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Tahlequah, OK - In an effort to continue to provide quality health care, the Cherokee Nation has asked the Indian Health Service for $3.3 million dollars to meet it's funding needs for the rest of fiscal year 2000.

The IHS funds Oklahoma Indian patients at just 63 per cent of the national average, but the Claremore Indian Hospital and W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital in Tahlequah have been able to meet the needs of their patients within current budget guidelines until recently. Federally mandated salary increases and spiraling, inflationary pharmaceutical costs are among the many factors that leave the hospitals with a severe budget deficit.

Hospital administrators have taken steps to reduce the projected shortfall, but those cuts may erode the high standard of care provided at the facilities. "These hospitals serve more than 400,000 patients annually. These are precious people, and it's vital that they receive the quality of their health care they deserve," said Principal Chief Chad Smith.

The funding shortage could affect health care for non-Cherokees as well. Members of dozens of Northeastern Oklahoma tribes receive services from these facilities. "The needs of the Cherokees have a direct impact on us ," said Perry Beaver, Principal Chief of the Creek Nation. "Many of our people get health care from these hospitals."

Mike Lincoln, deputy director of IHS, is looking into possible funding sources, including a supplemental appropriation. The Cherokee Nation has also asked IHS to explore the option of funding within its current budget to meet these urgent needs.