Fort Peck Tribes Prepare To Take Over Pharmacy Program
The Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation recently have taken action to assume management of the Fork Peck Service Unit Pharmacy Program on or about Nov. 1, through a self-determination contract under public law 93-638.
This milestone marks the latest phase of a larger plan by the Fort Peck Tribes to gradually assume full management of the Fort Peck Service Unit. By taking over the pharmacy program, the tribes are continuing to lay the foundation for taking over the entire service unit to ensure comprehensive, culturally responsive and community centered health care for tribal members.
“Our people deserve reliable, timely and cultural responsive access to prescription medications,” said Dennis Four Bear, tribal health service unit director. “Taking over the pharmacy program is an important step in a phased approach that will ultimately allow us to lead and manage the full spectrum of health care services for our community.”
Officials report the decision comes after years of challenges in accessing consistent health care through the Fort Peck Service Unit. The unit has faced staffing shortages, long delays for appointments and difficulties in retaining health care professionals.
Many tribal members have gone without adequate health care. Fort Peck Tribes is setting a course to improve access on behalf of its members.
Through 638 contracting, the Fort Peck Tribes will:
• Ensure pharmacy services are designed and delivered based on the needs and priorities of tribal members.
• Improve accountability and responsiveness, with decisions made locally by people who understand the community.
• Strengthen the health care workforce by supporting recruitment and retention of staff aligned with the tribes’ mission.
• Increase third-party revenues to reinvest in tribal health services and facilities.
• Build a stronger, sustainable health care system rooted in tribal values and self-determination.
While the tribes will assume responsibility for the pharmacy program, the Indian Health Services will remain a partner and continue to provide other health care services during the transition.
This approach ensures the federal trust responsibility to tribal nations is upheld while the Fort Peck Tribes prepare for the future phases of assuming full management of the service unit.
“This is about sovereignty and self-determination,” Health and Human Services committee chairwoman Stacey Summers said. “Step by step, we are building the capacity to operate the entire service unit so that health care for our people is guided by our values, informed by our traditions and strengthened for generations to come.”
Officials say the Fort Peck Tribes will continue working closely with IHS during this phased transition to ensure services remain uninterrupted and that tribal members have the care and access they deserve.
