[fusion_text]For Immediate Release: 10/24/14
Contact: Amanda Wilbur,
Health Policy Analyst
916-929-9761
amanda.wilbur@crihb.org
Lemoore, CA— Tribal leaders from all over the state gathered at the annual California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB) meeting at Tachi Palace Hotel for three days last week to celebrate 45 years of advocacy for tribal clinics and CA Indian health. CRIHB staff reported to tribal leaders and member programs about the accomplishments of the past year. The meeting also served as a forum for tribal clinic leaders to discuss and address key issues facing American Indian communities in California.
Dr. Mark LeBeau, Executive Director, highlighted non-IHS financial resources CRIHB has marshaled to supplement tribal clinic funding. “The CDC has awarded $3.9 million to CRIHB. This funding will enable the tribes to address health and wellness needs in their communities,” Dr. LeBeau said. “The CRIHB Medi-Cal Optional Benefits program provided $1.7 million to tribal clinics in 2014. CRIHB’s Tribal Medicaid Administrative Activity Program has directed $730,000 to tribal clinics. We are investing in training staff to build and administer a centralized tribal clinic billing program.”
CRIHB’s Tribal Governance Consultation Committee (TGCC) and Program Directors met separately the first day. TGCC members discussed the status of the CA Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) consultation policy. Members expressed concern about the proposed $45 million cut from the IHS service budget in 2015 that is needed to fully fund contract support costs unless Congress appropriates more funding. Elaine Fink, California’s Representative to the US DHHS Secretary Burwell’s Tribal Advisory Committee provided an update. Ms. Fink said that Secretary Burwell has stated that Indian program funding is her top priority. Key state officials also met with TGCC. Senator Andy Vidak, 15th District, discussed the rural healthcare and invited tribal representatives to meet with him regarding their communities’ health and water needs. Department of Water Resources Tribal Advisor Anecita Agustinez provided information about grant funding available to tribes, new groundwater legislation, and the Water Bond that, if passed, will fund many new water management initiatives.
Medi-Medi reimbursement, managed care, and contract support costs were discussed during the Program Directors session. Finding solutions and providing targeted technical assistance to address the issues identified by program directors will be the focus of CRIHB’s work in 2015. Beverly Miller, IHS CA Area Office Acting Director, presented on 2015 agency priorities to both TGCC and the Program Directors.
CRIHB hosted a special awards dinner on the second night of the meeting. CRIHB members and partners, as well as tribal leaders, received awards for their ongoing commitment to supporting tribal healthcare initiatives for tribal communities in California.
During the third day’s Board Meeting session, new officers were elected. CRIHB Chairwoman Michelle Hayward of Redding Rancheria has completed her term as a highly effective leader. Her service includes advocacy for the reauthorization of the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act. Congratulations to Lisa Elgin, who was elected the new Chairwoman of CRIHB. Chairwoman Elgin has extensive leadership experience, including serving as a director of the CRIHB Board and the Sonoma County Indian Health Project for many years and working with the federal administration.[/fusion_text]