Web Form Comment

Mail correspondence to:	Arvada Nelson
Email:	anelson@qvir.com
Address:	9024 Sniktaw Lane
	Fort Jones, CA 96032

As a small rural and remote reservation with minimal health resources from the CA Area Indian Health Service we are at a disadvantage. Notification of funding opportunities were late in reaching us through the Indian Health Service. When I called to IHS Headquarters in Rockville, MD requesting information regarding broadband and other Information Technology funding, I was told that funds to the Indian Health Service are being used to strengthen the IHS agencies' infrastructure and personnel needs. At the small tribes level we do not receive early notification of offer of technical assistance from the IHS who's mission is to raise the health care for American Indians and Alaska Native to the highest possible level. As a small tribe we do not have the expertise or the funding to compete with larger tribes or large Indian programs. I would propose that there be a set-aside for small tribal programs such as ours and technical assistance provided so that it would level the playing field and we would be afforded an opportunity for the funds which could improve the Tribes health care and educational abilities. Thank you for your time, consideration, and fairness for these funds.