Ariz. investigating multimillion-dollar Medicaid scheme targeting Native Americans
Over 100 Arizona healthcare providers are being investigated for defrauding the state's Medicaid program out of hundreds of millions of dollars, primarily targeting Native Americans. The fraud involves billing for services not provided, neglecting the physical and emotional health of vulnerable individuals and leaving them without proper care. State and tribal leaders have already cut off payments to suspended providers pending an investigation by state and federal officials, reports Native News Online. The Navajo Nation is also establishing an emergency center to help tribal members find credible treatment facilities.
Environmental protections for diverse neighborhoods to be enshrined in Minn. law
Last week, advocates and community organizers celebrated as the Minnesota House passed the Frontline Community Protection Act, requiring stronger pollution protections for diverse and low-income neighborhoods. "Our Latino workers and community members, along with other low-income and communities of color, have been bearing the health burden of concentrated pollution from highways, truck traffic and other industries where we live, where we work, where we pray in our communities," said Carolina Ortiz, Associate Executive Director of the Latin American advocacy group COPAL. The law mandates evaluating existing pollution levels in environmental justice areas before granting permits, making Minnesota the third state to implement the legislation.
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Tribal nations turn to harm reduction in battle against opioid deaths
To address the opioid crisis that is disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities, the Pala Band of Mission Indians — a Native American tribe with a population of around 1,000 people — recently installed a vending machine on their reservation in California. They are using the machine to dispense free doses of the life-saving drug Naloxone (better known as Narcan), which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose within minutes. The initiative aims to save lives and destigmatize Narcan use while acknowledging historical trauma and the need for culturally tailored solutions.
Meet the Game Changers
Highlighting the innovators transforming health outcomes in our communities
Muna Mohamed, a Somali-American basketball player and researcher, founded Kalsoni activewear to provide culturally-sensitive clothing for Muslim women and promote fitness among East African communities
Plus: Watch our latest URWell video
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