From left: Dr. Jose J. Portilla, International Relations, Interpreter from International Relations, Chief Eric Thompson, Chief Beverly Cook, Michael Cook, SRMT Health Services Director, Dr. Jorge Alberto Mirando Quintana, Presidente, Commercialization of Services, responsible for Medical Tourism Program, Dr. Joe Robinson, SRMT Health Services Physician, Jose Barreiro, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, Katsi Cook, elder Aboriginal Midwife, representative of the NoVo Foundation. Photo by St. Regis Mohawk Tribe
Leaders of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe embarked on a diplomatic health mission to Cuba last month. Tribal leaders learned about new treatments for people who suffer from diabetes-related foot ulcers. The Heberprot-P drug has been used successfully in the Caribbean nation but it's still undergoing medical trials in the United States. "It was incumbent upon us to do so for the simple reason of saving our people from unnecessary pain. The key is accessibility and overcoming political barriers. As Tribal leaders, we are responsible for taking care of our families," Chief Eric Thompson said in a press release. According to the tribe, about 16 percent of the population on the reservation suffers from diabetes. Get the Story:
Mohawk Native Americans Travel to Cuba for Diabetes Treatment (teleSUR 5/18)
Mohawks travel to Cuba for cutting-edge diabetes treatment (North County Public Radio 5/16)
St. Regis Mohawks seeking way to access Cuban treatment for diabetic ulcers (North Country Now 4/21)
Akwesasne delegates to travel to Cuba to learn of diabetes treatments (The Cornwall Seaway News 4/20)
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