As a community we have been a part of several Social Justice actions. Many time the outcomes of those actions are not reported or celebrate. Below are a few updates that we have found on issues important to UUWC.

Indian Health Services/ Acoma-Canoncito-Lugina Hospital

(Writing campaign, 2020)

Do you remember when we asked you to write to your legislators to stop the Indian Health Services (IHS) from reducing emergency services at Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Hospital? Those letters may have helped. On Friday, April 30, 2021, The Albuquerque Journal reported that that on April 29,” the Indian Health Services reached [a court-approved agreement]  with the Acoma Pueblo to keep the hospital open [until February 2022] while officials determine what resources will best meet the surrounding communities health care needs going forward.” The Pueblo  had sued  to restore services. While the suit was pending, patients were forced to travel to distant hospitals. Lawyers for Acoma said, “last Fall’s closure was just the latest example [of the IHS’s moving to downsize smaller hospitals in favor of having centralized health care.” It seems that the IHS does not realize how difficult centralized health care makes it for Tribal members to get the health care they need. We should probably remind the IHS of this as they (and I hope Tribal officials) determine plans be implemented after February 2022.