Joseph recognized for service to tribal health

Indian Health Service Acting Director Robert McSwain presented long-time National Indian Health Board Member Andy Joseph, Jr. with the 2014 IHS Director's Special Recognition Award on May 29.

Recently re-elected chairman of the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board and member-at-large to the National Indian Health Board, Joseph was recognized for "his significant contributions and unwavering leadership to advancing the health agenda in Indian Country," an IHS press release stated.

Joseph has testified before Congress on increasing the budget for IHS, health disparities in tribal communities and provider access and vacancies. He also represents NIHB on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Tribal Advisory Committee, is a voting delegate of Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and the National Congress of American Indians and advocates for quality and accessible health care for American Indian and Alaska Native people.

Joseph thanked IHS for the award.

"The work that tribal health professionals do across the country is needed to keep our peoples healthy and strong, and I'm thankful that the work is recognized," said Joseph, who is in his fifth term representing the Nespelem District on the Colville Business Council.