RFK Jr. ignores cuts to vital health program for tribal communities

In early April 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health Secretary, visited tribal communities in Arizona and New Mexico to emphasize preventing chronic diseases among Native Americans and Alaska Natives. Despite his assurances of prioritizing health in these communities, significant funding cuts to the Healthy Tribes program were made during federal layoffs at the CDC and other health agencies. Tribal leaders expressed their confusion and disappointment over the inconsistency between Kennedy's stated intentions and the actions taken by the government, particularly the dismantling of a program that utilized traditional medicine to address severe health disparities in Native populations. The Healthy Tribes program had been instrumental in funding community health initiatives, yet over 30 positions were eliminated, hindering the ability of local health facilities to provide necessary services. The discontinuation of the program is viewed by Native leaders as a violation of the federal government’s trust responsibility to tribal nations, as mandated under various treaties, laws, and other acts. This situation has sparked urgency among tribal leaders to advocate more for the rights and needs of their communities, especially against the backdrop of significant workforce reductions within health services since the prior administration. Many leaders emphasized that authentic engagement with tribes is essential to restore trust and commitment within federal health policies. The cuts have exacerbated existing challenges, as Native communities historically struggle with higher rates of chronic illnesses, reduced life expectancy, and reliance on inadequate federal funding. Local health authorities voiced their concern that without necessary resources like the Healthy Tribes program, tribal communities will continue to face dire health crises, reinforcing the need for consistent support and respect for their political status as sovereign nations. The dialogue surrounding health care for tribal communities remains fraught with complexities, as leaders navigate a complex landscape of policy changes, funding shortages, and the ongoing quest for equitable treatment. The importance of honoring commitments to Indigenous peoples has never been clearer, as health outcomes demonstrate the lingering impact of historical neglect and underfunding.