STATEMENT FROM THE UNITED KEETOOWAH BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS ON THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians joins Tribal Nations across the country in recognizing the 70^th anniversary of the Indian Health Service and its service to Indian Country in its responsibility to provide healthcare to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Over the past seven decades, Tribal Nations have worked alongside IHS to increase healthcare access and enhance quality.

 “The Indian Health Service exists to support the healthcare of Tribal Nations. Promises rooted in treaties manifest today as thousands of nurses and physicians – hardworking, dedicated men and women – who take great pride in advancing Native healthcare,” said UKB Chief Jeff Wacoche. “Together with IHS, the UKB continues to expand our own healthcare services. A top priority is ensuring UKB-led healthcare access, which we’ve accomplished with IHS.”

The UKB is proud to administer multiple IHS-funded health programs that directly serve our Members and communities. Through Echota Behavioral Health, the Tribe provides culturally grounded behavioral health services that support healing for individuals and families. The Tribe’s Purchased and Referred Care (PRC) program helps ensure Members can access hospital and specialty care. And most recently, the UKB received IHS funding to open a UKB Health Clinic – a first direct patient care opportunity for the UKB.

Recent investments in healthcare infrastructure and administration reflect the UKB’s long-term commitment to expanding services and ensuring Members receive the care they deserve, very often in partnership and collaboration with the IHS.

As the Indian Health Service marks this anniversary, the UKB joins in celebrating the milestones and remains committed to expanding tribally administered health programs, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring our Members have access to holistic care that supports physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being.