Washington, D.C. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today congratulated the Pascua Yaqui Tribe for receiving a three-year grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to improve health services for tribal members. The money will be used to develop internal compliance targets based on HHS’ Healthy Peoples objectives, including the reduction of health disparities among different population segments, and will fund training and technical assistance using a curriculum based on the Yaqui cycle of change.

The tribe will receive just over $107,000 this year and approximately $300,000 over the course of the grant.

“This is excellent news for tribal members, and I applaud them for their commitment to pursuing these funds,” Grijalva said.

According to the tribe’s 2009 annual assets report, “Health care information is [. . .] limited at the regional level for young children. The region has no hospital and only one health clinic.” Facing a lack of health care infrastructure, Grijalva said, the tribe should ensure the new funds are spent wisely to increase quality and access for as many tribal members as possible.

“Even as we face a tough economic climate and Congress struggles to pass a strong health care reform bill, life continues at the local level all across the country,” Grijalva said. “This sort of grant may seem small, but it means a great deal to the people it will assist. These targeted measures speak volumes. Let no one question our federal commitment to the American people, especially when they need a hand.”