President Barack Obama’s fiscal year 2016 budget proposal includes a 12 percent increase in funding for Indian Affairs. The Indian Health Service could see an additional $460 million, with some of that money earmarked for projects in Arizona.
Included in the new budget is a $185 million allotment to allow officials to begin construction on new health centers on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Hopi Nation. That money will also allow for the completion of the Gila River Health Center near Chandler.
Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, the acting director of the IHS, said the department’s proposed budget would be about 10 percent higher than the year before.
"This proposal reflects the administrations continuing commitment to improve access to healthcare for American Indians and Alaska Natives," she said.
Roubideaux added the additional funding would also be used to support new behavioral health projects and cover inflation and referral costs.
