Stansbury Co-Sponsors Legislation to Enhance Tribal Public Health Preparedness
U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury, alongside Senator Martin Heinrich and Representative Teresa Leger Fernández, has introduced the CDC Tribal Public Health Security and Preparedness Act. This legislation aims to provide Tribal nations with equal access to federal investments for public health emergency preparedness. Currently, Tribal public health departments are not eligible for the CDC's Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) cooperative agreement program, which is crucial for funding state, local, and territorial public health departments. The proposed act would allow Tribal nations to apply directly to the CDC PHEP program, ensuring they receive necessary resources to respond effectively to public health threats. The bill also includes provisions to exempt Tribes from matching funds and reduce administrative burdens. The legislation is co-sponsored by several U.S. Senators and Representatives, including Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, and is endorsed by major Native American health organi... 
