AKWESASNE — Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) welcomed Indian Health Service Director Roselyn Tso for her inaugural visit to Akwesasne alongside returning dignitary Dr. Beverly Cotton, Nashville Area Director, to see firsthand how the Tribe delivers health services and further the collective goal of achieving the highest level of health care in Indian Country.

Director Tso’s mandate to understand the unique challenges facing nations has taken her across Indian Country. These visits with tribal leadership and health services staff will help inform the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the current approaches to healthcare.

“We may all be tribal nations, but we are not the same. We are looking broader into ways we can better align our approach to self-determination. I am taking my message across IHS that there are challenges and more we can do,” remarked Director Tso.

Tribal Council, joined by the SRMT Executive Director Tsiorasa Barreiro and Health Services Director Michael Cook, discussed the unique health challenges the community of Akwesasne currently faces.

“The prevalence of PCBs [polychlorinated biphenyls] continues to impact the health of our community members. Environmental studies completed over four decades ago uncovered the link between PCBs and heart disease, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Environmentally, we are still fighting that battle and need help to fully clean up the contributing Superfund Sites, estimated to cost over $100 million,” stated Chief Beverly Cook.

The dwindling number of medical providers in upstate New York has made access to quality care challenging for community members.

“We are seeing a shrinkage in the workforce. Specialized practices are moving into bigger hospitals, while jobs here are waiting to be filled,” remarked Michael Cook. Director Tso provided innovative ways to attract the much-needed healthcare workers to continue to provide quality service.

The SRMT tour commenced at the Diabetes Center for Excellence, adjacent to the Ionkwakiohkwaró:ron Tribal Administration Building. The Diabetes Center boasts several amenities available to community members, including a state-of-the-art community fitness center, a teaching kitchen, and the Ronthahiiohsthà:ke A/CDP Clubhouse.

The next stop brought Director Tso to the SRMT Health Services Facility, which offers a holistic approach to care through the medical clinic, dental clinic, Kanikonri:ionhe Good Mind Services, pharmacy, and an in-house laboratory. Director Tso engaged directly with healthcare providers, nurses, and outpatient staff who work tirelessly to provide quality care to their patients as they have since 1978.

The same dedication to patient care rings true for the Partridge House, an inpatient treatment facility offering clients culturally informed care. Programming through the Patridge house includes community building, gardening, cultural practices, and a multitude of inpatient services to guide their journey of self-discovery and healing from substance use disorder. Clients who complete the 12-step recovery plan develop coping skills to prepare for daily life stressors without resorting to addictive and destructive behaviors.

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, on behalf of our staff and community, thanks IHS Director Roselyn Tso for embarking on her nationwide campaign aimed at examining the approach to self-determination in healthcare provided by the Indian Health Service. Her visit will inform the U.S. Department of Human and Health Services of ways to engage Indigenous communities and provide funding opportunities in much-needed areas.

To see more of IHS Director Tso’s visit, follow the Tribe’s Instagram @saintregismohawktribe and Facebook page.