1988-03-16 Char-Koosta News

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Chief Charlo of the Salish VOLUME 16, NUMBER 43
THE MONTH OF THE GEESE
Chief Koostatah of the Kootenai MARCH 16, 1988
Message of health-care meetings: Changes are coming for all
"There have to be changes, and they may start happening soon. One thing for sure is we won't be doing business this time next year as we are now. We can't afford to."
That was the main theme of a series of meetings held from Elmo to Arlee early this month on the subject of the Reservation's health care delivery system.
The speaker was Kevin Howlett,
coordinator of a seven-month-long comprehensive study of health-care services available for Indian Health Service beneficiaries on the Flathead Reservation.
Among the changes that might occur, he said, are: requiring people to choose one doctor for primary care rather than the current liberal policy; investigating the concept of a health maintenance organization ("HMO"); linking Reservation pharmacies by computer to prevent prescription abuse; and getting IHS professionals to serve in towns without accessible medical care such as Elmo and Hot Springs.
The changes are necessary for a variety of reasons, he explained. Federal funding isn't keeping up with medical inflation or a growing list of beneficiaries, for one thing.
That growth is due in large part to new federal regulations requiring the IHS to care for all eligible Indians in a service area, which is defined as "on or near a reservation."
For the Flathead Service Unit, that means providing services to eligible Indians living in Lake, Missoula, Flathead and Sanders counties, whether or not they're Salish or Kootenai. FSU (Continues on page two)
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Everyone invited to education convention
The Montana Indian Education Association (MTEA) invites its members, interested educators, administrators, parents and Tribal officials to participate in the 6th annual MIEA convention on March 21, 22, and 23 at the Cava-naugh Inn in Kalispell. The theme of this year's conference is, "Promoting Excellence in Indian Education".
"Some very pertinent and timely issues will be discussed," according to Ms. Rhonda Lankford, conference coordinator. Issues such as school funding, and the gubernatorial and superin-
tendent of public instruction candidates' views on Indian education are on the agenda.
Workshops will be conducted on a wide range of topics, including (but not limited to) Montana's state university system, career opportunities for American Indians, drug and alcohol curriculum, language experience programs, and legislative bills affecting Montana Indian tribes.
The complete agenda is on page 15 of this issue.