MVSKOKE RESERVATION – On Tuesday, May 5, the Health, Education, and Welfare Committee held a mixed virtual and in-person meeting. Passed legislation will go on to the next full council meeting, unless otherwise noted.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
NCA 26-054 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Services (SPIP) Suicide Prevention Intervention and Postvention Project Grant for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Representative Lora Harjo-King sponsored the bill, which was postponed indefinitely by a 4-0 vote.
Secretary of Health Shawn Terry explained that this bill, as well as NCA 26-055, NCA 26-056, and NCA 26-057, need to be amended to add language to the grants before they pass to the full council. If the bill is adopted by the full council, it will provide $2 million for expanding behavioral health care services. This bill was previously postponed from the April 14 HEW committee meeting.
NCA 26-055 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Services (P4) Produce Prescription Pilot Program Grant for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Representative Darrell Proctor sponsored the bill, which was postponed indefinitely by a 4-0 vote.
This bill will need to be amended to add language before it passes to the full council. If the bill is adopted by the full council, it will provide $2.5 million to increase access to fresh produce and traditional food within Native Communities. This bill was previously postponed from the April 14 HEW committee meeting.
NCA 26-056 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health Integration Initiative Grant for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Rep. Proctor sponsored the bill, which was postponed indefinitely by a 4-0 vote.
This bill will need to be amended before it passes to the full council. If the bill is adopted by the full council, it will provide $1,988,860 to improve the physical and mental health status of people with behavioral health issues. This bill was previously postponed from the April 14 HEW committee meeting.
NCA 26-057 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing the expenditure of grant funds awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, Native Connections Project for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health. Rep. Proctor sponsored the bill, which was postponed indefinitely by a 4-0 vote.
This bill will need to be amended to add language before it passes to the full council. If the bill is adopted by the full council, it will provide $1.25 million to promote culturally appropriate prevention, intervention, and treatment methods for Native Americans. This bill was previously postponed from the April 14 HEW committee meeting.
NCA 26-064 A law of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation authorizing a supplemental appropriation for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Energy Program for Energy Assistance Related Services for Fiscal Year 2026. Rep Proctor sponsored the bill, which passed by a 4-0 vote.
If adopted by the full council, it will provide $1.5 million in additional funds for the 4,800-5,000 households served by the department.
To view the full agenda, visit mcnnc.com.
