The leaders of Montana's five urban Indian health centers are meeting today to develop a strategy to oppose President Bush's proposed cut of the entire $33 million urban Indian health program.

The Montana clinics stand to lose big if the cut goes through. According to The Billings Gazette: The Indian Health Board of Billings, $1.4 million; North American Indian Alliance of Butte, $612,474; Indian Family Health Clinic of Great Falls, $862,094; Helena Indian Alliance, $690,706; and Missoula Indian Center, $623,430.

The centers say more than 10,000 people will lose health care under the proposal.

Nationwide, urban health clinics say they will be forced to cut back services or close unless Congress reverses Bush's cut.

Get the Story:
Indian health officials organize to prevent cuts (The Billings Gazette 4/28)

Relevant Links:
National Council of Urban Indian Health - http://www.ncuih.org
Indian Health Service - http://www.ihs.gov

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