing alcoholism-related health concerns. President also engaged the IHS on how they can better serve Navajo elders through the Community Health program, the importance of fully staffing the Sanitation Deficiency System, and other critical needs. During the meeting, Delegate Simonson also discussed the need to expand the Traditional Healing program.
The IHS acknowledged the importance of continuing to work closely with the Navajo Nation to provide the best health care for our citizens, and will be in contact with the President on several initiatives, including a potential pilot program for cancer screenings.
