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Addressing needs of Cherokee's youth |
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What a great week for the children and youth of Cherokee. Ground was broken for a $2 million recreation complex, and the tribe received a $1 million donation dedicated to health care for the tribe's youngest members.
To build the ball fields, the Eastern Band's partner is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; to address the diabetes epidemic among Cherokee youth, the tribe's partner is Harrah's, the reservation's largest employer and biggest attraction. Former Chief John A. Crowe was on hand to lift the first shovelful of dirt. Though frail and in a wheelchair, Crowe participated in the ceremony that marked the beginning of the new rec park, a cause he has championed for many years. Recreation was a priority for most respondents to a survey of the Eastern Band's enrolled members. Even the oldest indicated that such facilities were important for the sake of their young people. Recreation is also a health issue, said Principal Chief Leon Jones. Without ball fields and parks, youth have no place for the strenuous exercise that helps them grow strong and healthy. And with the $1 million presented to the tribe by Harrah's corporate headquarters, the Cherokee will establish a health care endowment fund for their youth. Diabetes is rampant on the reservation. Some 1,300 of its 12,000 people more than 10 percent have the disease. Treating a patient with diabetes costs some $10,000 per year, yet Indian Health Services contributes only $1,100. That's why Harrah's stepped in, said CEO Phil Satre. "We hope this donation begins to heighten awareness of the need for adequate health care funding for Cherokee children," he said. We agree. Harrah's is deriving great wealth from its operation in Cherokee. How wonderful to see that the corporation is willing to contribute to the health and well-being of its host community. Chief Jones described the tribe's health issues as "massive," and rightly pointed out that steps must be taken to address them. Cherokee youth are the tribe's future, he said, and it is up to tribal leaders to create change that will improve and strengthen the Cherokee's most important resource. This week saw two giant steps taken down the road to healthier lives for the youth of the Eastern Band. With a first-class recreation facility and a large health care endowment, Cherokee young people will be on their way toward a brighter future. Editorial policyThe opinions expressed on this page are those of the Sylva Herald Editorial Committee. Opinions are derived independently and owe no allegiance to any group, organization or political party. We welcome opposing views. |
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