CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 1

CDC/ATSDR Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting and 19th Biannual Tribal 

Consultation Session 

August 13, 2019, 8:00 am–4:00 pm and August 14, 2019, 8:00 am–5:00 pm

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort 

777 Casino Drive 

Cherokee, NC 28719

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

Registry (ATSDR) hosted their Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting and 19th Biannual Tribal 

Consultation Session August 13–14, 2019. The meeting was open to the public. Thirty-one members of 

the public attended the first day, and 37 attended the second day.

Table of Contents

CDC/ATSDR Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting and 19th Biannual Tribal Consultation Session............................1

Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................................1

Tuesday, August 13, 2019 ..........................................................................................................................................2

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

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

Nonfederal Attendees............................................................................................................................................3

9:30AM–Opening Blessing, Welcome, and Introductions .....................................................................................3

10:00 am–TAC Business..........................................................................................................................................4

10:45 am–CDC Updates..........................................................................................................................................5

1:15 pm–Harm Reduction: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Syringe Service Program ........................ 10

Wednesday, August 14, 2019.................................................................................................................................. 11

11:00 am–Economic Development and Diversification’s Role in Health and Well-being of Tribal Members.... 11

1:30PM–Environmental Health in Indian Country .............................................................................................. 13

3:15 pm–Tribal Emergency Preparedness Partnerships ..................................................................................... 14

4:30 pm–Tribal Testimony................................................................................................................................... 16

5:00 pm–Summary, Closing Prayer, and Adjournment....................................................................................... 19

Appendices.............................................................................................................................................................. 20

Appendix A: Acronym List.................................................................................................................................... 20

Appendix B: CDC/ATSDR TAC Roster................................................................................................................... 21

Appendix C: Written Testimony .......................................................................................................................... 23
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 2

Tuesday, August 13, 2019 

TAC Member Attendees

President Alicia Andrew 

Native Village of Karluk

Alaska Area Delegate 

Councilwoman Lana M. McCovey

Yurok Tribe

California Area Delegate

Legislator Connie Barker

The Chickasaw Nation

Tribes At-Large Delegate

Lisa Pivec

Cherokee Nation

Tribes At-Large Authorized Representative

Rhonda Beaver

Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Oklahoma Area Authorized Representative 

Principal Chief Richard Sneed (TAC Co-Chair)

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

Tribes At-Large Delegate

Councilman Stephen Kutz 

Colwitz Indian Tribe

Portland Area Delegate

Council Delegate Alston Turtle 

Ute Mountain Ute Tribe 

Albuquerque Area Authorized Representative

Byron Larson

Northern Cheyenne Nation 

Billings Area Delegate

Legislator Robert TwoBears (TAC Chair)

Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin

Bemidji Area Delegate

Chairwoman Cheryl Andrews-Maltais

Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah

Nashville Area Delegate

Del Yazzie

Navajo Nation

Navajo Area Authorized Representative

Absent

Affiliation/Tribal Area Name Title

Yankton Sioux Tribe/Great Plains Area Robert Flying Hawk Chairman

Elko Band Council (Te-Moak Tribe of Western 

Shoshone)/Phoenix Area 

Jill Temoke Council Member 

Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope/Tribes At-Large Doreen Fogg-Leavitt Secretary 

CDC Attendees

LCDR Naomi Aspaas, BSN, RN

Lead Public Health Advisor, Office of Tribal Affairs and 

Strategic Alliances (OTASA), Center for State, Tribal, 

Local, and Territorial Support (CSTLTS)

CAPT Carmen Clelland, PharmD, MPA, MPH

Director, OTASA, CSTLTS

Danae Bixler, MD MPH

Medical Officer, Epidemiology and Surveillance 

Branch, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, 

STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) 

Audrey Dowling, MPA, MRE

Public Health Analyst, Budget Performance and 

Evaluation Team, National Center for Environmental 

Health

CDR Renee Calanan, PhD, MS

Health Equity Coordinator, National Center for 

Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)

Krystal Gayle, MPH

Public Health Advisor, OTASA, CSTLTS
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 3

LCDR Kimberly Goodwin, MPH

Public Health Analyst, CSTLTS

Emily Nethercott

Public Health Advisor, OTASA, CSTLTS

Donata Green, PhD

Public Health Analyst, Partnership Policy Team, 

National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)

Priyanka Oza

Public Health Advisor, OTASA, CSTLTS

Wendy Holmes, MS

Senior Public Health Advisor, OTASA, CSTLTS

Judith Qualters, PhD, MPH

Division Director, NCIPC

LCDR Jason Hymer, REHS, MPH

Environmental Health Specialist, National Center for 

Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC)

Delight Satter, MPH

Senior Health Scientist, OTASA, CSTLTS

Kaitlyn Kelly-Reif

Associate Service Fellow, Field Research Branch, 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Gregory Smith, MPA

Tribal Liaison Officer, Center for Preparedness and 

Response (CPR)

Janet Kennedy

Administrative Officer, CSTLTS 

Craig Thomas, PhD, MS

Director, Division of Population Health, National 

Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health 

Promotion (NCCDPHP)

LCDR Jenna Meyer, MPH, BSN, RN 

Deputy Director, OTASA, CSTLTS 

LT Jeffrey Walker, MPH

Public Health Advisor, CSTLTS

Jessica Miller, MA

Public Health Advisor, OTASA, CSTLTS

Alleen Weathers, MEd, MPH

Public Health Advisor, OTASA, CSTLTS

José Montero, MD

Director, CSTLTS

Nonfederal Attendees

Sherrie Aazami Shannon Fields Debbie Matthews

Raquel Aviles Sheryl Goodson Joseph Owle

Dash Avito Ken Green Dwayne Reed

Jessica Beach Melissa Green Martha Salyers

Stacy Bohlen Lynne Harlan Thomas Simmons

Vickie Bradley Jamie Ishcomer Ashleigh Stephens

Veronica Bryant Karrie Joseph Illeen Sylvester 

Marcie Buickhart Julie Kimble Shanna Tautolo

Bridget Canniff William Krepps Katie Tiger

Valeria Carlson Sheena Lambert Leah Tsinajinnie

Francis Crevier Mike Lavoie Jeff Tucker

Julie Deerinwater-Anderson Daryl Beth Lovette Mark Tuttle

Kevin English

9:30AM–Opening Blessing, Welcome, and Introductions

• Presentation of Colors was done by Cherokee American Legion Honor Guard. 
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 4

• Opening blessing was provided by New Kituwah Academy. 

• Dr. Montero welcomed everyone to the summer 2019 CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting and introduced the new 

TAC members, nonfederal partner guests, and CDC leadership attendees.

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

business.

10:00 am–TAC Business 

Facilitator

• Robert TwoBears (Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin) Legislative District V Representative 

TAC Business Opening

• The CDC/ATSDR TAC is Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) exempt.

• Legislator TwoBears read the FACA exemption language and the TAC members’ roles and 

responsibilities.

TAC Chair and Co-Chair Nominations

• Captain Clelland asked TAC members if they had any nominations for new TAC chair and co-chairs. 

• Councilman Stephen Kutz made the motion to re-nominate the current TAC chair and co-chair. TAC 

members unanimously approved this motion. 

Request for Subject Matter Experts on Violence Prevention 

• Captain Clelland requested names for subject matter experts (SMEs) on violence prevention in Indian 

Country to provide input during the next summer TAC meeting in 2020. He asked TAC members to 

identify SMEs and send any names to him.

CDC/ATSDR: A Five-Year Snapshot of Tribal Activities Infographic

• Captain Clelland disseminated a draft infographic depicting a five-year summary of CDC/ATSDR tribalrelated activities. This infographic divides activities by the TAC, engagement, funding, and 

accomplishments over the last five years. To improve the infographic, Captain Clelland requested that 

TAC members provide feedback or recommendations by email or in-person during this meeting. This is 

not yet an official document. 

TAC Business Discussion

Comments from Councilwoman Lana McCovey: 

• On the topic of consultation, Ms. McCovey stated she is not able to discuss her concerns on behalf of all 

California tribes. In other types of consultation, tribes have been able to bring in their wants and needs;

however, she can represent only the Yurok Tribe. 

• During last summer’s TAC meeting, Ms. McCovey suggested that tribes should be able to bring their 

plans to CDC, and then should discuss funding. She is unclear how funding is conducted at CDC for 

activities relating to American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs).

• She also would like to hear more in this meeting about the Tribal Public Health Agenda project, updates 

on the TAC Charter, eligibility for Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country funding, and screening for 

hepatitis C. 

Response from Captain Clelland: 

• Some of these topics will be discussed throughout the next two days. For example, we will hear more 

about hepatitis C screening through a presentation from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) 

later today. 
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 5

• Revising the TAC charter is a lengthy process. CDC received the charter edits from the TAC, and it is 

currently being reviewed internally at CDC. The Office of General Council also will review it to ensure 

that the FACA exemption will still be accepted. CDC may have an updated charter by the next TAC 

meeting. 

• Some leaders from CDC’s centers, institutes, and offices also are here today to answer any questions we 

do not address during the meeting.

Comment from Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais: 

Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais shared some concerns about the travel reimbursement process. She does not 

understand why tribal information cannot be used as an alternative to personal information. The current

process is not feasible for all federally recognized tribes. The current policies as they exist do not allow for that 

government-to-government relationship. 

Response from Janet Kennedy: 

CDC will explore options to address this issue for the next TAC. 

Comment from Councilman Kutz: 

Tribes in the Northwest United States are focusing on strengthening public health infrastructure in Indian 

Country. It would be good to get additional information on the OT18-1803: Tribal Public Health Capacity Building 

and Quality Improvement Umbrella Cooperative Agreement (CoAg). 

Response from Captain Clelland: 

OTASA will make sure to get you the information on that CoAg. 

10:45 am–CDC Updates

Presenters

• José Montero, MD, MHCSDS, Director, CSTLTS, CDC

• Captain Carmen Clelland, PharmD, MPA, MPH, United States Public Health Service (USPHS); Director, 

OTASA, CSTLTS, CDC

• Patrick Breysse, PhD, CIH, Director, NCEH, CDC; Director, ATSDR

• Craig Thomas, PhD, MS, NCCDPHP, CDC

• Judith R. Qualters, PhD, MPH, Director, Division of Analysis, Research and Practice Integration, NCIPC, 

CDC

CSTLTS

• Dr. Montero discussed CSTLTS’s major accomplishments throughout fiscal year (FY) 2019. 

• CDC, and CSTLTS specifically, visited several tribal nations throughout 2019. 

o In March 2019, CDC Director Robert Redfield, Dr. Montero, and Captain Clelland visited 

Chickasaw Nation, and Cherokee Nation to discuss the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, 

opioids, and other priority tribal-specific public health issues and tribal public health system 

needs. 

o On July 17, 2019, CDC Director Robert Redfield visited Arizona where he met with the InterTribal Council of Arizona, Inc., and Navajo Nation, and participated in a roundtable discussion 

with Arizona tribal leaders. Discussion topics included the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, 

opioids, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). As a result of this discussion, CDC was able 

to gain a better understanding of the various daily challenges and pressing public health 

concerns tribes in Arizona face. 

o On July 18, 2019, Dr. Montero and Captain Clelland visited the Confederated Salish and Kootenai 

Tribes in Northwest Montana. Topics of discussion included the Ending the HIV Epidemic 

initiative, diabetes, data misclassification, data collection, access to care/infrastructure, obesity, 

commercial tobacco use, prescription drug abuse, and public health literacy. The meeting was 
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 6

attended by multiple tribal health department staff, tribal leaders, and other partners from the 

community. CDC had the opportunity to see some of the work being accomplished through 

multiple programs administered by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Because of this 

meeting, CDC was able to hear about different challenges surrounding some of their health 

issues and some of their unique strategies to support a healthier community. 

• From April 8‒10, 2019, CSTLTS held the first grantee meeting for the OT18-1803: Tribal Public Health 

Capacity Building and Quality Improvement Umbrella CoAg during which 22/25 recipients met with their 

CDC project officers to plan Year 2 and received training on CDC grants and performance management. 

• CSTLTS started year two of the CoAg in September 2019. This is a five-year CoAg funding 25 tribes and 

tribal organizations. Fourteen of these 25 were new CDC recipients. The purpose of the CoAg is to 

provide funding directly to AI/AN tribal nations and regional AI/AN tribally designated organizations to 

optimize the quality and performance of tribal public health systems. The CoAg uses a two-part 

strategy—

o Funding Strategy 1 provides base funding of $22,000 to each recipient and supports building 

capacities and capabilities.

o Funding Strategy 2 is subject to agency priorities and the availability of funds. In FY18, funding 

strategy 2 provided approximately $15,431,446 in direct funding to tribes and tribal 

organizations. For year 2 of this CoAg, CDC has added additional project plans under the 

umbrella co-ag, estimating a total of 15 project plans (3 continuing from FY18) from six centers, 

institutes, and offices under the initial CoAg. 

OTASA

• Captain Clelland provided an overview of each of OTASA’s projects.

o Public Health Indian Country Capacity Scan (PHICCS):

 CDC is working with the National Indian Health Board to collect information on tribal 

public health systems to understand how they may improve the health status and 

combat health disparities among tribal populations. PHICCS survey was launched in 

November 2018 and closed July 31, 2019. More than 100 tribal nations completed the 

survey. This information is in the analysis stage, and CDC hopes to have some data to 

share at the next winter TAC meeting in 2020.

o AI/AN Racial Misclassification:

 CDC is working with the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) to improve 

data quality through interventions at the local level where death certificates originate. 

NCUIH has conducted listening sessions to identify root causes and potential solutions 

to the issue of AI/AN racial misclassification with medical examiners and will begin 

additional listening session with funeral directors in August 2019. The goal is to get 

accurate information on the death certificates.

o Indigenous Determinants of Health (IDOH):

 CDC has funded the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI), which is 

partnering with its member, Seven Directions. During this 5-year project, NNPHI and 

Seven Directions will publish a commentary describing the rationale and need for an 

IDOH framework, as well as gather input from tribal leaders, tribal public health 

professionals, and others to document lessons learned and best practices for addressing 

IDOH in tribal communities. 

o Tribal Public Health Framework (TPHF):

 OTASA and the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) (in collaboration with key partners) 

are working on developing a public health agenda. The goal of this project is to develop 

a strategy for federal agencies to provide more support (funding, technical assistance, 

programmatic work) across the department, as well as potentially affecting other 

departments that have their realm within public health. 
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 7

NCEH/ATSDR

• Dr. Breysse provided an overview of some of NCEH/ATSDR’s FY19 projects and major accomplishments.

• Cherokee Nation’s Snake Creek and Iron Post Indian Communities requested technical assistance to 

measure chemical and microbial contamination in wells at risk for long-term surface water intrusion. 

NCEH completed sampling private wells by September 2018. Participants received their well water test 

results and recommendations and information on the next step to addressing their water quality.

• NCEH partnered with the Indian Health Service (IHS) Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction (DSFC) 

to develop and pilot test a model that quantifies the benefits of water sanitation infrastructure

improvement in Indian Country. The model estimates the number of avoided cases of acute respiratory 

infection, skin infection, and infectious diarrhea over the expected lifespan of the infrastructure. The 

model also projects the avoided healthcare costs for inpatient and outpatient services. This model will 

help show why investment in proper water sanitation infrastructure is a good investment and will help 

save costs in the long term. DSFC senior leaders and IHS agency leaders have endorsed the model, and 

materials are currently being packaged for third party review.

• CDC designed and implemented the Climate-Ready Tribes Initiative to address climate and health issues 

faced by indigenous peoples. This initiative provides funding and technical assistance to tribes to plan 

for the potential health effects of climate change. In partnership with NIHB, the initiative has provided 

assistance to the Blackfeet Nation, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, and the Village of 

Wainwright.

NCCDPHP

• Dr. Thomas discussed the Healthy Tribes portfolio, as well as NCCDPHP’s major accomplishments for 

FY19. 

• In recognizing demographic trends with aging, and age being the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s, 

CDC and the Alzheimer’s Association helped develop the Healthy Brain Initiative. The Healthy Brain 

Initiative’s Road Map for Indian Country is the first-ever public health guide focused on dementia in 

AI/AN communities. It is intended as a tool for leaders of the 573 federally recognized Indian tribes, as 

well as state-recognized tribes, to engage their communities in addressing this important issue.

o The Healthy Brain Initiative’s Road Map for Indian Country was published in FY19. This 

document is a guide for AI/AN leaders to learn about dementia and start discussions throughout 

their communities. The guide suggests eight strategies that embrace community strengths, 

including traditional practices, resilience, and existing services. AI/AN leaders can also use the 

Road Map to learn about Alzheimer’s, find out what some AI/AN communities are doing, plan 

their responses, and start taking action throughout their own community.

• The Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country (GHWIC) CoAg: GHWIC provided tribes funding to 

develop and implement policy, systems, and environmental changes in their communities that help 

tribal residents make healthier choices. These changes include smoke-free building and other spaces, 

safe walking trails that connect different parts of the community, workplace policies that allow 

employees to attend diabetes prevention classes, and community gardens benefitting all tribal 

residents. Total funding to tribes/tribal organizations for this CoAg in FY18 was $13,194,966.

• Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country (TPWIC) CoAg: TPWIC allows Tribal and Urban Indian 

Organization grantees to implement culturally relevant programs, often expanding on existing programs. 

Examples include native language health education classes, incorporating traditional sports into summer 

camps for youth, adding traditional healthy food items into community events and meals for gatherings, 

and creating opportunities for youth and elders to interact in community activities and decision-making. 

This $15.5 million, three-year program supports tribal practices that promote wellness in AI/AN 

communities and focuses on adapting evidence-based public health interventions. As a result, CDC 

expects that public health investment, infrastructure, and workforce will have increased sustainability 
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 8

and growth due to the tailoring of interventions to individual tribal needs, culture, and history. Total 

funding to tribes/tribal organizations for this CoAg in FY18 was $5,186,089.

• Building Public Health Infrastructure in Tribal Communities (Tribal Epidemiology Center Public Health 

Infrastructure (TECPHI)) CoAg: TECPHI addresses crucial public health capacity and infrastructure gaps 

within their organizations and the tribes they serve. Examples include hiring additional staff to 

improve the collection and analysis of AI/AN health data, expanding or establishing new partnerships 

and data sharing agreements with states and other partners, and providing trainings and technical 

assistance to tribes. In FY18, total funding to tribes/tribal organizations for this CoAg was $12,808,742.

NCIPC

• Dr. Qualters provided an overview of NCIPC’s major accomplishments for FY19. 

• In May 2019, NCIPC launched a website that describes how jurisdictions can request assistance from a 

CDC Opioid Rapid Response Team.

o These are specialized teams that can provide rapid, short-term (28 days) support to jurisdictions 

experiencing spikes in opioid-related overdoses or the closure of a clinic where patients are 

prescribed opioid therapy.

o Teams join the community’s public health staff and support public health partners while also 

working to build a jurisdiction’s long-term response capacity. 

o They offer technical expertise in epidemiology and surveillance, clinical provider outreach, 

communications, policy and partnerships, community outreach, and capacity building from CDC 

and the Commissioned Corps. 

o The size and makeup of teams can be tailored to the needs of the situation.

o The requesting public health authority provides overall leadership for the response, while the 

CDC team provides technical assistance.

o CDC will pay for its team’s lodging, rental cars, flights, meals, and equipment for federal 

responders. 

o Elected tribal leaders of federally recognized tribes can request a CDC team by calling CDC’s 

Emergency Operations Center at 770-488-7100 and asking for the Opioid Rapid Response Team 

point of contact. 

o The website for more information is www.cdc.gov/opioids/opioid-rapid-response-teams.html.

• In July 2019, NCIPC and IHS co-sponsored the National Conference on AI/AN Injury and Violence 

Prevention: Bridging Science, Practice, and Culture. This conference was the first-ever convening of 

tribal injury prevention practitioners, bringing together more than 300 tribal, federal, and state injury 

prevention practitioners in Indian Country, injury researchers, subject matter experts, and other 

stakeholders. 

• NCIPC will also reorganize its structure. It will retain a three-division structure, but one division will focus 

solely on the opioid epidemic in order to prioritize this issue. This reorganization will only affect points 

of contact and certain technical monitors. Once NCIPC knows more about the final changes, we will start 

notifying everyone as early as possible. 

TAC Questions and Discussion

Question from Councilman Kutz: 

Are tribes eligible to request an Opioid Rapid Response Team? Most tribes do not have a jurisdiction. 

Answer from Dr. Montero: 

Any elected tribal leader is eligible to request an Opioid Rapid Response Team. 

Question from Councilman Kutz: 

How much input does CSTLTS have in funding and how much input do TAC members have on CDC’s budget for 

tribes? Have priorities been identified?
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 9

Answer from Dr. Montero: 

Currently, CDC does not have a separate consultation process for budget, unlike IHS. However, TAC members do 

have an opportunity during these TAC meetings to provide input on budget. 

Question from Ms. Pivec: 

Has CSTLTS proposed a systems funding for tribes?

Answer from Dr. Montero: 

A systems funding for tribes has not been proposed. CSTLTS would like to do a webinar with interested TAC 

members on the details of the budget in order to answer these questions more clearly.

Question from Councilwoman McCovey: 

Has anything been developed for the Tribal Public Health Framework (TPHF) yet? 

Answer from Captain Clelland: 

No, currently the project is in its formative stages, looking at gaps and reaching out to tribal communities and 

nations for input. For the initial part of this, we have had more than 10 interactions with tribal leaders and input 

from AI/AN students, as well as from internal groups. OTASA is looking at the available literature to see what 

agendas have already been developed. We have also been working with NIHB on this project to conduct some 

coding of the initial agendas to determine what is already available. 

Comment from Councilwoman McCovey: 

I have not been contacted to provide feedback on this project. I am concerned about the preliminary outreach 

and consultation received already. 

Comment from Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais: 

I think it would be better for listening sessions to be at the beginning of these projects in order to provide 

feedback before the project is completed. 

Question from Ms. Beaver:

Can Dr. Breysse clarify what model was used for water and sanitation infrastructure? I was in a meeting last 

month with IHS and did not hear this mentioned. 

Answer from Dr. Breysse: 

The purpose of this project is to quantify the benefits of water and sanitation infrastructure in Indian Country. 

This model will project the avoided healthcare costs for inpatient and outpatient services among other things. 

This project is currently under review and not operational.

Comment from Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais:

As there are three agencies working on this project (CDC, IHS, and Environmental Protection Agency), 

information should be provided to tribal leaders during a collective roundtable so we can share successes and 

challenges to promote collaboration. 

Comment from Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais: 

In reference to the Climate-Ready Tribes Initiatives, funding should be represented across all Health and Human 

Services regions. 

Response from Dr. Breysse: 

Thank you for this information, I will take this input back to the program. 

Comment from Councilman Kutz: 

In reference to water cleanup and contaminated fish, the state’s response is to lower fish consumption, and not 

necessarily clean the water. This is not a solution for tribes. 

Response from Dr. Breysse: 

Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency is mandated to work on clean-up projects, whereas CDC 

can only address health issues resulting from contaminated fish. 
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 10

1:15 pm–Harm Reduction: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Syringe Service Program

Presenters

• Richard Sneed (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), Principal Chief, EBCI; Co-Chair, TAC

• Vickie L. Bradley, MPH, BSN, RN, (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), Secretary, Public Health and 

Human Services, EBCI

• Danae Bixler, MD, NCHHSTP, CDC

• Lieutenant Commander Jason Hymer, REHS, MPH, USPHS; Environmental Health Specialist, NCIPC, CDC

Opening Remarks

• Vicki Bradley, Secretary of EBCI Public Health and Human Services discussed EBCI’s Syringe Service 

Program.

• While it took several years for the syringe service program to develop into the program it is today, the 

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was able to build a program to address EBCI community members 

with more than 2,488 naloxone kits distributed and about 406 reversals, which equate to 406 lives 

saved.

• Syringe services are a best-practice, and EBCI provides free access to sterile supplies, referral services,

and other safe ways to discard needles.

• Some challenges or barriers discussed for developing a syringe service program are the distances 

spanning some of the tribal nations, lack of access to some of those communities, and the amount of 

direct funding to tribes to address these specific issues.

TAC Questions and Discussion

Question from Councilman Kutz: 

Overall, how much would a program like this cost? 

Answer from Ms. Bradley: 

EBCI has five staff members, and we initially appropriated about $800,000 but used approximately $400,000. 

We serve the entire community, even nontribal members. EBCI also purchased two mobile units with grant 

funding. 

Comment from Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais: 

It has been a challenge for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah to acquire naloxone, because our 

paramedics are allowed to carry only one dose at a time. Sometimes they have to make a choice on whom to 

save. 

Response from Ms. Bradley: 

EBCI has been fortunate in that two counties in North Carolina were provided naloxone at no cost. The 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also allows the purchase of naloxone. 

Question from Legislator TwoBears: 

In the Midwest we have clinics, not hospitals. Is it possible for a community health clinic to gather the type of 

data EBCI has gathered on this program? 

Answer from Ms. Bradley: 

Yes, and we can follow up with you on what resources we used for gathering data.

Question from Ms. Beaver: 

What system does EBCI use to gather data? 

Answer from Principal Chief Sneed: 

EBCI uses Microsoft® Access® for data collection. 

Question from Dr. Bixler: 
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 11

What do syringe service programs look like in other tribes, and what are the needs and barriers to get those 

working like the EBCI program? 

Answers (input from multiple people): 

• (Portland Area) If you have a small population, it is hard to establish a program like this. We also have a 

large urban Indian population, so it is important for tribal epidemiology centers and urban health areas 

to have funding for these issues. 

• (California Area) We are situated over two counties and in rural areas. My community is hard to access. 

We would need a lot of services spread across a large area; the cost of administering something like the 

EBCI Syringe Service Program is a hard sell. We depend a lot on the states to establish a program like 

this. 

Question from Dr. Bixler: 

How are syringe service programs funded in other areas? 

Answers (input from multiple people): 

• (Nashville Area) It is difficult to get funding from certain sources like the block grant, where the states 

are the main recipients. Rarely do we see money funnel down to tribes from this source. Another 

drawback with funding is the lack of stability, if there is no continuation. Funding needs to be provided 

directly to tribes. 

• (California Area) It would be beneficial to addressing hepatitis C virus if there were a protocol 

established similar to the one for vaccines (which targets everyone). Right now, people are screened 

only if they are high risk or for other similar reasons. The cost of the screening is high as well. If we set 

up a protocol that utilizes cheaper screenings, we might be able to start screening younger generations 

before they become addicted. 

Question from Dr. Bixler: 

Medicated-assisted treatment (MAT) programs and syringe service programs are a great combination for some 

communities. How are MAT programs working in Indian Country?

Answers (input from multiple people): 

• (Portland Area) We offer MAT in my tribe. The key to this type of treatment, however, is to administer 

the treatment right away.

• (California Area) Doctors must be certified to administer treatment for the MAT program. It becomes 

difficult because it requires our tribe to call in IHS doctors, and there is so much turnover among the 

doctors we have. The services that we have in our area are maxed out.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019 

11:00 am–Economic Development and Diversification’s Role in Health and Well-being of 

Tribal Members

Presenters

• Richard Sneed (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), Principal Chief, EBCI; Co-Chair, TAC

Opening Remarks

• Tribal nations need responsible economic development to improve the health outcomes and wellness of 

tribal communities. With improved economic development, there are also challenges to address.

Challenges include—

o Increased resources like casinos can increase programs and opportunities but can also multiply 

underlying problems that may exist in tribes
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 12

o As money increases in tribal communities, the tendency is to create programs to address social 

and healthcare problems. You cannot create a social or healthcare program for every individual 

within tribes. This creates an unsustainable government. 

• Principal Chief Sneed provided an example of how a tribal elder needed help with lawn mowing. As a 

result, the tribe arranged support to mow the elder’s lawn. This then became a lawn-mowing program 

that cost about $400,000 last year. Principal Chief Sneed discussed that tribes cannot create a program 

for every perceived need. 

• Gaming provides a great return on investment; however, it does warp the perception of a good return 

on investment. This can create difficulty when trying to gain commitment for health programs that may 

not have a similar return on investment. 

• Often, the more we make, the more we spend, which just makes us broke at a higher income level. This 

is a pitfall we need to be mindful of. 

TAC Questions and Discussion

Comment from Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais: 

As leaders, we do not want to shy away from helping people and fulfilling a need; however, we do not want to 

create a false sense of wealth. 

Question from Council Delegate Turtle: 

I see everything that is going on with our tribe, the dependency, money, drugs, and alcohol problems. Why are 

we still being a contributing factor to those elements? What can we do to ensure success for our future? We are 

reliant on gaming, and our per capita, but how do we get them to be more independent? 

Response from Principal Chief Sneed:

The situation is a paradox for elected leaders. The people we are trying to inspire and encourage to become 

more independent are the very people who decide if we have a job. The great challenge is risking a seat as a 

leader for doing what is right, which I am willing to do. 

Question from Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais: 

How do we help sustain these best-practices and health facilities, like what EBCI is doing, with the funding that is 

available from the federal government?

Response from Dr. Montero: 

Within CDC, we are looking into how certain programs we fund can become sustainable. There were 

components for innovation and upstreaming in the opioid supplement for the OT18-1803 Tribal Public Health 

Capacity Building and Quality Improvement Umbrella CoAg. When we look at the Ending the HIV Epidemic

initiative, we tell our partners to engage your community and write your plan in a way that will address their 

needs in a way that is feasible to their capacity. This is a good model that allows the CoAg to adapt to the 

recipient’s needs. I know this does not fully answer your question, but this is an evolutionary process rather than 

revolutionary. 

Comment from Councilman Kutz: 

One difficulty some of the tribes have in my region is that we must follow the law restricting the hiring of people 

with police records. A lot of addicts have records, and some tribes have stricter laws with those types of records. 

To address this, we can only work to ensure that younger generations do not go down that same path. But many 

of our members still have difficulties working within their own tribe. 

Response from Principal Chief Sneed: 

One of the great things about being a tribe is that we are sovereign nations; we can create our own laws and 

ordinances. We invest a lot in treatment programs and in building soft skills for young people to help prevent 

some of these issues later in life. We have to be okay with giving second chances to those who have made 

mistakes in the past. We can create our own ordinances, our own ways. We do not have to follow the federal 

system.
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 13

Comment from Mr. Larson: 

How do we balance self-governance as a tribe and ensure that we have a good government-to-government 

relationship? For workforce development, I know the Public Health Associate Program (PHAP) is great, but I am 

not sure how that is being duplicated in our tribal communities. I think the PHAP group is exclusively non-Native 

individuals. When this happens, not many stay to work in Indian Country. It would be good to increase Native 

members in these PHAP positions so they can stay in that community long-term. 

Response from Dr. Montero: 

Yes, we do not have any AI/AN public health associates in PHAP. We do engage tribal communities and tribal 

colleges to encourage them to apply; however, AI/ANs are not applying to PHAP. PHAP does have 18 associates 

working on tribal-related issues and it would be good to have AI/AN apply for those positions. 

Response from Mr. Larson: 

I am wondering how these PHAP positions are created in the first place. If you are not getting applicants, we 

need to look into this. The requirements might be too expansive; maybe there is an approach where we can 

have an AI/AN-specific program. 

Response from Dr. Montero: 

Let’s follow up on this discussion. 

1:30PM–Environmental Health in Indian Country

Presenters

• Joseph Owle (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), Secretary, Department of Agriculture & National 

Resources, EBCI

• Ken Green, Lead Engineer, Project Management, Division of Operations

• Mike LaVoie, Natural Resources Manager, Department of Agriculture & National Resources, EBCI

• Katie Tiger (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), Air Quality Section Supervisor, Department of Agriculture & 

National Resources, EBCI

Opening Remarks

• Ms. Tiger discussed the air quality program at EBCI as well as past and future projects. EBCI is the only 

tribe in HHS region 4 with a continuous air monitoring program. 

• Mr. LaVoie provided a historic overview of the evolution of EBCI’s natural resource program, climate 

change, and how animals are linked to human health (rabies, prions, etc.). 

• In looking at climate change, increased temperatures as predicted over the next few years will likely 

bring more frequent droughts and wildfire as a result. A warmer climate also holds more water, which 

increases the risk of flooding. All these environmental challenges have severe health impacts on 

individuals in the surrounding community.

TAC Questions and Discussion

Question from Mr. Yazzie: 

We have a significant health disparity related to childhood asthma in Navajo Nation. Do you monitor asthma? I 

also saw that animal control was on one of your slides. Navajo Nation has a lot of reservation dogs. Do you have 

a code that dictates the number of dogs a household should own? 

Response from Mr. LaVoie: 

Asthma is more of an issue for the EBCI’s health department to monitor. Animal control is housed under the 

police for EBCI. The code is currently being revised, but it does outline those requirements. I can get you more 

information on that.

Question from Councilman Kutz: 
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 14

How do you ensure close coordination of programs due to separation of divisions? Can you share some of those 

codes with the TAC? 

Response from Mr. Owle: 

Communication has been vital to EBCI’s successes, and I believe the revamping of our codes is the most recent 

and important feature that will look at where authorities lie. 

Response from Principal Chief Sneed: 

For the past few years, EBCI has been focused on ensuring that with change in government comes a continuity 

of authority plan.

Response from Mr. Owle: 

Our codes can be found at 

https://library.municode.com/tribes_and_tribal_nations/eastern_band_of_cherokee_indians/codes/code_of_or

dinances?nodeId=13359.

Question from Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais: 

Are your treatment plants supplemented by EBCI or IHS/CDC money? 

Response from Mr. Green: 

EBCI funded construction of the plants. The EPA and IHS contributed significantly to the water and wastewater 

plant. The wastewater plant expansion cost $25 million. 

Follow-up Question from Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais: 

Does EBCI charge the community for some of those costs? 

Response from Mr. Green: 

Yes, and EBCI will shut off water systems. It is an uphill battle to go from not charging a community to charging 

them. 

3:15 pm–Tribal Emergency Preparedness Partnerships 

Presenters

• Gregory Smith, MPA, Public Health Advisor, Division of State and Local Readiness, CPR, CDC

• Thomas J. Simmons, Swift Water Rescue Team, EBCI

Opening Remarks

• Greg Smith discussed public health preparedness and response initiatives and collaboration 

opportunities with states and tribal nations. 

• The Public Health Emergency Preparedness CoAg allows states to fund tribal nations directly or 

indirectly. CDC expects states to work with tribal nations to develop plans that will meet the needs of 

tribal populations in the event of an emergency.

• CDC encourages a comprehensive approach to assessing and addressing tribal preparedness capabilities, 

and approximately $3 million is sub-awarded to nearly 120 unique tribal nations from states. 

• In the TP18-802: Public Health Crisis Response CoAg, there is limited eligibility to governmental public 

health departments, including AI/AN federally recognized tribal governments. To apply, the public 

health emergency preparedness programs must be able to provide the 15 public health preparedness 

capabilities and serve jurisdictions with at least 50,000 people. Applicants must also be able to 

demonstrate that their program has the existing capacity, capability, and infrastructure to provide the 

ten essential public health services. 

• Thomas Simmons discussed the swift water rescue team and the partnership between Cherokee Nation 

and EBCI. Tribes do not always get help from states and the process to get federal assistance can be 

lengthy, so a partnership like this works well for EBCI. Cherokee Nation and EBCI have a memorandum 

of understanding (MOU) that helps us know that we can call on each other for help. 
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 15

TAC Questions and Discussion

Comment from Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais: 

I did not see any opportunities for funding for a tribe with a smaller population. 

Response from Mr. Smith: 

Please reach out to me, and I will connect you with the proper individuals that can assist you with this issue. 

Comment from Councilman Kutz: 

Tribal nations do not always have relationships with states and working with them to get money funneled down 

to tribes can be a challenge. With avian flu, vaccines went to tribes last. Some tribes in the United States do not 

recognize the states as having jurisdiction over them and will communicate only with the federal government, 

which causes communication issues. 

Question from Mr. Larson:

Who developed the emergency preparedness working with states guide? Is there any kind of process for tribes 

listed within the guide, like a consultation policy, and has any previous work been done to establish these 

relationships because of the sovereignty issue?

Response from Dr. Montero: 

CPR worked on the state guide. For engagement, internally at CSTLTS, we have used mechanisms in the past 

involving letters of intent, but they are not effective. We need a better tool to engage tribal nations. 

Question from Councilwoman McCovey: 

Can I get some clarification on the need for 50,000 to apply for the Public Health Crisis Response CoAg? Does a 

tribe need to have 50,000 members to be eligible to apply?

Response from Mr. Smith: 

For a tribe to participate, they have to be able to administer services to 50,000 within their jurisdiction. 

Follow-up Response from Ms. Pivec: 

This funding is also just in case there is an emergency. The funding is not for preparedness activities. 

Comment from Councilwoman McCovey: 

The concern with this is that we have had to create relationships with state and local governments for these 

emergencies; however, when fires break out, tribes in very rural areas are often forgotten. 

Response from Mr. Smith: 

I did hear that the California governor has apologized for a recent incident of this. CPR will make sure that states 

are trained on engaging tribal nations. We are aware of issues like these now, and I would like to stay in touch 

with you, Councilwoman McCovey, to make sure this does not happen again. 

Question from Pascua Yaqui in Audience: 

What is the reason that CDC does not fund tribes directly for emergency preparedness activities? 

Response from Mr. Smith: 

Congress did not mandate that we fund tribes directly, and we have to abide by Congress. 

Follow-up Question from Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais: 

You said that Congress did not mandate that CPR funds tribes, but did they prohibit this? 

Response from Mr. Smith: 

I will take this question back to senior leaders to ensure that your questions are answered and followed-up on. 

Request from Councilman Kutz: 

I would be interested in seeing the MOU between Cherokee Nation and EBCI for this emergency preparedness 

partnership. 

Response from Mr. Simmons: 

If we get permission to share the MOU from Principal Chief Sneed, OTASA can circulate the document to you. 
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 16

4:30 pm–Tribal Testimony

Presenters

• Cheryl Andrews-Maltais Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, Nashville Area

• Del Yazzie Navajo Nation, Navajo Area

• Lana McCovey Yurok Tribe, California Area

• Lisa Pivec Cherokee Nation, Tribes At-Large

• Alston Turtle Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Albuquerque Area

• Connie Barker The Chickasaw Nation, Tribes At-Large

• Byron Larson Northern Cheyenne Nation, Billings Area

• Stephen Kutz Colwitz Indian Tribe, Portland Area

• Robert TwoBears Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, Bemidji Area 

Testimony

• Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, Nashville Area–

o Thank you to EBCI and CDC for this meeting. 

o The tribes in the Northeast are having a significant problem with tickborne diseases. There is a

need to educate the medical community, particularly in southeastern Massachusetts, because 

we are trying to tell the medical community that we are suffering from Lyme disease on an 

exponentially large scale. 

o We have had recent diagnoses of RMSF, tularemia, babesiosis, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. 

We are trying to get a better test to diagnose these diseases because we are getting too many 

false negatives, and this prevents us from treating the disease until the effects are irreversible. 

o Is there a way to issue a memo or a directive from CDC to say that in instances where there are 

areas of high incidence of tick-borne diseases, doctors need to prescribe the antibiotic regimen 

in cases of a possible false negative? 

• Del Yazzie, Navajo Nation, Navajo Area–

o Thank you to EBCI for hosting the meeting and to CDC for the continued partnerships and funds. 

o I want to acknowledge the viral special pathogens branch, as well as the funding for GHWIC, 

TECPHI and the OT18-1803: Tribal Public Health Capacity Building and Quality Improvement 

Umbrella CoAg. 

o I also want to thank CDC as well for the potential partnership with Epidemic Intelligence Service

(EIS) for opioid work in Navajo Nation and the new PHAP associate we will receive in the fall. 

• Councilwoman McCovey, Yurok Tribe, California Area–

o I would like to thank EBCI and CDC for having us at this meeting. I would like to recap on the 

items I discussed earlier. 

o It is important to have hepatitis C screening available to clinics and to screen people earlier 

before they are in crisis. 

o I believe something as large or as important as the AI/AN Tribal Public Health Framework is to 

tribes should be brought to us through a true consultation. This will allow tribes across the 

nation to bring their concerns to the CDC on what is truly important to them. 

o I also hope that TAC members will be able to see the new TAC charter at the next TAC meeting. 

• Lisa Pivec, Cherokee Nation, Tribes At-Large–

o I do not have any formal tribal testimony, but I wanted to say thank you to EBCI and CDC for this 

meeting. 

o This was a lively meeting and I want us to know that our strength is in our struggle. We are 

learning what our responsibilities are and how to hold each accountable. 

• Council Delegate Turtle, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Albuquerque Area–

o It is good to have the Albuquerque area seat filled after it has been empty for a while.
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 17

o I hope we can build our networking and share information with our tribes and voice our 

concerns to CDC. 

o I would also like to thank EBCI for hosting the meeting. 

• Legislator Barker, The Chickasaw Nation, Tribes At-Large–

o I want to thank CDC for appointing me to this TAC, and I appreciate the help from other 

committee members on getting me up to speed. I look forward to working with everyone at the 

next TAC meeting. 

• Byron Larson, Northern Cheyenne Nation, Billings Area–

o I want to start by saying thank you to EBCI as well for hosting this meeting, it is really wonderful

to see tribes that are extremely successful both in economic development but also in healthcare 

delivery.

o I also want to say thank you to CDC for the development of the OT18-1803 CoAg.

o I have concerns about transitioning the racial misclassification project to the National Center of 

Urban Indian Health, as their constituents are not tribal sovereign nations.

o In terms of CDC grants and contracts, it would be good to see consequences for states that do 

not engage tribes. 

o Other concerns include ensuring that PHAP has Native participants, re-engage the working 

effectively with tribal governments program, and include more EIS officers within Indian 

Country. 

• Councilman Kutz, Colwitz Indian Tribe, Portland Area–

o Thank you to EBCI and CDC for this meeting. 

o Since we are only meeting twice a year, I would like to see if we can work together to make the 

TAC conference calls more product oriented. It would be good to do work in between the faceto-face meetings.

—Byron Larson ceded his seat to NIHB so they could testify to the TAC.

• Stacy Bohlen, Sault Sainte Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, NIHB Executive Director–

o NIHB is empowered by all the federally recognized tribes in the country, to be their technical 

advisors and their advocates. NIHB has worked with other committees to build a national cadre 

of experts in the areas that are priorities to the tribes so they can build their own public health 

agenda for Indian Country.

o When we were awarded the CoAg by CDC, all of that was articulated within our proposal and it 

was funded and since that time, there have been very significant shifts in the work. “I want to 

give this to the committee for the record. This is what we submitted, and I want to commit to 

both the CDC and to this committee that we will do this work whether we’re funded or not. 

Because that is what the tribes expect from us. And we’re servants of the tribes. So as sovereign 

nations it is our obligation to honor that. And that’s what the National Indian Health Board will 

do. And I’d like this if it could be included in the record, for that to be the case.” 

o NIHB is held accountable by its 573 bosses who will not hesitate to speak to NIHB about what it 

is that we should be doing and what the priorities of the tribes are. NIHB is ever mindful of that 

because the organization belongs to the tribes. 

o One of the areas that I am really proud of on behalf of our excellent staff and leadership is that 

when you engage with NIHB you can count on receiving the tribal perspective and having high 

quality work that will inform, engage, and advance, hopefully a partnership relationship. 

Question from Legislator Connie Barker: 

Who directed NIHB to shift the work and why, when the contract1 has been signed?

Response from NIHB Executive Director Stacy Bohlen:

 1 The contract referred to in this section is a CoAg not a contract.
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 18

That would be Dr. Montero.

Response from Dr. Montero: 

We are not talking about a signed contract that was changed. I am not able to discuss specifics because I cannot 

discuss the contracting process. However, when CDC contracts with organization A to build a house, for 

example. They deliver the house; I don’t need to contract organization A again to build the house, because the 

house was built. The next contract will address a different product, because the initial one was completed. Now,

if the contract is for house maintenance, an ongoing contract for many years is required. When CDC does the 

bidding process, organizations can apply and state how much money they will do the work for. However, as an 

agency, we can only choose the work that we have funds for and cannot fund everything. This is not because I 

change my mind; it is because I don’t have enough money and I have a body of organizations applying to 

conduct different activities. However, CDC budget is also reliant on funds allocated by Congress. If Congress 

decides this year that they will not fund a program, then everything that program does, will stop, because 

Congress didn’t give us the money. So, there are many things that could influence a shift in work.

Response from Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais:

If the priorities either change or those items within the contract appear satisfied from CDC’s perspective, but not 

NIHB’s perspective, I would consider that to be something that should be discussed at a consultation. If not with 

full consultation, then maybe it should be discussed with the TAC, for tribes to be fully informed and engaged. I 

am trying to figure out how it went from being this to that, and we are just being made aware of the change.

Response from Dr. Montero:

The consultation process asked for CDC to increase direct funding to tribes. We do not get appropriation from 

Congress to do that. CSTLTS had to reshuffle the amount of money that we as an organization can provide. Our 

budget has not increased, and we have been on a quest to develop a better understanding of tribal health, so 

we are finishing an assessment of public health capacity through a contractual relationship of one organization. 

Then, CSTLTS will need to move into the development of the TPHF and research agenda based on those findings. 

It is an aggregate process that gets us through different stages, each requiring a different expertise. So that is 

why, later on, CSTLTS is going to bring those developments back to the TAC to get your input. You asked us in 

the various TAC meetings to start finding mechanisms to fund tribes directly, so we implemented the OT18-1803

CoAg. In an environment where CDC does not have increased financial capacity, CSTLTS needed to figure out 

how to meet the requests to increase direct funding to tribes.

Response from Chairwoman Andrews-Maltais:

The decision to divert funds to fund tribes directly falls underneath Executive Order 13175, because it is an 

administrative decision that would have impacts and implications to tribes and tribal interests. That was an 

opportunity to communicate with us as well as NIHB, so that the TAC understood why you were making the 

decision and what other options there were, so we could provide input in the decision. 

Response from Councilman Kutz: 

One of my other jobs is to act as chair of the American Indian Health Commission of Washington. This group 

represents 29 tribes and two urban programs, so we collaborate to take care of broader issues in the state. We 

aim to fund those areas that affect all of us in the best way and to where the funds will be spread out the best. 

Otherwise, if we all get a little bit of money to do one thing, nothing will be accomplished, because there is not 

enough money to do all of it. Sometimes work must be done on a bigger broader level. We want to make sure 

that if mutual work is going to be conducted between CDC and the tribes, that we know that CDC will be 

working with an organization that works with tribes and understands them and not some other entity.

Response from Councilwoman McCovey:

I ask that any time there are changes to services to members or staff, CDC comes back to us to explain why. 

Tribes talk to Congress, and if there is an issue that we need to bring to Congress, regarding funding or other 

things, then we need to know that. If there are needs here for funding services or particular staff, then we can 

take that back to Congress and let them know that tribes need this. 

• Stacy Bohlen, Sault Sainte Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, NIHB Executive Director–

o A committee like this TAC is representing the tribes and the country. 
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 19

o “It was a good decision that CDC supported NIHB to do this project. But last year, CDC asked 

NCUIH to step in to do the work that NIHB was initially asked to do. This would have put NCUIH 

in a position that would be politically untenable for the next 40 years because that is not the 

lane they are in. This was a really difficult situation for us because we were “basically asked how

will we fund them and we are not their funder.”

o “The President in the CDC budget, zeroed out Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country, two 

years in a row. That’s the program that you and everyone here has acknowledged is a 

fundamental groundbreaking game changer for Indian Country. It was the National Indian 

Health Board that fought for that money. And not only did we get the $16 million that was 

originally in the fund, over the last 2 years you got a $5 million budget increase because of the 

work that we did with all of the people in this room. That’s who we are. So I know that your 

budget was increased because...all of the tribal leaders and our board worked together to get 

that budget increased. And we can do so in a variety of other venues as well at the will of the 

tribes. But I think that it would be fundamental for you, in the position you hold, to be more 

intimately engaged in budget consultation and formulation. The leaders of this table are very 

clear about what they wish and the National Indian Health Board is very clear, and we’ll support 

you and give you what you need to be successful. But I will just say that we never want to see a 

President’s budget again zero out Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country because I think 

everyone at this table can agree, it’s a game changer for our people.”

—NIHB Executive Director Stacy Bohlen relinquished her seat back to Byron Larson.

5:00 pm–Summary, Closing Prayer, and Adjournment

Presenters

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

OTASA, CSTLTS, CDC

• Jose Montero, MD, MHCDS, Director, CSTLTS, CDC

• Robert TwoBears (Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin), Legislative Representative District V, Ho-Chunk 

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. 

• Legislator TwoBears closed the meeting with a prayer. 

 
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 20

Appendices 

Appendix A: Acronym List

AI/AN American Indian/Alaska Native

ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CPR Center for Preparedness and Response

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

DSFC Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction

EBCI Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

FACA Federal Advisory Committee Act

FY Fiscal Year

GHWIC Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country

HHS Health and Human Services

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus

IDOH Indigenous Determinants of Health

IHS Indian Health Service

MAT Medicated-Assisted Treatment

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

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

NCUIH National Council of Urban Indian Health

NIHB National Indian Health Board

NNPHI National Network of Public Health Institutes

OTASA Office of Tribal Affairs and Strategic Alliances

PHAP Public Health Associate Program

PHICCS Public Health Indian Country Capacity Scan

RMSF Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

SME Subject Matter Expert

TAC Tribal Advisory Committee

TEC Tribal Epidemiology Center

TECPHI Tribal Epidemiology Center Public Health Infrastructure

TPHF Tribal Public Health Framework

TPWIC Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country

USPHS United States Public Health Service
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 21

Appendix B: CDC/ATSDR 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:

July 31, 2020

Robert TwoBears (TAC Chair)

Representative, Legislative 

District V

Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin

Wally Apland 

Director of Finance, 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

Term Expires: 

March 30, 2020

Lana M. McCovey

Council Member 

Yurok Tribe 

VACANT

Great Plains Area 

Term Expires:

August 31, 2019

Robert Flying Hawk

Chairman 

Yankton Sioux Tribe 

VACANT

Nashville Area

Term Expires:

August 31, 2019

Cheryl Andrews-Maltais

Chairwoman 

Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head 

Aquinnah 

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
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 22

Oklahoma Area

Term Expires:

February 28, 2021

James R. Floyd

Principal Chief

Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Shawn Terry

Secretary of Health

Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Phoenix Area

Term Expires:

February 28, 2022

Jill Temoke

Council Member

Elko Band Council (Te-Moak Tribe 

of Western Shoshone)

VACANT

Portland Area

Term Expires:

August 31, 2021

Stephen Kutz, RN, BSN, MPH

Tribal Council Member

Colwitz 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

Richard Sneed (TAC Co-Chair)

Principal Chief 

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians 

VACANT

Tribes At-Large

Term Expires:

August 31, 2019

Bryan Warner

Tribal Councilor, District 6 

Cherokee Nation

Lisa Pivec, MS

Senior Director of Public Health,

Cherokee Nation Health Services

Cherokee Nation

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
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 23

Appendix C: Written Testimony

Testimony: Karluk IRA Tribal Council 

There is a lot of misinformation about the effect of opioids and treatment options:

• People are not getting treatment because of wrong information and lack of information.

• Opioids change how the brain is structured and how it works. That doesn’t always go back to normal 

even when people stop being on opioids. That message isn’t getting across.

• People still think opioids are like cigarettes. They don’t understand that brain changes from opioids are 

long lasting. Cravings are long lasting. Cravings don’t go away like cigarettes. People can’t just shake it 

off.

• Medication assisted treatment can help make the cravings go away so people can recover.

• But people who need treatment choose not to get it because they don’t know

o how medication assisted treatment works

o how effective medication assisted treatment is

o how their brain and nervous system may have changed as a result of opioids

• We underscore that opioids affect the brain and nervous system. That’s really hard to explain. It’s not 

like measles or infectious disease.

• Unless your organization has a neuroscientist on staff, it’s hard to use CDC-provided information and 

PSAs to make key messages. For most organizations it’s impossible.

• Even doctors have a hard time explaining how medication assisted treatment works.

• Even state government health offices can’t explain this clearly.

• State governments are well funded for opioids, but epidemiology and public health offices often don’t 

have people who can explain brain changes and the drugs to treat that.

• Unless people know how the brain is affected, how those treatment drugs work, it’s hard for them to 

make good decisions about treatment.

• When there were emergencies for the Zika virus and Ebola, CDC made key messages.

• The key messages simplify things people need to know and what they can do.

• Key messages mean information is accurate and consistent from the state government, NGOs, and 

health organizations.

• Without key messages, we think the federal government could spend billions to increase access to 

opioid use disorder care – but people won’t get that care because nobody’s taken the time and care to 

explain how it works and why they need it.

• The same barrier to treatment – bad information, lack of information – has been highlighted at every 

opioid forum we’ve attended in every state.

• Consistent key messages will save lives and money.

Alicia Andrew 

President
CDC/ATSDR TAC Meeting

August 13-14, 2019—Summary 24

Testimony: Pasqua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona

Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona

Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry

Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting and 19th Biannual Tribal Consultation session 

Cherokee, NC

August 12-13, 2019

On behalf of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, I respectfully submit the following testimony as an official record for the 

CDC/ATSDR Biannual Tribal Consultation session. We are committed to the public health accreditation and 

enhancing the internal frameworks for public health in tribal settings.

1) The Pascua Yaqui Tribe has been a recipient of CDC’s Tribal Infrastructure Grant. This provided the tribe’s 

health services division with the funding to create a Hepatitis C Registry utilizing Indian Health Service’s 

Resource and Patient Management System or RPMS. This registry enable our tribal nurses and Community 

Health Representatives to document case management services and track the care provided our tribal 

members diagnose with Hep C. This opportunity also provided funding to contract the expertise needed to 

gather and analyze our own data pertaining to Hepatitis C. 

Recommendation: For CDC to provide additional funding for tribal nations to build their internal 

infrastructure and enhance their data and electric health record capabilities. The Tribal Infrastructure grant 

provided tribal nation the flexibility to choose which areas they wanted to focus on as CDC provided 

technical assistance. 

2) One of the tribe’s greatest challenges is obtaining funding for Tribal public health. When compared to the 

state and local health departments there are inequalities. States receive funding for public health through 

various mechanisms, such as block grants from the federal government, and those opportunities do not 

exist for Tribes. 

Moreover, tribes are not aware how they are included in the CDC’s funding to State. Most tribes do not 

receive notification from the State regarding the CDC funding that is award. Tribes are also not notified if 

this CDC funding is available to the tribe or how tribes will benefit from services funding by CDC funding.

Recommendation: For CDC to provide the same funding opportunities to tribes as State and local public 

health departments. In addition, require States to provide a breakdown of CDC funding they received and 

how the State is passing on the funding and/or services to tribes. 

3) Our Health Services Division was successful in obtaining a CDC Public Health Associate in 2016-2018 who 

helped us in our Public Health Accreditation process. Since 2018, we have not been successful in having CDC 

match another PHAP Associate. We will continue to apply to the PHAP application process. Also, we would 

like to encourage Tribe’s participate in the PHAP program since this was a great help. 

Recommendation: For CDC to make every effort in finding a match for Tribal Communities. 

In closing, we want to thank you for allowing us this opportunity to give feedback. 

Respectfully, 

Robert Valencia

Tribal Chairman