Facebook Twitter Email
MONDAY, JULY 22, 2002

President Bush's failure to name a new Indian Health Service director has raised fears that a non-Indian will be appointed to oversee the health care of more than 1 million Native Americans.

Although former director Dr. Michael Trujillo stepped down only a month ago, Indian advocates are pressing the Bush administration to name his replacement. A recent meeting with White House officials strengthened their resolve when they were informed a selection won't occur until the end of the year.

"A delay in the selection process would likely push the confirmation process into the spring of 2003, which creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and tentativeness that hinders cooperation and collaboration between the Indian Health Service and tribal governments," National Indian Health Board chair Julia Davis wrote in a letter to President Bush on July 16.

According to those familiar with the process, several American Indian and Alaska Native candidates have been under consideration. Tribal and Indian health leaders said the White House had indicated final selection would occur by the end of June.

But earlier this month, NIHB board members who met with White House and administration officials were told no names had been sent to the FBI for an extensive and lengthy background check. FBI involvement signals the settling of a candidate for a presidential post.

The delay has raised fears that the Native candidates who interviewed for the job are being passed over. "We do not understand why it is necessary to extend the time frame for consideration of other applicants," said one Indian health leader.

By waiting until the end of the year to choose a new director, the position will almost certainly go vacant for several more months. The Senate is currently bogged down with a backlog of presidential nominees, some of whom have waited more than a year for a hearing.

The White House did not return a request for comment on the delay. Indian Health Service officials said Michel Lincoln (*), a member of the Navajo Nation, will continue to serve as acting director, although an interim leader -- one chosen by the Bush administration -- is possible.

"For all intents and purposes, whether you have an acting or interim director, it's the same thing," said Tony Kendrick, IHS director of public affairs.

Trujillo, of Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico, was the first IHS director selected by a president. He served two four-year terms during the Clinton administration and was the second Native American to hold the post.

Legislation to elevate the IHS post to the assistant secretary is supported widely in Indian Country. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, is sponsoring the bipartisan bill and was approved last week by the panel last month.

*Ed. Note: Michel Lincoln's name was misspelled. He also is not a doctor, as previously stated.

More on the IHS Bill:
S.214 | Senate Indian Affairs Committee Report

Relevant Links:
National Indian Health Board - http://www.nihb.org
Indian Health Service - http://www.ihs.gov

Related Stories:
Report stresses importance of health insurance (5/22)
Poor Indian health blamed on federal failures (3/21)
IHS pressed to include tribes in reform (2/28)
IHS budget cuts construction funds (2/12)
CDC: Death rates at record lows, except Indians (10/11)
Dismissal of Indian social worker upheld (9/6)
Tribal tobacco challenges dismissed (9/5)
CDC: Indian mothers heaviest smokers (8/29)
Thompson heads out on reservation tour (8/15)
Indian Country ranks high in deaths (6/27)
Cancer deaths increase in Indian Country (6/6)
CDC: HIV statistics point to new 'epidemic' (6/1)