Why might Native American people distrust the Indian Health Service or other public health services?

Answer 1

Most Native People distrust the IHS system as it has a proven track record of not enough funds or services to even scratch the surface of the health problems and needs in Indian Country. Those tribes lucky enough to have casinos and other income producing ventures can 638 the IHS and field their own medical staffs, facilities and bring in the needed medical services that are necessary. Tribes that are mostly in the western parts of the country do not have this large cash flow so they rely on the BIA and IHS and the Congress to allocate funds in sufficient amounts to provide facilities and medical practitioners who are competent. There is a saying in Indian Country that goes "don't get sick after June" This alludes to the fact that most IHS facilities are 'out of money' by then and the last three months of the fiscal year (July, August, September) sees the facilities running on next years budget and limiting services to 'risk of dying' only. Other programs go on hold until the next budget. Then, being in the hole from the last three months, the inadequate budget is in shortfall before the fiscal year even begins. Liken this to having a small boat with one oar. As you 'row' yourself across the water, you go in circles since you don't have what you need to go forward. This is the Indian Health Service in action. As one of the twelve agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services, IHS gets its piece of the pie, smaller than most, so with this competition how much goes around, especially when the Congress doesn't fund the IHS properly. Rumor has it that IHS is supposed to be FUNDED at 100% of the going rate for medical care/procedures. This is by Treaty Law and as verified and made law by the US Supreme Court! But, like all other treaties the US has made with both domestic and foreign nations, it hasn't kept the bargain with any of them. We continually send money to our enemies and those who don't really need it. Why is it not going to OUR OWN PEOPLE, regardless of COLOR! So, since the War Department, the BIA, HHS (IHS), Congress have all failed in their sworn duties to provide, 638 Self-determination allows for Indian Self Control, but, this does not always mean the best and most qualified get in the decision and policy making positions. Hiring by family needs, local politics and Indian Preference all contribute to the inadequate budgeting and allocation of funds for services. Abuses abound with some getting more than others, some getting more because of family strength in local politics. Trust has NEVER been earned by any of the government departments charged with giving the Indian People health care.