May 5, 2022 11:00 a.m. 

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced that the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest will receive just over $295,000 from the Indian Health Service for providing crucial mental, physical and behavioral health services for Native Americans in the Portland area.

Wyden said, “It is critical that Native American communities have access to quality, culturally appropriate healthcare whether living in a city, rural community or on a reservation”. Wyden said there is more to be done to support tribal healthcare throughout Oregon, “…but this investment in NARA will provide crucial resources for the lives and livelihoods of Oregon’s tribal members in Portland”.

Merkley said, “Health care is an essential right, and access to quality and culturally appropriate health care is crucial to the growth and success of a community”. Merkley said the grant is “…a great step in supporting NARA’s vital programs, and I will continue to work with Oregon’s tribal nations and Urban Indian Organizations to ensure their communities have the resources needed to thrive”.

This year the IHS has awarded a total of $8.3 million to 32 urban Indian organizations across the United States.