Siyo,
I want to take a few minutes to connect with you personally about something that I know may be on many of your minds like what’s happening at the federal level, and what it could mean for us here at the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority.
There’s been a lot of noise recently around proposed federal budget cuts, particularly an $880 million reduction that could impact programs under agencies like Medicaid, HHS, and IHS. With uncertainty in the air, it’s only natural to feel some concern, especially when we all care deeply about each other, our patients, and our mission.
This week, I traveled to Washington, D.C. alongside CIHA Governing Board member and EBCI Secretary of Health, Sonya Wachacha. We met directly with Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which is the committee overseeing this directive. The meeting was productive, and we were able to paint a clear and honest picture of what healthcare looks like for Tribal Communities, especially from the perspective of tribal employees who dedicate their lives to serving others.
Our conversations emphasized that CIHA is not just a hospital—it’s a model for what tribally-led, culturally grounded healthcare can and should be by highlighting the complexities of the federal government’s obligation to provide healthcare to federally recognized Tribes, not as an entitlement or benefit, but as a responsibility rooted in treaty obligations and the trust relationship. We wanted to ensure Congressman Guthrie understood that over the years, Medicaid has been one of the primary tools the federal government has used to help fulfill that obligation. It plays a critical role in supporting the Indian health system by helping to fund services, offset costs, and ensure sustainability. We focused on ensuring he heard us when we said that cuts to Medicaid, therefore, don’t just affect budgets, they impact the federal government’s ability to uphold promises made to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.
I want you to hear this directly from me: As of today, CIHA remains unaffected by any proposed cuts. We do not currently anticipate any impact to our staff, including those serving under federal contracts such as Commissioned Corps officers.
We are watching this situation closely, staying in constant contact with our tribal leadership, national advocacy groups, and federal partners. We are doing everything possible to stay informed and involved in the decisions being made in Washington.
CIHA’s guiding principle—“Like family to me”—is more than a slogan. It means we take care of each other. It means your well-being, your peace of mind, and your job security matter. If you’re worried about your coworkers or friends across the hospital, I understand. That’s what makes this place special. But I want you to know we are doing everything we can to protect what we’ve built together.
Thank you for the work you do every day. Thank you for being part of this family.
Sincerely,
Casey Cooper
CEO, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority