N※N

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief signs amended Public Health and Wellness Fund Act

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. amended-public-health-and-wellness-fund-act.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 19:43 GMT by Fox 23
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. Signs Amended Public Health and Wellness Fund Act, Paving the Way for Expanded Health Services Across the Nation

On Thursday, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. formally signed into law the Amended Public Health and Wellness Fund Act, an Oklahoma legislative package that will channel state‑funded resources into the Cherokee Nation’s comprehensive health system. The act, which was amended during the 2023 legislative session, represents a significant win for the Nation’s long‑standing efforts to improve access to medical, mental‑health, and preventive services for its roughly 380,000 enrolled members.

A Background of Community‑Focused Health Reform

The Cherokee Nation, one of the largest federally recognized tribes in the United States, has historically been a pioneer in public‑health initiatives. In the early 2000s, the Nation launched the Cherokee Health System (CHS), a network of community health centers, a primary‑care clinic in Tahlequah, and a dedicated behavioral‑health program that has since grown into a statewide model of culturally attuned care. Chief Hoskin, who assumed office in 2020, has emphasized the importance of partnership with the State of Oklahoma to secure sustainable funding streams for the Nation’s health services.

“Health is the backbone of a thriving community,” Hoskin told reporters at the signing ceremony. “This act gives us the financial foundation we need to keep our people healthy, safe, and connected.”

Key Provisions of the Amended Act

The act modifies the original Public Health and Wellness Fund—first authorized in 2018—to expand its scope and extend its duration. The most notable changes include:

The amendment also adds a $2 million “behavioral health innovation” grant to support evidence‑based interventions, including addiction treatment and suicide prevention programs tailored to the Nation’s cultural context.

The Legislative Journey

The amended bill emerged from a collaborative process that began early in 2023. Tribal leaders met with state legislators in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate to identify funding gaps that had become apparent during the COVID‑19 pandemic. “The pandemic exposed weaknesses in our health infrastructure and underscored the need for more robust funding,” said Representative Lisa White, a key sponsor of the bill. “By expanding the fund, we can ensure that no Cherokee member falls through the cracks.”

After several rounds of revisions, the bill was passed by both chambers with bipartisan support and signed by Governor Kevin Stitt. The Governor highlighted the act’s role in “promoting health equity across the state’s diverse populations.”

Impact on Cherokee Health Services

The newly authorized funding will have a tangible impact on several fronts:

1. Primary Care Expansion – The additional funds will enable the Nation to open two new community health centers in Tulsa and Okmulgee, providing walk‑in services, chronic‑disease management, and preventive screenings.

2. Behavioral Health Strengthening – The $2.5 million allocated for mental‑health services will fund a new 12‑week intensive addiction‑rehabilitation program, supported by Cherokee cultural practitioners and licensed counselors.

3. Mobile Health Clinic – A brand‑new mobile clinic will travel to rural reservations, offering primary care, vaccination, and health education to underserved populations.

4. Tele‑Medicine Infrastructure – The act includes $1 million earmarked for upgrading the Nation’s tele‑medicine platform, ensuring that patients in remote areas can access specialists without traveling long distances.

Chief Hoskin emphasized that the act would help “close the gap between urban and rural health services,” particularly for Cherokee members living in remote, sparsely populated communities.

Community Voices

At the signing event, a range of community members spoke about the significance of the new law. “We’ve been waiting for more than a decade for this kind of support,” said Elder Mary Redbird, a revered tribal elder. “It’s not just about money—it’s about recognition that our people are valued.”

Similarly, Dr. James Mitchell, director of the Cherokee Health System, noted that the act would “enable us to implement data‑driven interventions that are proven to reduce health disparities.”

Looking Forward

While the Amended Public Health and Wellness Fund Act marks a milestone, Chief Hoskin and tribal officials stress that sustained effort is necessary. “This is a stepping stone,” Hoskin said. “We will continue to advocate for expanded health services, workforce development, and community wellness programs that are rooted in Cherokee culture and resilience.”

The act’s official text is available on the Oklahoma Legislature’s website, and a press release detailing the funding allocations can be found on the Cherokee Nation’s official site. Stakeholders—including health care providers, community leaders, and tribal members—are encouraged to review the legislation and participate in upcoming public comment sessions scheduled by the Cherokee Health Board.

In an era where health inequities have become increasingly visible, the Cherokee Nation’s partnership with the State of Oklahoma to secure this enhanced funding is a testament to the power of collaborative governance. The Amended Public Health and Wellness Fund Act will not only improve the health of Cherokee members today but also lay the groundwork for a healthier, more equitable tomorrow.