September 22, 2010

 Washington, D.C.— Nevada Senator Harry Reid today announced Nevada’s American Indian tribes will receive more than $700,000 from the Department of Health and Human Services for the Special Diabetes Program.  This program, which Senator Reid helped to create in 1997, supports diabetes research as well as community-driven diabetes prevention and treatment programs for Native American populations. The Yomba Shoshone Tribe, the Washoe Tribe of California and Nevada, the Walker River Paiute Tribe, and the Ely Shoshone Tribes will all benefit directly from these funds. The Shurz Service Unit, a part of the Indian Health Service, will also receive assistance for their special diabetes program. Approximately 12,000 tribal members receive direct and contract health care from the Schurz Service Unit.  This funding is an addition to $500,000 announced last week for diabetes treatment and prevention for three additional Nevada tribes:  the Walker River Paiute Tribe , the Ely Shoshone Tribe and the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe.
 
“Tribal populations are disproportionately affected by diabetes and carry the heaviest burden of this disease in the United States.  Since 1997 this program has shown to be one of the strongest responses to diabetes in Indian Country.  Today HHS has stepped up to help Nevada’s tribes combat this disease,” said Reid.  “By focusing on the diseases that affect the tribes the most, the Indian Health Service can fulfill its trust relationship to caring for the wellbeing and health of our nation’s first citizens.”