New Mexico governor signs urban Indian health law

Tuesday, March 4, 2008  

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) signed into law a bill to improve health care for urban Indians.

HB 236 creates the Off-Reservation Native American Health Commission in Bernalillo County, where the largest number of urban Indians live. The nine-member commission will collect and analyze data among urban Indians and identify gaps in health care services.

“While the Bush administration is trying to cut funding for Indian health programs across the country – today I signed HB 236 -- a bold initiative that will help ensure a healthy future for off-reservation Native Americans in our state," Richardson said [Press Release].

New Mexico has the highest percentage of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the lower 48 states.

Get the Story:
Governor signs bill creating urban Indian health group (AP 3/4)

Earlier Story:
Health care commission to advocate on behalf of urban Indians (AP 2/22)