The Newest Federally Recognized Tribe Wants Better Healthcare. It May Be On Its Own.
North Carolina's Robeson County, where most of the tribe’s citizens live, ranks as one of the worst counties in the U.S. for health disparities. After securing federal recognition, Lumbee tribal leaders will have to decide how to address them.
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, recently granted federal recognition as a sovereign nation, now faces the challenge of addressing its citizens' poor health outcomes. With over 55,000 members in Robeson County, considered one of the poorest and most unhealthy areas in the U.S., the tribe seeks to improve access to healthcare.
The mother of four, Angie Lowery, took significant steps towards healthier living after being diagnosed with diabetes; she lost 120 pounds and weaned herself off daily insulin shots. The tribe's leaders and citizens celebrated their newfound status, celebrating the potential for federal funding to improve their healthcare system.
However, researchers and healthcare providers point out that the Indian Health Service (IHS), which provides these services, is chronically underfunded and cannot fully meet the tribe's needs. The nearest IHS facility is more than a two-hour drive away for most Lumbee citizens, making the tribal leadership's reliance on other revenue sources like a casino a necessity.
Andrea Blackburn, a physician and Lumbee tribal member, expressed concern over the systemic discrimination present in healthcare for Lumbee patients. She emphasized that these health issues are not merely statistics but reflect the lived reality of her patients and families.
Written by urgent.news from KFF Health News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
