SC Alaska News

Senators Jeff Merkley, Brian Schatz, and Lisa Murkowski have called for immediate action from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address staffing shortages at the Indian Health Service (IHS). In a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the senators emphasized the need for resources and personnel to deliver health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The lawmakers urged that no further actions affecting Tribal health care delivery be taken without engaging in meaningful Tribal consultation. They highlighted that American Indians and Alaska Natives face high mortality rates from major health issues and have an average life expectancy similar to that of the general U.S. population in 1944.

"The impacts of the hiring freeze for other positions playing crucial roles administering services at IHS continues to exacerbate existing clinical staffing issues," wrote Merkley, Schatz, and Murkowski. They stressed that sufficient personnel are necessary not only in medical roles but also in administrative positions essential for maintaining facility accreditation.

They also expressed concern over civilian staff reductions at the U.S. Public Health Service headquarters, which could disrupt healthcare delivery in remote Tribal communities. "In short, all these positions are imperative to delivery of wrap around health care services to American Indian and Alaska Natives," they continued.

The senators warned that such cuts could endanger IHS facility accreditation, potentially limiting access to life-saving care for Native communities. "The all too frequent occurrence of incidents that put IHS facility accreditation in jeopardy are precisely why Congress provides $58 million annually for accreditation emergencies: to help IHS make emergency hires to maintain accreditation — and ultimately save lives."

They concluded by urging Secretary Kennedy to ensure meaningful Tribal consultation is prioritized in any discussions about changes at HHS or IHS.