Hollywood, FL – October 18, 2024 – Clear Health Pass Wound Care (CHP WC), in collaboration with a consortium of tribal leaders, is launching a comprehensive initiative to address the growing diabetes-related health crisis within Native American populations—a crisis that has long been overlooked in governmental policy and funding. In partnership with the Blue Lake Rancheria Economic Development Corporation (BLREDCO), a Section 17 Federally Recognized Tribal Corporation, CHP WC is joining forces with key tribal leaders to directly tackle the disproportionately high rates of diabetic amputations and mortality. The initiative aims to deliver equitable healthcare access and advanced care solutions.
Led by Honorable Lynn Dee Rapp, Interim Chairwoman of CHP’s Tribal Health Board and Director at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and Dr. David T. Burke of the World Health Organization (WHO), this strategic alliance will provide advanced wound care to Native American communities, where the impact of diabetes far exceeds the national average.
A National Health Emergency: The Diabetes Crisis in Native American Communities
Native American populations are facing an alarming diabetes epidemic, with incidence rates 2.3 times higher than non-Hispanic whites, according to the CDC. Lower-limb amputations linked to diabetes occur 3-4 times more often in Native American communities. These preventable amputations and untreated chronic wounds contribute to higher mortality rates, dramatically lowering the quality and duration of life.
Chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, often go untreated in these communities due to limited access to specialized medical care. According to the Indian Health Service (IHS), diabetes-related amputations are a leading cause of death and disability on reservations. The absence of adequate wound care solutions exacerbates these outcomes.
CHP WC’s Targeted Solution: Empowering Tribal Self-Determination and Advanced Wound Care
In response, CHP WC, leveraging its status as a Tribal Agent and its partnership with BLREDCO, offers state-of-the-art wound care services, including skin graft applications, at no cost to Native American tribes and their members. These services are provided to 638 designated healthcare facilities under current governmental reimbursements via CMS and other federal programs. Through the Buy Indian Act, this initiative not only expands healthcare access but also fosters economic growth within tribal communities by creating job opportunities for tribal medical professionals.
In addition, BLREDCO and other participating tribes stand to benefit from revenue generated by federal procurement programs, such as IHS and VA contracts. Military healthcare programs, including those overseen by the Department of Defense (DoD), could also procure wound care solutions through these contracts, further driving tribal economic development.
“Our people have endured unequal access to healthcare for far too long,” said Honorable Lynn Dee Rapp. “This partnership is about more than just policy—it’s about saving lives. By uniting and exercising our right to self-determination, we can ensure that our communities receive the life-saving treatments they urgently need.”
$0 Cost Care Services to Tribal Healthcare Facilities
CHP WC offers comprehensive wound care services, including advanced skin graft applications, while managing all preauthorizations, billing, and reimbursements through CMS, VA, and other federal insurance programs. This model ensures that Native American patients receive top-tier care, alleviates financial and administrative burdens on tribal healthcare facilities, and significantly reduces the risk of preventable amputations.
Call to Action
CHP WC calls upon government agencies, tribal health organizations, and federal entities to unite in the fight against diabetes-related amputations in Native American communities. By working together, we can prevent unnecessary amputations, improve access to advanced wound care, and enhance the overall health and well-being of Native Americans.
Contact Information
For more information on CHP WC’s services and partnerships, please visit ClearHealthPassWoundCare.com or contact Silvia O. Bronder at Sil.Bronder@clearhealthpass.com.