OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council held the monthly Health, Education, and Welfare Committee session at the Mound Building on Feb. 8.
The committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 23-021 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a U.S. Department of Justice, Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) Purpose Area Four-Tribal Justice System Infrastructure Program (TJSIP) grant application for the benefit of the MCN Department of Health. Representative Leonard Gouge sponsored the resolution, which passed, 4-0.
The DOH submitted the request to apply for the grant for $1,500,000. The funds will be used toward building a 30-day treatment facility and expanding substance abuse services.
NCA 23-010 Establishing the Muscogee Nation Resource Center Revolving Fund for various activities of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Resource Center. Representative Mary Crawford sponsored the legislation, which was passed, 4-0.
The center can generate income from rental and leasing opportunities from outside sources. The account will allow funds to be paid to and used by the center.
NCA 23-011 Authorizing the expenditure of funds awarded from the Department of Health and Human Services for the Muscogee Nation Department of Health 988-Tribal Response Project. Rep. Gouge sponsored the act, which passed, 4-0.
The award of $825,000 will be used to improve response times to 988 calls, texts and chats ensuring that Natives have culturally, competent, trained support and connections to appropriate resources.
Secretary of Health Shawn Terry reported that the CDC claims the COVID-19 Pandemic is reaching its end in May 2023.
The highly contagious infection is moving into an endemic stage, where the health system is seeing less and less serious cases.
Terry said he will still enforce mask wearing in Muscogee (Creek) Nation health facilities for the time being to prevent the spread of covid within the facilities.
Chief Financial Officer Brenda Crawford claimed that the DOH collected $17 million in December.
Collections are typically lower in January, but Crawford claims that they are higher than last year.
“The number continues to grow and that’s what we like to see.” Crawford said.
Visit www.mcnnc.com for more National Council committee coverage.
