Indian Health Care

The term “Vulnerable Population” is defined as, populations or groups whose needs are not fully addressed by traditional service providers. These populations of people feel they cannot comfortably or safely access and use the standard resources offered in disaster preparedness, relief and recovery. According to statistics of vulnerable populations, American Indians are part of the vulnerable populations of the United States. This vulnerable population has had to face irreversible damages all their lives. Based on treaties, laws, presidential executive orders and numerous court decisions, the United States established federally governmental relationships with the American Indian and Alaskan Tribes through the Cherokee Nation V. Georgia case of 1831, It specifically addressed the relationship between tribes, states and the federal government and their consequences after their actions on these eventful times in history during the developmental stages of the United States of America. It was out of this particular case and others as such that the guardian/ward relationship was created to form the Snyder Act of 1921 and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act of 1976 ("Indian health services," June ). It provided legislative authority for congress to move funds into specified health care of and for the Indian People. Because there is still the existence in the untrue biased belief that American Indians and Alaska Natives are not citizens of their states of residence, they are therefore not eligible for state programs and benefits. The fact of the matter is, American Indians and Alaska Natives are citizens of the United States of America and are eligible to participate in all public, private and state health programs available to the general population. Like any other American they are due and deserve better health care. However the continue to be overlooked and ignored. Like never before, it is of great importance for tribal leaders to continue to actively

References: American Indian Health Services, 2011 retrieved November 25, 2011 from; http;//Americanindianhealthservices.com/about.htm Beam, Christopher, 2009, Health Care for American Indians-State Magazine, retrieved November 28, 2011 from; http:// naresourcesnews.blogspot.com/2009/09/health-care-for- american-indians-slate.html Smith V, Ramesh R, Gifford K, Ellis E, Rudowitz R, O’Malley M. The Continuing Medicaid Budget Challenge: State Medicaid Spending Growth and Cost Containment in Fiscal Years 2004 and 2005. Washington, DC: AARP Public Policy Institute, 2004. Indian health services. (Jan, 2011). Retrieved from Http://www.ihs.gov/publicaffaris/ihsbrochure/ihspartnerships.asp