1

CDC/ATSDR Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting

October 15–16, 1:00–6:00 pm (EST)

Virtual Zoom Meeting

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease 

Registry (ATSDR) hosted a Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting on October 15–16, 2020. The 

meeting was open to the public. 

Table of Contents

CDC/ATSDR Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting.............................................................................................1

TAC Member Attendees.........................................................................................................................................2

CDC Attendees........................................................................................................................................................2

Nonfederal Attendees............................................................................................................................................8

Thursday, October 15, 2020.......................................................................................................................................8

1:00 PM–Opening Blessing, Welcome, and Introductions.....................................................................................8

1:20 PM–TAC Business...........................................................................................................................................9

3:00 PM–CDC Budget Update ............................................................................................................................. 11

3:30 PM–Listening Session on COVID-19 Funding .............................................................................................. 13

4:10 PM–Violence Prevention Convening Session.............................................................................................. 14

5:20 PM–Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country ................................................................................... 15

5:50 PM–Day 1 Meeting Summary...................................................................................................................... 16

Friday, October 16, 2020......................................................................................................................................... 17

1:00 PM–Opening Blessing, Welcome, and Introductions.................................................................................. 17

1:30 PM–COVID-19 Vaccination Discussion........................................................................................................ 17

2:30 PM–Star Collection Book Review ................................................................................................................ 18

3:00 PM–CDC Director/ATSDR Administrator Updates....................................................................................... 19

3:40 PM—Senior Leadership Roundtable Discussion ......................................................................................... 20

4:50 PM—Tribal Testimony................................................................................................................................. 22

5:50 PM—Summary, Closing Prayer, and Adjournment..................................................................................... 23

Appendices.............................................................................................................................................................. 24

Appendix A: Acronym List.................................................................................................................................... 24

Appendix B: TAC Roster....................................................................................................................................... 26
2

TAC Member Attendees

President Alicia Andrew 

Native Village of Karluk

Alaska Area Delegate 

Legislator Connie Barker

The Chickasaw Nation

Tribes At-Large Delegate

Trinidad Krystall

Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians

Tribes At-Large Delegate

Councilman Stephen Kutz, RN, BSN, MPH

Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Portland Area Delegate

Byron Larson, MHA

Northern Cheyenne Nation 

Billings Area Delegate

Lisa Pivec

Cherokee Nation

Tribes At-Large Authorized Representative

Sharon Stanphill, MD

Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians

Portland Area Authorized Representative 

Representative Robert TwoBears (TAC Chair)

Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin

Bemidji Area Delegate

Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner

Cherokee Nation

Oklahoma Area Delegate

Absent

Affiliation/Tribal Area Name Title

Ute Mountain Ute Tribe/Albuquerque Area Selwyn Whiteskunk Tribal Councilman 

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians/Tribes AtLarge Richard Sneed Principal Chief (TAC Co-Chair) 

The Navajo Nation/ Navajo Area Myron Lizer Vice President

Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope/ 

Tribes At-Large 

Doreen Fogg-Leavitt Secretary

CDC Attendees 

Romanadvoratrelunder (Romana) Allison, MPH

Public Health Advisor, Office of the Director (OD), 

Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial 

Support (CSTLTS)

Kayla Anderson, PhD

Epidemiologist, Morbidity and Behavioral 

Surveillance Team, Surveillance Branch, Division 

of Violence Prevention (DVP), National Center for 

Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC)

Danielle Arellano, MPH

Public Health Advisor, State, Local & Tribal 

Support Team (SLTST), Program Implementation 

and Evaluation Branch (PIEB), Division of Injury 

Prevention (DIP), NCIPC

Theresa Armstead, PhD

Evaluation Team Lead, Performance 

Development, Evaluation and Training Branch 

(PDETB), Division of Performance Improvement 

and Field Services (DPIFS), CSTLTS

Coretta Bailey

Public Health Analyst, Office of Appropriations, 

OD, Office of Financial Resources, Office of the 

Chief Operating Officer (OCOO)

Shimere Ballou, MPH

Public Health Analyst, Office Policy, Planning & 

Evaluation, OD, Center for Preparedness and 

Response (CPR)
3

Nicole Barron

Public Health Advisor, Health Department 

Program Branch (HDPB), Division of Program and 

Partnership Services (DPPS), CSTLTS

James Beck (CTR)

Senior IT Specialist, OD, CSTLTS

Sherri Berger, MSPH

Chief Operating Officer, OD, OCOO

Dimple Bhat, MPH

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education 

(ORISE) Fellow, OD, Division of Overdose 

Prevention, NCIPC

Kelly Bishop, MA 

Public Health Advisor, OD, Division of Population 

Health (DPH), National Center for Chronic Disease 

Prevention & Health Promotion (NCCDPHP)

Breanna Branche

Public Health Advisor, Field Services Branch, 

DPIFS, CSTLTS

Amy Branum, PhD

Statistician, OD, National Center for Health 

Statistics 

Patrick Breysse, PhD

Director, OD, National Center for Environmental 

Health (NCEH)

Sharunda Buchanan, PhD

Director, OD, NCEH, DDNID

Rebecca Bunnell, PhD, MEd, ScD

Director, OD, Office of Science (OS), Deputy 

Director for Public Health Science and 

Surveillance (DDPHSS)

Ashley Busacker, PhD 

Field Assignee, Field Support Branch (FSB), 

Division of Reproductive Health (DRH), NCCDPHP

CDR Renee Calanan, PhD

USPHS, OD, National Center for Emerging and

Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)

Kimberly Calloway, DVM

Public Health Associate, FSB, DPIFS, CSTLTS

Christa Capozzola

Chief Financial Officer, OD, OFR, OCOO

Alicia Cardwell-Alston (CTR)

Senior Health Communication Specialist, OD, 

CSTLTS

Valeria Carlson, MPH

Public Health Analyst, Program Performance and 

Evaluation Office (PPEO), Office of the Associate 

Director for Policy and Strategy (OADPS)

Sarah David Carrigan, MPH (CTR)

Health Communication Specialist, OD, DRH, 

NCCDPHP

Thomas Clark, MD

Deputy Director, OD, Division of Viral Diseases, 

National Center for Immunization and 

Respiratory Disease (NCIRD), Deputy Director for 

Infectious Diseases (DDID)

Captain Carmen Clelland, PharmD, MPA, MPH 

United States Public Health Service (USPHS),

Director, Office of Tribal Affairs and Strategic 

Alliances (OTASA), CSTLTS

Karla Checo

Public Health Advisor, National Partnership 

Branch, DPPS, CSTLTS
4

Anthony Colbert, MBA 

Special Assistant to the CFO, OD, OFR, OCOO

Kendra Cox, MA

Program Analyst, OD, Division of Healthcare 

Quality Promotion, NCEZID

Julie Cox-Kain

Public Health Analyst, HDPB, DPPS, CSTLTS

James B. Crockett, MPA

Deputy Division Director, OD, DPPS, CSTLTS

Katherine Lyon Daniel, PhD

Associate Deputy Director for Public Health 

Service and Implementation Science

Breanne Danner, MPH (CTR)

Management Analyst, FSB, DPIFS, CSTLTS

Teresa Daub, MPH

Public Health Advisor, HDPB, DPPS, CSTLTS

Mark Davis, MD

Branch Chief, OD, Division of State and Local 

Readiness (DSLR), CPR

Heather Dennehy, MPP

Public Health Analyst, Meeting and Advance 

Team Management Activity, OD, Office of the 

Chief of Staff

Yvette Diallo

Emergency Management Specialist, OD, Division 

of Emergency Operations, CPR

Sonal Doshi, MPH, MS

Health Scientist, Evaluation Team Lead, PDETB, 

DPIFS, CSTLTS

John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH

Director, OD, CPR

Naomi Drexler, DrPH, MPH 

Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch (RZB), Division of 

Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD), NCEZID

Evelyn Dunn, MPA

Health Policy Analyst, Office of Appropriations,

OD, OFR

Jessica Elm

Health Scientist, Child Abuse Neglect and 

Adversity Team, Research and Evaluation Branch, 

DVP, NCIPC

Lori Elmore, MPH

Lead Health Policy Analyst, OA, OD, OFR, OCOO

David Espey, MD

Medical Officer, OD, DPH, NCCDPHP

CDR Molly Evans, MD, MPH

USPHS, Medical Officer, HIV Care and Treatment 

Branch, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for 

Global Health (CGH)

Lauren Ewing

Student Intern, CDC-Washington Office, OD

Taleria Fuller, PhD

Health Scientist, FSB, DRH, NCCDPHP

Cassandra Frazier, MPH

Health Scientist, PDETB, DPIFS, CSTLTS

Sabah Ghulamali, MPH

Public Health Analyst, Office of Policy, Planning 

and Partnerships, OD, National Center for 

HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, & TB Prevention 

(NCHHSTP)
5

Lisa Goldsworthy

Public Health Associate, FSB, DPIFS, CSTLTS

David Goodman

Lead Health Scientist, Maternal and Infant Health 

Branch, DRH, NCCDPHP

LCDR Kimberly Goodwin, MPH

USPHS, Public Health Analyst, OD, CSTLTS

Donata Green, PhD

Public Health Analyst, Partnership and Policy 

Team, OPPP, OD, NCEH

Amy Groom, MPH

Public Health Advisor, OD, DPH, NCCDPHP

Karen Hacker

Director, NCCDPHP

Mary Hall, MPH

Health Scientist, OD, DPH, NCCDPHP

Diane Hall, PhD

Health Scientist, Policy Research, Analysis, and 

Development Office, OADPS

Kischa Hampton, MSW

Public Health Advisor, SLTST, PIEB, DIP, NCIPC

Veda Harrell, MPA 

Public Health Advisor, HDPB, DPPS, CSTLTS

Jeffrey Herbst, PhD

Branch Chief, Research and Evaluation Branch, 

DVP, NCIPC

Tara Ramanathan Holiday, JD, MPH

Public Health Analyst, OA, OD, OFR, OCOO

Debra Houry, MD, MPH

Director, NCIPC 

CDR David Hunter, MPH, MSW

USPHS, Branch Chief, CBB, Program 

Implementation Branch (PIB), DSLR, CPR

Captain Michael Iademarco, MD, MPH

USPHS, Director of Center for Surveillance, 

Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services (CSELS)

Robin Ikeda, MD, MPH

Director, OADPS

Tracy Ingraham 

Associate Director for Communication, OD, 

CSTLTS

Laurie Ishak, JD, MA

Deputy Director, OADPS

Yolanda Jacobs 

Health Communication Specialist, 

Communication Unit, OD, CSTLTS

Monica Jamison

Management Analyst, Office of Policy 

Partnerships, and Planning, OD, NCEH

Stacey M. Jenkins, MPH, CHES

Director, DPPS, CSTLTS

Melissa Jim, MPH

Epidemiologist, Cancer Surveillance Branch, 

Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC), 

NCCDPHP

Mary Jomia

Public Health Advisor, FSB, DPIFS, CSTLTS 

Rhonda Kaetzel, PhD

Regional Director, Western Section, Office of 

Community Health Hazard Assessment, Office of 

the Associate Director 
6

Alison Kelly, MPIA

Director, Office of Appropriations, OD, OFR

Samantha Kessler, JD (CTR)

Health Communication Specialist, OD, CSTLTS

Gilbert Kersh, PhD

Branch Chief, RZB, DVBD, NCEZID

Barbara Kitchens, MA

Public Health Analyst, PIB, DSLR, CPR

Stephanie Koh, MPH, MPA

Associate Service Fellow, OD, CSTLTS

Laura M. Mercer Kollar, PhD

Behavioral Scientist, DVP, NCIPC

Rachel Kossover-Smith, MPH, RD

Public Health Advisor, NCIPC, DIP

Rhea-Lanee Laxa Lansang Tran, MPH, CHES 

Public Health Advisor, OD, CSTLTS

Karina Lifschitz, MPH, MAIA

Public Health Analyst, OD, CSTLTS

Katherine Luce

Public Health Associate, OTASA, CSTLTS

Emily Maass, MPH

Public Health Advisor, FSB, DPIFS, CSTLTS

Faye Maison

General Attorney, Office of the General Counsel, 

OD, OCOO

Taylor Mann, MPH

Presidential Management Fellow, OD

LaTisha Marshall, DrPH, MPH

Health Scientist, PSB, Office on Smoking and 

Health, NCCDPHP

Victoria McBee, MPH (CTR)

Grants Management Specialist, HDPB, DPPS, 

CSTLTS

Stephanie Melkonian, PhD

Epidemiologist, Epidemiology and Applied 

Research Branch, DCPC, NCCDPHP

Marilyn Metzler, MPH (CTR)

Public Health Analyst, OD, DVP, NCIPC

RADM Jonathan Mermin, MD

USPHS, Director, NCHHSTP

CDR Jenna Meyer, MPH, BSN, RN 

USPHS, Deputy Director, OTASA, CSTLTS

Lydia Mezenghie, MPH (CTR)

Public Health Analyst, OTASA, CSTLTS

Jessica Miller, MA

Public Health Advisor, OTASA, CSTLTS

Mikayla Taylor, MPH, CHES (CTR)

Health Communication Specialist, OD, CSTLTS

José Montero, MD, MHCDS

Director, CSTLTS

Georgia Moore, MS

Associate Director for Policy, CSTLTS

Khiya Mullins, DrPH

Behavioral Scientist, Youth Violence and 

Emerging Topics Team, Research and Evaluation 

Branch, DVP, NCIPC

Chaity Naik

Public Health Advisor, OD, Division of Overdose 

Prevention, NCIPC

Stephanie Neitzel

Lead Public Health Advisor, OD, CSTLTS

Joanne Odenkirchen, MPH

Public Health Advisor, OTASA, CSTLTS

Kerry Osborne (CTR)

Senior IT Specialist, OD, CSTLTS

Stacy Parker, MPH (CTR)

Health Communication Specialist, OD, CSTLTS
7

Amy Peeples, MPA

Deputy Director for Management and 

Operations, OD, NCIPC

Chandra Pendergraft, MPA

Public Health Analyst, OD, CSTLTS

Emiko Petrosky, MD, MPH

USPHS, Medical Officer, Mortality Surveillance 

Team, Surveillance Branch, DVP, NCIPC

Celeste Philip, MD, MPH

Deputy Director for Non-Infectious Diseases

Lori Phillips, MPH

Health Scientist, OTASA, CSTLTS

Lindsay Prescod, MS

Public Health Advisor, CSTLTS

Laura Quilter

USPHS, Medical Officer, Program Development 

and Quality Improvement Branch, Division of 

Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, 

NCHHSTP

Jean Randolph, MPA

Nurse, PIB, DSLR, CPR

Fatima Ravat, MPH

Health Scientist, Workforce and Institute 

Development Branch, Division of Global Health 

Protection, CGH

Robert Redfield, MD

CDC Director/ATSDR Administrator

Kelly Regan

Public Health Advisor, OD, DPH, NCCDPHP

Karen Remley

Distinguished Consultant, OD, National Center on 

Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities 

(NCBDDD)

Laura Richardson-Smith, PhD 

Health Communication Special Lead, OD, CSTLTS

Davie Rickenbacker (CTR)

Public Health Analyst, OTASA, CSTLTS

Tekerri Rivers 

Public Health Advisor, HDPB, DPPS, CSTLTS

CDR LaShonda Roberson, MPH, DHSc

USPHS, Human Subject Protection Officer, Office 

of Science Integrity, OS

Shannon Robinson-Ahmed, MEd

Health Education Specialist, OD, DPH, NCCDPHP

LCDR Shannon Saltclah, PharmD, CPH 

Navajo Tribe, USPHS, Healthy Tribes Program, 

NCCDPHP

Delight Satter, MPH

Senior Health Scientist, OTASA, CSTLTS

Gia Simon

Deputy Associate Director for Communication, 

OD, CSTLTS

Gregory Smith, MPA

Public Health Advisor, PIB, DSLR, CPR

Nathaniel Smith, MD, MPH

Deputy Director of Public Health Service and 

Implementation Science
8

Raheem Smith

ORISE Fellow, Immigrant, Refugee, and Migrant 

Health Branch, Division of Global Migration and 

Quarantine, NCEZID

JT Theofilos, MBA

Public Health Advisor, FSB, DPIFS, CSTLTS

Craig Thomas, PhD

Division Director, OD, DPH, NCCDPHP

Nicole Wachter, MPH

Public Health Advisor, OD, CSTLTS

LT Jeffrey Walker, MPH

USPHS, Public Health Advisor, CSTLTS

Ellen Wan, MPH

Public Health Analyst, OD, Deputy Director for 

Non-Infectious Diseases 

Alleen Weathers, MEd, MPH

Public Health Advisor, HDPB, DPPS, CSTLTS

Melinda Wharton, MD, MPH

(CAPT, USPHS, retired), Director, Division of 

Immunization Services, NCIRD

Jessica Wiens

Public Health Advisor, OD, DPH, NCCDPHP

Craig Wilkins

Senior Advisor, OD, Office of Minority Health and 

Health Equity 

Kelly Wilkinson (CTR)

Senior Health Communication Specialist, OD, 

CSTLTS

Rebecca Willis

Public Health Advisor, HDPB, DPPS, CSTLTS

Stacey Willocks, MS

Behavioral Scientist, Evaluation Team, PIEB, DIP, 

NCIPC

Betty Wong

Health Scientist, OD, OS

Andrea Young, PhD

Associate Director for Science, OD, CSTLTS

Andrea Zekis

Health Communication Specialist, OD, CSTLTS

Nonfederal Attendees

Sherrie Aazami

Rhonda Beaver

Bridget Canniff

Desiree Coyote 

Vanesscia Cresci

Christine Crossland

Devin Delrow

Julia Dreyer 

Mary Evens

Kimberly Fowler

Leanne Guy

Karrie Joseph 

Sujata Joshi

Ciara Kohr

Mark LeBeau

Keely Linton

Nina Martin

Beth Michel

Theda New Breast 

Sunny Stevenson

Rachel Tenorio

Lisa Thompson

Victoria Warren-Mears

Tiana Woodward

Sara Zdunek

Thursday, October 15, 2020

1:00 PM–Opening Blessing, Welcome, and Introductions

• Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner provided the opening blessing.

• Dr. José Montero, Director, CSTLTS, CDC, welcomed everyone to the 20th Biannual CDC/ATSDR TAC 

Meeting and introduced the new TAC members, nonfederal partner guests, and CDC leadership 

attendees.
9

• Commander Jenna Meyer, Deputy Director, OTASA, CSTLTS, CDC, conducted the roll call. A quorum 

was present to conduct necessary business.

1:20 PM–TAC Business 

Facilitator

• Representative Robert TwoBears (Ho-Chunk Nation): Legislative Representative, Ho-Chunk Nation, 

Chair, TAC

Nominations for TAC Chair and Co-Chair

• Representative TwoBears asked TAC members for nominations for new TAC chair and co-chairs.

• Byron Larson made the motion to re-nominate the current TAC chair, Representative TwoBears. TAC 

members unanimously approved this motion. 

• For co-chair nominations, Mr. Larson asked about re-nominating someone who was not on the call, such 

as re-nominating Principal Chief Richard Sneed. Councilman Stephen Kutz made the motion to hold the 

nomination for a later meeting, where Principal Chief Sneed can be present. President Alicia Andrew 

seconded the motion, and the TAC members unanimously approved this motion.

Proposed Dates for Winter 2021 TAC Meeting

• For the next TAC Meeting (Winter 2021 TAC Meeting), Councilman Kutz made the motion to hold the 

meeting during the first week of February, and Deputy Principal Chief Warner seconded the motion. The

motion was passed to hold it in the first week of February 2021. This meeting will be conducted virtually

due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roster

• Representative TwoBears opened the discussion to the TAC to discuss the roster, membership,

recruitment, and bylaws.

TAC Roster Discussion

Question from Captain Clelland:

• Captain Clelland asked TAC members for input on the TAC bylaws, roster, and recruitment.

Discussion (input from multiple TAC members):

• Mr. Larson discussed the 1994 Federalist Act. This particular legislation piece identified tribal 

organizations as voting representatives on the committee. 

• A sub-group of the committee unanimously voted to have the 1994 Federalist Act of the Bureau of

Indian Affairs be the defining act that highlighted tribal organizations’ role as voting representatives on 

the committee. Mr. Larson explained that the CDC/ATSDR TAC felt the list of tribal nations from the 

Federalist Act of 1994 was an important list for TAC members to be pulled from.

• Mr. Larson identified that the TAC felt the necessity for elected officials, or a tribe, to have ability to 

appoint another elected official to ensure that the TAC had equitable coverage across the country.

• Deputy Principal Chief Warner echoed Mr. Larson’s response. Deputy Principal Chief Warner also stated 

that the committee came to a consensus that they follow guidelines put forth by the 1994 Federalist 

Act.

Response from Captain Clelland:

• Thank you for this feedback. For CDC to have an Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) exemption, 

the TAC must be represented by an elected tribal official or their designated representative. 
10

Charter

• Captain Clelland opened the floor for TAC members to comment on the proposed TAC Charter draft.

OTASA first received the draft TAC Charter in February 2019 and updated the Charter per TAC and 

internal CDC comments. OTASA provided the edited version of the draft to the TAC in February and 

March 2020.

• Councilman Kutz proposed to review a crosswalk between new draft charter and the 2013 charter at 

another time. TAC members unanimously approved this motion.

• A crosswalk will be developed by CDC and provided to the TAC to show the edits between the original 

2013 charter, the 2020 draft charter, and the TAC charter revisions received from the TAC. The charter 

discussion will be tabled for a later time when the crosswalk can be reviewed. 

January and March TAC Letters

• Captain Clelland highlighted the TAC’s request for a workgroup to support the TAC. Captain Clelland 

noted that CDC is aware of the request from the TAC to have a workgroup and the agency is supportive 

of this. CDC staff are currently working with a national partner to make sure that the workgroup is 

identified. 

• The CDC received two letters from the TAC that highlighted areas of concern. Some of the main 

concerns outlined in the letter included lack of funding, consultation sessions, and engagement efforts 

between CDC and tribal nations. Based on these concerns, CDC has increased its engagement efforts 

with the TAC and Indian Country. Some examples include CDC’s Tribal Consultation efforts with all 10 US 

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regions to highlight the National Diabetes Prevention 

Program accomplishments and prospected changes.

• CDC also provided direct engagement with tribes during the COVID-19 pandemic through participation 

in vaccine planning sessions, response efforts, and listening sessions. 

• CDC has helped to develop the Star Books and provided feedback to best promote healthy practices 

among children.

TAC Letters Discussion

Comment from Representative TwoBears: 

• I am aware and understand that, at times, CDC’s responses to the letters can take time. However, 

sometimes I fear that our requests and concerns are not taken into consideration and responses from 

the CDC are not being provided in a timely manner. 

Question from Mr. Larson:

• Thank you, Captain, for including the letters in the packet today. I think that letters are indicative of 

where we were. I think the biggest issue is that our workgroup is not commissioned. Has it been 

suspended? When, if at this point, are we going to get the workgroup back, funded, and staffed?

Response from Captain Clelland:

• CDC is supportive of a workgroup and is working toward making sure that it is adequately set up and 

staffed. The workgroup is in the works for the near future. 

Comment from Mr. Larson:

• In terms of the TAC and the workgroup, I just want to make it clear that the National Indian Health 

Board are not elected officials, so the TAC should be the one who decides how the TAC workgroup seats 

people. There has been a lot of discussion about the tribes not being involved in those discussions and 

populating that committee. 
11

3:00 PM–CDC Budget Update

Presenters 

• Alison Kelly, Director, Office of Appropriations, OFR, CDC

Opening Remarks 

• Ms. Kelly, Director for the Office of Appropriations, OFR, CDC, provided updates on CDC’s budget. She 

was also joined by Christa Capozzola, Chief Financial Officer, OFR, CDC, and Sherri Berger, Chief 

Operating Officer, OCOO, CDC. 

• For fiscal year (FY) 2020, CDC ended with an enacted appropriation of $7.969 billion, which is about a 

$6.45 million dollar increase from 2019. 

• In FY20, the Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country (GHWIC) received an increase of $72,000. CDC 

is continuing to show support for this important initiative in Congress. 

• For FY21, there is a recommended 9% reduction from the FY20 enacted amount $7.969 billion. The Drug 

Free Communities program has also been proposed to move to CDC for FY 2021. 

• Ms. Kelly added that CDC is operating under a continuing resolution until December 11, 2020.

TAC Budget Discussion 

Comments from Councilman Kutz: 

• I would like to discuss funding for public health infrastructure in Indian Country. Tribal nations do not 

acquire funding for infrastructure from the Indian Health Service (IHS); however, it is critical to prioritize 

infrastructure. Some tribal nations may have additional funding, but this is not the case for all tribal 

nations. The TAC is requesting for CDC to have conversations about future budgets so that issues are 

addressed in the future. 

• Tribes receive funding due to events, but when there is a resolution, the funding for infrastructure

depletes. CDC and the TAC need to work together for more longevity in infrastructure funding. 

Response from Ms. Kelly: 

• Thank you for this information on prioritizing infrastructure. CDC recognizes the challenge that comes 

with lack of funding for comprehensive public health infrastructure. Most funding is directed to a 

specific disease or a risk factor. 

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has recognized the need for direct funding and created a 

direct funding opportunity to address COVID-19. This direct funding opportunity allows CDC to make a 

case moving forward that investing in infrastructure is a path toward a high-quality public health system. 

This is something to build on, and CDC looks forward to having more of those conversations with the 

TAC going forward. 

• I want to echo the insights that Councilman Kutz provided on the supplemental funding. As we move 

from emergency to emergency and receive supplemental funding to handle the emergency, it creates a 

fiscal cliff, making it hard to manage a public health workforce. That is the kind of strategic thinking CDC 

trying to do now in the face of having received resources for COVID-19. The agency needs to look at how 

to make this sustainable in the long term. 

Comment from Mr. Larson: 

• Developing infrastructure for the tribes is important. Tribes are sovereign entities and should have 

resources to do long-term work in public health, not just during a response. The spikes in COVID-19 

cases in Indian Country are due to a lack of infrastructure. Once the COVID-19 funding goes away, the 

work on infrastructure will go away, too. 

• How much funding did the CDC Foundation receive that was geared towards American Indians and 

Alaskan Natives (AI/ANs)?

Response from Ms. Kelly:
12

• I am not familiar with the CDC Foundation funding information at this time, but I will investigate this 

question. 

Follow-up Comment from Mr. Larson:

• I am aware there are CDC Foundation resources for each individual area. I have heard that there are 

roughly five CDC Foundation employees who have gone into the field through the Tribal Epidemiology 

Center (TEC). How much does it cost to fund one of these employees? 

Response from Ms. Kelly:

• I will investigate this and get back to you through Captain Clelland or Dr. Montero. CDC and the TAC 

need to figure out how to make this sustainable. Educating and informing Congress about how the 

appropriations have been used would help. The direct funding offers a great opportunity to talk about 

the work the funding has enabled, and the need for that kind of work to be sustained in the long term. 

Comment from Mr. Larson: 

• CDC could take immediate steps to allocate funds through the 1802 cooperative agreement. The scopes 

of work currently listed are items that tribes or TECs could complete. The cooperative agreement is an 

opportunity for direct funding. 

Comment from Captain Clelland:

• We will follow-up with the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) regarding your question on the CDC 

Foundation as the initiative was through the EOC. We will reach out and follow up with you. 

Comment from Chairman TwoBears:

• Why has CDC not asked tribal nations directly about the success of programs? It seems that there is 

limited consultation on successful programs that are working in Indian Country. For example, the CDC 

funding that goes to the TECs and Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, Inc. (GLITC). The programs through 

the TECs and GLITC have not always been successful. 

• In the past, tribal nations have seen CDC reduce funding on programs that we see as a success. The TAC 

would like to see CDC consult them for guidance on successful programs or justifications on the budget 

that is presented before Congress. 

Comment from Captain Clelland:

• Thank you Chairman TwoBears for those comments on the issue of the TECs and their lack of support for 

your area, but also on identifying how the efforts from CDC to engage on successful programs does not 

appear to be reflected in budgets, presentations, and the information we present to the TAC. CDC will 

take this information back and look to see how we can identify strategies to address this. 

• CDC is seeking input from the TAC on Trial Practices for the Wellness in Indian Country cooperative 

agreement that will be coming up next year. We would like to receive input on how the cooperative 

agreement can be improved. Advice and recommendations from the TAC will be incorporated. We will 

make sure that we start to improve the conversation between CDC and the TAC on activities that are 

successful within Indian Country.

Comment from Mr. Larson: 

• There appears to be excessive travel and trainings on behalf of individuals in the TECs. I believe there 

needs to be a level of monitoring on behalf of CDC of the TECs to ensure that the travel is appropriate.

Comment from Chairman TwoBears:

• For a closing comment, I would like to request that CDC set aside funding for tribes in their annual 

budget justification.

Comment from Councilman Kutz:

• I believe Mr. Larson started a conversation that we may want to explore later. We discussed concern at 

the Tribal Caucus this morning on how effectively TECs were representing the tribes they are serving in 

certain areas. Although we are currently in a budget discussion, TECs are represented in the budget, and 

some of the tribes feel there is a disconnect that’s happening between the tribe and the TEC. I would 

like CDC to find a place in the conversation this week for a discussion on this topic. 
13

3:30 PM–Listening Session on COVID-19 Funding

Presenters

• Stacey M. Jenkins, MPH, CHES, Director, DPPS, CSTLTS, CDC

• Jim Crockett, MPA, Deputy Director, DPPS, CSTLTS, CDC

• Teresa Daub, MPH, Public Health Advisor, HDPB, DPPS, CSTLTS, CDC

Opening Remarks

• Ms. Jenkins opened the discussion by highlighting CDC’s COVID-19 funding streams and awards. As of 

September 30, 2020, the CDC COVID-19 funding for Indian Country totaled more than 208 million.

• Three funding mechanisms managed by CSTLTS have been focused on identifying COVID-19 activities 

and providing funds to address surveillance, epidemiology laboratory capacity, infection control, and 

mitigation. CDC is committed to using the funds to address COVID-19. 

• There is still $14 million available for AI/ANs to address the pandemic. CDC is seeking recommendations 

from the TAC on how best to utilize these funds. 

TAC Questions and Discussion

Comment from Captain Clelland:

• CDC is seeking out suggestions and recommendations from TAC members on how they prefer the $14 

million to be spent to support Indian Country.

Question from Ms. Krystall:

• Is the $14 million through direct funding or through grants? What can the funding be allocated towards?

Response from Ms. Jenkins:

• The funding is from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act and can 

distributed through grants or cooperative agreements. The funds can be used for, but are not 

specifically limited to, epidemiology work, surveillance, and lab capacity building. The funds exclude 

direct clinical services and favor public health activities. 

Question from Representative TwoBears:

• Is guidance being issued around what the money can be used for?

Response from Ms. Jenkins:

• We can send you a quick summary of what's allowable. 

Comment from Deputy Principal Chief Warner:

• Funding tribes directly can help capacity building for future public health concerns that may affect tribes 

in remote areas. Additionally, one of the things that would be useful right now is to use part of that $14 

million to have CDC staff go directly to the field and provide support for tribes. 

Deputy Principal Chief Warner ceded his chair to Lisa Pivec.

Comment from Ms. Pivec: 

• One of the things that we're trying to explore, and haven't found dollars to explore yet, is cross-sector 

development in public health, healthcare delivery, social services, and infrastructure development. This 

is going to take some time, but we're already exploring it. We would like to reexamine what public 

health means to tribes and how that is executed in Tribal Country. 

Ms. Pivec ceded her chair back to Deputy Chief Warner.

Comment from Councilman Kutz: 

• There seems to be a concern between the funding that goes back and forth between tribes and TECs. 

Perhaps IHS and CDC do not have visibility on this disconnect.

Councilman Kutz ceded his chair to Ms. Warren-Mears.

Comment from Ms. Warren-Mears:
14

• I would like to clarify the work on the TECs. The TECs are organized differently across nations, but the 

common denominator is the various funding streams, one of which is the TEC Public Health 

Infrastructure funding received from CDC. We receive additional funding for TECs through IHS. 

• Beyond the requirements of those two awards, TECs have been directed by tribes in their regions to 

address items at their request. It is unfortunate that tribes do not feel supported by their TECs. When 

approaching activities in our region, we work to first identify if tribes do not have their own 

infrastructure to do the work.

• In terms of awards, we are receiving the money under a resolution of approval from tribes and 

distributing the funds back to tribes. Greater than half of the funding received goes directly to tribes. 

Our region feels completely supported and is grateful for the support of our tribes.

Ms. Warren-Mears ceded her chair back to Councilman Kutz.

Comment from Councilman Kutz: 

• Further conversation is warranted with CDC to ensure TECs are in alignment to support tribes.

Comment from Mr. Larson:

• The IHS has a subcommittee to discuss concerns Indian Country faces between AI/AN organizations

regarding funding mechanisms. It would be beneficial for CDC to develop a committee with tribes and 

national organizations to help address some of the concerns the TAC has identified.

• Given that there are 574 tribes, it can be difficult to allocate funding to tribes equally, given the limited 

amount of funding and extensive resources needs. A committee can help voice how to allocate funding 

and address tribes’ needs. 

• A committee can also help foster a trust relationship between the TAC and other organizations.

Comment from Ms. Jenkins:

• CDC’s cooperative agreements go through an objective review panel, and we would like your feedback 

on this review process. 

Comment from Mr. Larson:

• I think dispersing the funds through cooperative agreements is a good idea, but the practicality of all 

tribes having a cooperative agreement may be difficult to do. Several of the tribes are anticipating 

having the funds dispersed through the 1803 cooperative agreement. I would like to see the OT18-1803

cooperative agreement expanded to many nations. 

Comment from Captain Clelland:

• If TAC members have further input, please provide it in writing to CDC within a week from the TAC 

Meeting so we may get the funding out to Indian Country as needed. 

TAC members can submit comments/recommendations pertaining to the funding by October 23, 2020, to the 

tribalsupport@cdc.gov. 

4:10 PM–Violence Prevention Convening Session 

Presenters

• Nina Martin, National Indian Health Board

• Theda New Breast, Native Wellness Institute

Opening Remarks

• Ms. Martin provided an overview of the Violence Prevention Project. The project began a year ago to 

get a better understanding of the effect of violence in tribal communities, as well as a deeper 

exploration of barriers, protective factors, and preventive strategies that are either currently employed 

or could be employed to reduce violence. 
15

• Short videos were recorded from some of the participants of the program so that they could share their 

voices. There is importance in storytelling and generational sharing. The program emphasizes that 

bringing back language helps create a connection to culture. Healing through stories are preventive 

strategies that have not only prevented violence but also healed trauma. 

• Engaging the men of the community is critical to reducing violence. Men can be allies to help improve 

strategies to reduce violence. 

Violence Prevention Convening Session Discussion 

Question from Representative Robert TwoBears:

• I had a question about the sustainability of the program. Are most of the funding sources from CDC? 

Are the tribes co-funding some of these projects?

Answer from Nina Martin:

• From our end, this is very early in the process, so all our funding predominantly came from CDC, but this 

is the beginning. Eventually we do hope to see an opportunity where there could be prolonged and 

sustained engagement with tribes on work with this.

Answer from Theda New Breast:

• Several of those involved in the program have gotten very skilled at bringing in four or five different 

types of funding resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, from 

Department of Justice, from other Department of Health and Human Services branches, but this is 

where the funding trauma came from. They were branching out, trying to get all these of these sources 

of funding, when they would rather just have one source of funding. They were spending much more of 

their energy trying to get different streams of funding.

Comment from Councilman Kutz:

• I want to thank you for this presentation because this is some of the hardest work that we need to do in 

our community, and we need all the resources we can develop as well as expertise to help us do it. I 

really look forward to how we can develop best practices together on dealing with this in our 

communities. It is important to document that indigenous knowledge is considered best practices, 

because what works in our community is not always viewed as a best practice by SAMHSA for 

reimbursement. 

Comment from Captain Clelland:

• Thank you for that presentation. It is really enlightening, and some aspects are groundbreaking. We 

certainly want to acknowledge the effort and the time spent on this and the fact that it can create 

change in Indian Country. I wanted to make some remarks about our former TAC chair. This was part of 

his vision when he worked to help establish the Tribal Behavioral Health agenda and the continuation of 

that work through the TAC, not only with this, but with the missing and murdered Native Americans and 

the adverse childhood experiences presentation which will be see tomorrow. And then the efforts of 

CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control stepping up to help provide funding to many of 

these areas of impact in Indian Country. 

5:20 PM–Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country 

Presenters

• LCDR Shannon Saltclah, PharmD, CPH (Navajo Tribe), USPHS; Healthy Tribes Program, NCCDPHP, CDC

• David Espey, MD, Director, Healthy Tribes Program, NCCDPHP, CDC

Opening Remarks 

• Dr. Espey summarized the Healthy Tribes Program’s three cooperative agreements. These agreements 

include Tribal Epidemiology Center Public Health Infrastructure, which supports data, health 
16

surveillance, other core public health services; GHWIC, which aims to prevent obesity, diabetes, heart 

disease, and stroke; and Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country (TPWIC). The TPWIC cooperative 

agreement will be the focus of the conversation today.

• Dr. Saltclah showed the seven strategies that have been used in TPWIC. The TPWIC program came about 

through three different meetings that were held between CDC and cultural advisors to help shape future 

CDC opportunities for supporting tribal practices. Specific language was crafted, including seven 

strategies with cultural elements: Family & Community, Seasonal Practices, Social & Cultural Activities, 

Tribal Collaborations, Intergenerational Learning, Traditional Healthy Foods, and Physical Activities. 

Some activities in the TPWIC program included teaching traditional ways of life and learning about 

healthy food options through fish camps, drum-making classes, and other classes that target younger 

tribal members to pass down traditional ways of life. Through some of these activities, tribal members 

are also learning their language and connecting with their community and their culture. 

• Dr. Saltclah asked for input on this cooperative agreement and the seven strategies prior to writing the 

second round of the cooperative agreement. CDC heard from the TAC recommendations that one of the 

strategies address sustainability. 

Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country Discussion

Comment from Representative TwoBears:

• In reference to the seven strategies, has it always been just seven, or were there other categories that 

were proposed before?

Answer from Captain Clelland:

• As mentioned earlier, the convenings were held over three separate meetings, with each of those 

meetings adding significant portions to the development of the seven strategies. During the second 

meeting, many themes were suggested. During the third meeting, these themes were put into areas 

that had commonality, and from there, the seven strategies were decided. 

Comment from Mr. Larson:

• I would consider adding something around sustainability, such as linking to production through the US

Department of Agriculture Farm Bill.

5:50 PM–Day 1 Meeting Summary

Presenters

• Captain Clelland, PharmD, MPA, MPH (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes), USPHS; Director, OTASA, CSTLTS, 

CDC

• Dr. Montero, MD, MHCDS, Director, CSTLTS, CDC

• Representative TwoBears (Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin), Legislative Representative District V, HoChunk Nation of Wisconsin; Chair, TAC

Closing Remarks 

• Dr. Montero provided summary highlights of the meeting and, on behalf of CDC, thanked everyone for 

attending and participating throughout the meeting. Dr. Montero also mentioned a future meeting to 

include the TAC Charter and funding. 

• Representative TwoBears thanked the TAC for participating and providing input and closed the meeting.
17

Friday, October 16, 2020

1:00 PM–Opening Blessing, Welcome, and Introductions

• Commander Meyer conducted the roll call. A quorum was present to conduct necessary business.

1:30 PM–COVID-19 Vaccination Discussion 

Presenters

• Melinda Wharton, MD, Director, Immunization Services Division, NCIRD, CDC

• Molly Evans, MD, MPH, USPHS, Medical Officer, HIV Care and Treatment Branch, Division of Global HIV 

and TB, CGH, CDC 

Opening Remarks 

• Dr. Wharton provided an overview of current COVID-19 vaccine planning assumptions, the vaccination 

program interim playbook, and potential COVID-19 vaccine distribution scenarios for tribal nations. 

• The proposed distribution model identified that tribal nations are to decide their preference for vaccine 

allocation and distribution. The options include receiving the vaccine at the facility level through a 

state/local immunization program or through IHS. Written feedback was received from two separate 

regional consultation calls on September 24 and September 28 and is currently under review. 

• CDC received input regarding the importance of understanding tribal sovereignty and how it relates to 

the vaccine distribution. This includes considering direct delivery to the tribal nation and identifying that 

tribes have sovereignty to allocate the vaccine as they best see fit. 

TAC Questions and Discussion

Question from Councilman Kutz:

• Is the plan to have the vaccine distribution through McKesson nationally?

Response from Dr. Evans:

• We have been looking at the existing mechanisms in place. The state and IHS programs already exist and

have been efficient for delivery mechanisms of vaccines. We are still reviewing everything and looking at 

all the possible options. 

Question from Councilman Kutz:

• I have received vaccinations directly in the past from the federal warehouse, McKesson, IHS, and 

through local and state public health departments. McKesson does not understand the separation 

between the state and tribes and that tribes are a separate sovereign entity. We need for CDC to explain 

that to McKesson. 

Response from Dr. Evans: 

• It would be helpful to set up a phone call to discuss these details that would be specific to your tribal 

nation and go through the different reporting requirements that are necessary. Thank you for alerting us 

to those concerns regarding McKesson. 

Comment from Councilman Kutz:

• Idaho does not particularly work well with tribes. I want to make sure that if the decision is to work with 

McKesson, that CDC explains that McKesson needs to return our calls and talk with tribes as sovereign 

entities. 

Response from Dr. Evans:

• I wanted to point out that the vaccines will be shipped directly to the site, but the ordering will be done 

with CDC. So, it might be helpful for CDC to set up that call with you to discuss the ordering process 

because I don’t know if McKesson will be able to take calls. 

Question from Representative TwoBears:

• Do we know when we will have the vaccine plans available to view?
18

Response from Dr. Evans:

• IHS will consider the feedback from the tribes before sending CDC their plan. We have our tribal team 

reviewing the state plans to ensure that documented conversations with tribes from the states are 

there. Their plan is posted on the IHS site.

Question from Legislator Connie Barker:

• At what point does a clinic or tribe need to purchase the cold storage?

Response from Dr. Evans:

• The reason we are not asking states or tribes to purchase storage equipment is because the vaccine will 

be shipped using dry ice, and the storage container it is being distributed through should keep the 

vaccine cold for up to 10 days. IHS and states are also assessing storage capacity.

Question from Councilman Kutz: 

• Will you prohibit tribes from helping each other?

Response from Dr. Evans: 

• Tribes have sovereignty to allocate the COVID-19 vaccine as they best see fit. If tribes decide to share 

with other tribes, there would not be restriction on that once vaccines have been distributed.

Comment from Councilman Kutz: 

• You should note the ability for tribal nations to share resources if necessary, in the plan specifically, so 

tribes are aware. 

Deputy Principal Chief Warner ceded his seat to Ms. Pivec, Oklahoma Area Authorized Representative, for the 

remainder of the day.

Captain Clelland noted that as with other presentations, TAC members can submit comments/recommendations 

pertaining to COVID-19 vaccination planning by October 23, 2020, to tribalsupport@cdc.gov. 

2:30 PM–Star Collection Book Review 

Presenters

• Rachel Kossover-Smith, MPH, RD, Public Health Advisor, Division of Injury Prevention, NCIPC, CDC

• Laura M. Mercer Kollar, PhD, Behavioral Scientist, Division of Violence Prevention, NCIPC, CDC

Opening Remarks

• Dr. Kollar summarized the history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and Ms. Kossover-Smith

addressed the purpose behind the Star Collection books. They reviewed some of the different Star

Collection books viewing options and engagement opportunities through social media.

o These collections highlight cultural protective factors like community, connectedness, and 

language. They focus on how to be a good friend and aim to emphasize strengths-based 

messaging and the resiliency present in AI/AN communities.

• Ms. Kossover-Smith provided details about the specific books, “Friendship Makers” and “Stars Who 

Connect Us.” She emphasized that it is important to promote protective factors that can reduce the risk 

of violence. 

• The “Stars Who Connect Us” focuses on specific cultural protective factors, such as community, which 

build on the connection to tribal leaders’ language, participation, tribal ceremonies, and spirituality. The 

“Stars that Connect Us,” and additional materials, should be available by September 2021. “Friendship 

Makers,” another book in the Star Collection, focuses on the qualities of a good friend and seeking help 

from elders in the community for advice. 
19

• Each book contains an educator guide for teachers, community center staff, and parents. The collection 

also includes coloring pages and other activities for children. 

Ms. Kossover-Smith provided the Stars Collection website link: www.cdc.gov/injury/tribal/starcollection/. 

TAC Questions and Discussion

Comment from Councilman Kutz:

• Can CDC send out an email link to the Star Collection books website?

Answer from Commander Meyer:

• We will send that out. 

Comment from Captain Clelland:

• I would like to extend my thanks to everyone, not only for book development, but for some of the 

storytelling as well. The book is in its final form as we aim to help support tribal communities and the 

prevention of ACEs and development of healthy behaviors.

3:00 PM–CDC Director/ATSDR Administrator Updates 

Presenter

• Robert Redfield, MD, CDC Director/ATSDR Administrator, CDC

Opening Remarks 

• Dr. Redfield discussed CDC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted CDC’s efforts to 

support TECs and Indian Country.

• There are long-standing systemic health and social inequities that put some racial groups, ethnic groups, 

and minority groups at increased risk of getting COVID-19 or experiencing severe illness, regardless of 

age.

• CDC is conducting multiple activities to support tribal nations during the COVID-19 pandemic:

o The EOC has a dedicated Tribal Support Section that provides case investigation and contract 

tracing, community mitigation, surge staff, epidemiology surveillance, mapping support, data 

analysis, infection prevention, water control, sanitation, hygiene support, health risk 

communication support, and response planning protocol policy guidance.

o CDC currently has 18 teams deployed for on-site technical assistance, with 18 more in the 

process of being deployed. CDC has consulted with more than 215 tribes to date.

o CDC has developed tribal-specific guidance documents and shared COVID-19 data with TECs 

every two weeks.

o CDC has reached out to the individual tribal nations as well as hosting National Tribal and Urban 

Indian listening sessions and HHS regional tribal consultation sessions.

o To improve data collection, CDC has provided extensive COVID-19 case data to TECs. This 

includes access to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System data set and regular 

updates on COVID-19 cases to all TECs.

o CDC continues to ensure that TECs can access data on more than 120 other diseases and 

conditions.

o CDC remains committed to improving tribal health. This year, CDC provided more than $208 

million in funding to tribes and tribal organizations supported through supplemental 

appropriations, including the CARES Act. This investment during their response to COVID-19 

builds on an increase in funding to tribes in recent years that has doubled from $34.8 million in 

2016 to $66.2 million in FY 2019.
20

• The COVID-19 Incident Management Structure has also designated a Chief Health Equity Officer to 

ensure the response identifies and addresses health disparities uncovered during the COVID-19 

response. 

TAC Questions and Discussion

Question from Ms. Krystall:

• I would like to know, in addition to the COVID-19 funding increases CDC has given to tribes, if CDC still 

plans on continuing the funding for the regular programs such as GHWIC.

Answer from Dr. Redfield:

• CDC has continuing resolutions right now through December 11, 2020, and it is our intent, based on 

Congress, to continue to fund these programs. 

Comment from Councilman Kutz:

• The ongoing relationship with the tribes and senior leaders is important. Working with CDC and IHS to 

ensure that travel programs have public health infrastructure in their communities to deal adequately

public health concerns is beneficial to tribes, and many tribal programs lack these infrastructures. We 

would like to have conversations with you on how we can get such initiatives in the budget and work 

with CDC, Congress, and governors to make this happen. 

Comment from Dr. Redfield:

• I appreciate all of your comments. This is a complex process. I am hopeful that we will get some traction 

to that request in 2021. 

3:40 PM—Senior Leadership Roundtable Discussion 

Presenters

• Christa Capozzola, Chief Financial Officer, OFR Director

• Robin Ikeda, Associate Director for Policy and Strategy

• Laurie Ishak, Associate Deputy Director, OADPS 

• Celeste Philip, Deputy Director for Non-Infectious Diseases

• Ellen Wan, Associate Deputy Director, DDNID

• Michael Iademarco, Director, CSELS

• John Dreyzehner, Director, CPR

• Mark Davis, Branch Chief, DSLR CPR

• David Hunter, Branch Chief, CBB, CPR

• Karen Remley, Director, NCBDDD

• Karen Hacker, Director, NCCDPHP

• Craig Thomas, Director, DPH, NCCDPHP

• Patrick Breysse, Director, NCEH

• Jonathan Mermin, Director, NCHHSTP

• Jennifer Madans, Acting Deputy Director, NCHS

• Debra Houry, Director, NCIPC

• Thomas Clark, Deputy Director, Division of Viral Diseases, NCIRD

• Nathaniel Smith, Deputy Director for Public Health Service and Implementation Science

• Katherine Lyon Daniel, Associate Deputy Director, DDPHSIS

• Amy Branum, Acting Associate Director of Science, NCHS

• Rebecca Bunnell, Director, OS

• Renee Calanan, Health Equity Coordinator, NCEZID
21

Opening Remarks

• CDC senior leaders provided important highlights and updates pertaining to CDC tribal programs and 

activities. Updates included information related to capacity building, program development, data 

integrity, and funding. 

• CDC leaders emphasized the importance of evaluating programs and presenting the successes and

impacts of these programs. 

TAC Questions and Discussion

Question from Representative TwoBears: 

• CDC has talked about GHWIC historically being cut from the President’s budget. I want to know how the 

TAC can work with CIOs to strengthen programs and how the director can advocate on those budgets.

Response from Ms. Capozzola: 

• There is various input from multiple partners and political factors when developing CDC’s budget. The 

opportunity to clearly present how additional funding can make an impact should be outlined through 

data. Congress is making important decisions and tradeoffs between different types of programs that 

can be funded. The more information there is about the success of a program, the better the chance of

securing funding for these programs to maximize opportunities. 

Comment from Dr. Bunnell: 

• Some tribes have done excellent work in documenting the impact of programs from funding streams. 

Evaluation of programs can help demonstrate their value and convince stakeholders that the investment 

is worth the funding. 

Comment from Dr. Breysse: 

• We can talk to Congress about what we're doing, but it's on us to develop programs that have an 

impact. We must showcase the impact by having awardees speak about success stories to help build 

momentum for continued funding. 

Question from Dr. Philip: 

• Are there examples related to any activities around COVID-19 where you could highlight how funding or 

programs were able to impact tribal nations? That might be a way of making the case to build on what 

CDC has been able to do through the supplemental funding. 

Question from Ms. Krystall:

• There have been many fires recently in California, and a lot of them are in tribal areas. Can a division do 

follow-up on the citizens who live in those areas to help mitigate smoke-related health issues?

Response from Dr. Breysse:

• Yes, please follow-up with me by email, and we can discuss technical assistance on wildfires and smokerelated issues. 

Comment from Councilman Kutz: 

• It is difficult for me to understand population health in a diverse Indian community, where our tribal

members are scattered across the United States. I am interested in having some conversations around 

how we might be able to data-mine the Indian health system to take a look at a broader patient 

population that is not a consolidated community.

• I was also thinking about the work with the Navajo community on their water systems and the

importance of sharing this work with other areas in need, like Alaska. Typically, in region 10, there are 

villages in Alaska that do not have adequate water or sewage systems. How do we build that same

public health capacity within smaller tribes?

Response from Dr. Breysse:

• I will have our program that works with water think about possible options and follow up with you.

Comment from Dr. Calanan: 
22

• The Arctic Investigations Program (AIP) focuses on documenting the health consequences of households 

that lack in-home sanitation services along with the state of Alaska Division of Health. AIP continues to 

work with tribal, state, and federal partners to promote improvements in water and sanitation services 

to the nearly 20% of rural Alaskans and circumpolar populations who lack in home services. 

• AIP recently published a report showing that residents without water service appear to be using soda 

and other sweetened beverages as substitutes for drinking water. This can cause potential negative 

consequences to oral health, body mass, and chronic conditions. 

• In 55 communities throughout southwest Alaska, depending on the types of water sanitation service 

they had (fully piped water, sewer, small vehicle haul systems, and communities that self-haul water),

we found that higher levels of water service coverage were associated with lower incidence rates of 

visits for several infectious disease categories. 

Comment from Dr. Montero:

• Please share the sanitation data report so CDC can share this information through OTASA’s weekly 

newsletter. 

4:50 PM—Tribal Testimony 

Testimony from Ms. Pivec:

• This virtual meeting provides a way forward in making future in-person meetings more interactive and 

effective. 

• There needs to be cross-sector collaboration for public health delivery and improving infrastructure. 

How do we take that cross-collaboration model in tribal communities? Understanding how many dollars 

a tribe invests in that over time and looking at that as seed money to where we are at in investing on 

our own. We need a plan on funding for TECs as they can help become great resources for governance. 

We need to hold those TECs accountable for building that infrastructure as well. We need to figure out a 

way to put together a workgroup to better challenge CDC. A neutral third party would be helpful for 

this. We as TAC members need to be more engaged in planning the TAC Meetings. 

Testimony from Ms. Krystall:

• Direct funding to tribes needs to be a priority for CDC. The primary focus of CDC should always be the 

tribes. 

Testimony from President Andrews:

• There was a surge in COVID-19 cases yesterday in one of the villages, and we are very concerned. 

COVID-19 has caused a large concern with economics in our area as well. A lot of businesses have been 

depleted due to COVID-19. In the Delta area of Alaska, there’s been a surge in cases, and we are pretty 

concerned about them. In the Kodiak area, nothing has been shut down, but we have not heard about 

anyone in the area dying from COVID-19. The deaths we do hear about, we are unsure if they are dying 

from COVID-19 or something else. There are concerns about the regular flu as well.

Testimony from Councilman Kutz:

• There are individuals from CDC making sure tribes are being represented, and we are thankful that 

those people are there. We would have like broader representation, but it’s so hard to pull people 

together with so much going on right now. 

Testimony from Ms. Krystal

• Ms. Krystal ceded her seat to Mark LeBeau with for tribal testimony.

Testimony from Mr. LeBeau

• I am the Chief Executive Officer of the California World Indian Health Court, and we have the honor and 

responsibility of working closely with 59 federally recognized tribes throughout the state. This includes 

down in the desert area of central California and the rural and frontier regions of northern California.
23

• There is a need for additional support through CDC to ensure that the state of California has been 

adequately supplied with enough COVID-19 vaccines for all tribes and tribal healthcare systems.

• Due to the long-term efforts of tribes working in partnership with IHS and CDC, as well as other 

agencies, there are existing tribal clinic healthcare infrastructure services that are in position to assist 

with vaccination. They just need prioritization.

• There are existing tribal infrastructure services that are positioned to assist with vaccination distribution 

in California and they need to be prioritized. I don’t think the state of California has done a good job of 

engaging tribes in required government-to-government consultations session and the development of 

state vaccine plans they are planning to send to CDC.

• There are about 40 tribes seeking to be re-recognized as this population tends to be high risk and over 

age 65. This should be taken into consideration regarding vaccine planning and prioritization when 

serving Indian Country. 

5:50 PM—Summary, Closing Prayer, and Adjournment

Presenters

• Captain Clelland, PharmD, MPA, MPH (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes), USPHS; Director, OTASA, CSTLTS, 

CDC

• Dr. Montero, MD, MHCDS, Director, CSTLTS, CDC

• Representative TwoBears (Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin), Legislative Representative District V, HoChunk Nation of Wisconsin; Chair, TAC

Closing Remarks 

• Dr. Montero provided summary highlights of the meeting and thanked everyone for attending and 

participating throughout the meeting. Dr. Montero also mentioned that the next TAC planning meeting 

will be virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Representative TwoBears expressed thanks to the TAC for participating and providing input during the 

meeting. 

• Captain Clelland closed the meeting with prayer.

 
24

Appendices

Appendix A: Acronym List

ACEs Adverse Childhood Experiences 

AI/AN American Indian/Alaska Native

AIP Arctic Investigations Program

ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

CARES Act The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CGH Center for Global Health

COVID-19 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease

CPR Center for Preparedness and Response

CSELS Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services

CSTLTS Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support 

DCPC Division of Cancer Prevention and Control

DDID Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases

DDPHSIS Deputy Director for Public Health Service and Implementation Science

DIP Division of Injury Prevention

DPH Division of Population Health

DPIFS Division of Performance Improvement and Field Services

DPPS Division of Program and Partner Services

DRH Division of Reproductive Health

DSLR Division of State and Local Readiness

DVBD Division of Vector-Borne Diseases

DVP Division of Violence Prevention

EOC Emergency Operations Center

FSB Field Support Branch

FY Fiscal Year

GHWIC Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country

GLITC Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, Inc.

HDPB Health Department Program Branch

HHS Health and Human Services

IHS Indian Health Service

NCBDDD National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

NCCDPHP National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

NCEH National Center for Environmental Health

NCEZID National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases

NCHHSTP National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

NCIPC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

NCIRD National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases

OADPS Office of the Associate Director for Policy and Strategy

OCOO Office of the Chief Operating Officer

OD Office of the Director

ORISE Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

OS Office of Science

OTASA Office of Tribal Affairs and Strategic Alliances

PDETB Performance Development, Evaluation and Training Branch

PIB Program Implementation Branch

PIEB Program Implementation and Evaluation Branch
25

RZB Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch

SLTST State, Local & Tribal Support Team

TAC Tribal Advisory Committee

TEC Tribal Epidemiology Center

TPWIC Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country

UMRA Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

USPHS United States Public Health Service
26

Appendix B: TAC Roster

Area Office Delegate Authorized Representative 

Alaska Area

Term Expires:

February 28, 2021

Alicia L. Andrew

President, Karluk IRA Tribal Council

Native Village of Karluk

VACANT

Albuquerque Area

Term Expires:

August 31, 2021

Selwyn Whiteskunk

Tribal Councilman

Ute Mountain Ute Tribe

Alston Turtle

Council Delegate

Ute Mountain Ute Tribe

Bemidji Area

Term Expires:

August 31, 2020

Robert TwoBears (TAC Chair)

Legislative District V 

Representative

Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin

Wally Apland

Director of Finance, The Ho-Chunk 

Nation Department of Health

Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin

Billings Area

Term Expires:

August 31, 2021

Byron Larson

Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders 

Council

Northern Cheyenne Nation

VACANT

California Area VACANT VACANT

Great Plains Area VACANT VACANT

Nashville Area

Term Expires:

August 31, 2019

Richard Sneed (TAC Co-Chair)

Principal Chief

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

VACANT

Navajo Area

Term Expires:

August 31, 2021

Myron Lizer

Vice President

The Navajo Nation

Jill Jim, PhD, MHA/MPH

Executive Director, Navajo 

Department of Health

The Navajo Nation

Oklahoma Area

Term Expires:

October 31, 2021

Bryan Warner

Deputy Chief

Cherokee Nation

Lisa Pivec

Senior Director, Public Health, 

Cherokee Nation Health Services

Cherokee Nation

Phoenix Area

Term Expires:

February 28, 2022

VACANT VACANT
27

Portland Area

Term Expires:

August 31, 2021

Stephen Kutz, RN, BSN, MPH

Tribal Council Member

Executive Director, Health and 

Human Services

Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Sharon Stanphill, MD

Chief Health Officer

Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe 

of Indians

Tucson Area VACANT VACANT

Tribes At-Large

Term Expires:

August 31, 2021

Doreen Fogg-Leavitt

Secretary, Inupiat Community of the 

Arctic Slope Council

Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope

VACANT

Tribes At-Large

Term Expires:

August 31, 2021

Connie Barker

Tribal Legislator

The Chickasaw Nation

Darcy Morrow

Board of Directors Member

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa 

Indians

Tribes At-Large

Term Expires:

August 31, 2022

Trinidad Krystall

Riverside San Bernardino County 

Indian Health Clinic Inc.

Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla 

Indians

VACANT

Tribes At-Large VACANT VACANT