Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs announced virtual Tribal listening sessions on HHS reorganization July 16 and 17, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET each day. These listening sessions will provide an opportunity for Tribal leaders to collectively share their feedback and priorities regarding HHS reorganization. HHS leadership will be present to hear your feedback on their specific programs and services. An agenda for the listening sessions is forthcoming.
In preparation for the listening sessions, NICWA has developed written comments that highlight the need to ensure attention is given to the implications of HHS’s reorganization plans for human services and behavioral health services programs. The comments emphasize that HHS’s trust responsibility extends to all the agencies of HHS and requires carefully planned consultation with Tribal Nations before decisions are made and consideration of the trust responsibility and applicable federal law. NICWA’s comments can serve as a guide for drafting your own comments or for developing talking points to use during the listening sessions.
Submit your written comments by July 18, 2025. Comments must be sent to TribalAffairs@hhs.gov with the subject line “Tribal Listening Session on the HHS Reorganization.” See Dear Tribal Leader Letter for more information.
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