Witness list for hearing on diabetes prevention among Native youth


The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation operates the Awatii Wellness Center on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota. Photo: Fort Berthold Diabetes Program

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will be focusing on diabetes prevention among Native youth.

Diabetes rates among American Indians and Alaska Natives are among the highest in the nation. But tribes, urban Indian organizations and other groups have been making progress in stopping the spread of the disease, which is entirely preventable, among youth.

A panel of federal and tribal representatives will testify about those efforts on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. The witness list follows:

Rear Admiral Chris Buchanan
Acting Director, Indian Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC

The Honorable Vinton Hawley
Chair, National Indian Health Board, Washington, DC

Mr. Jared Eagle
Program Director, Fort Berthold Diabetes Program – Three Affiliated Tribes, New Town, ND

Mr. Martin Sensmeier
Actor and Ambassador, Boys & Girls Club of America, Atlanta, GA

Mr. Alton Villegas
Tribal Youth, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Scottsdale, AZ

Accompanied by: Ms. Rachel Seepie
Senior Fitness Specialist, Diabetes Service Program – Health Service, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Scottsdale, AZ

The hearing takes place immediately following a business meeting at 2:30pm Eastern on Wednesday in Room 628 of the Senate Dirksen Office Building.

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Notice:
Oversight Hearing on “Native Youth: Promoting Diabetes Prevention Through Healthy Living.” (March 29, 2017)

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