TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma (KFOR) – The Chief of the Cherokee Nation has been elected chairman of the Tribal Advisory Council (HRSA) of the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Senior Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. has been elected as the new president of HRSA. It will serve for a year.

The Tribal Advisory Council was established in 2021 to serve as a forum for tribal elected officials and HRSA staff to discuss emerging public health issues for Native Americans and urgent needs for public health resources and services, according to officials at HRSA. the Cherokee Nation.

“I am honored to have been elected chair of the Tribal Health Resources and Services Administration Advisory Council,” Hoskin said. “This advice is essential in raising awareness of the health needs of Native American communities across the country. Together with HRSA and other tribal leaders, we are committed to promoting effective change in these communities. I am happy to be a part of this board and have high hopes for the progress to come.

HRSA, an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services, supports more than 90 programs across the country that help people who are geographically isolated, underserved, or financially vulnerable. It has provided more than USD 12 in funds to health centers, health workers, training, HIV / AIDS, organ donation, maternal and child health and rural health care during for fiscal year 2021.

“We appreciate Chief Hoskin’s willingness to chair the first HRSA Tribal Advisory Council and look forward to working together to improve the health of the Indian country,” said Acting HRSA Administrator Diana Espinosa. “Chief Hoskin will provide essential advice and guidance in government-to-government discussions on promoting tribal health services and resources, including areas such as strengthening the health workforce, ending the epidemic of HIV and improving the health of parents and children. “