The Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas declared a health emergency due a lack of funds.

Chairman Steve Cadue said funding for the tribe's health center and dental clinic has been steadily reduced while the number of patients rises.

The tribe ran out of contract health service funds from the Indian Health Service in June, Cadue said in a recent letter to members of Congress. He is seeking emergency funding to keep services going.

"We have Indian people dying, and now the Indian Health Service loses $15 million," Cadue said, citing the recent report that detailed IHS mismanagement, according to KTKA-TV. "It's a national disgrace."

Cadue will be attending the Democratic National Convention in August as a delegate for Kansas. He said he will press Sen. Barack Obama on Indian health care.

Get the Story:
Kickapoo Nation declares health care emergency (KTKA 7/28)
Kickapoo Chairperson Declares Health Care Emergency (WIBW 7/28)

GAO Report:
IHS Mismanagement Led to Millions of Dollars in Lost or Stolen Property | Summary

Related Stories:
Senate hearing this week on IHS mismanagement (7/28)
Editorial: IHS mismanagement hurts patients (7/28)
Sen. Nelson questions IHS mismanagement (7/25)
Senate sets hearing on IHS mismanagement (7/23)
GAO Report: IHS lost $15.8M in property (7/22)
Kickapoo Tribe cites lack of contract health dollars (6/27)