Arizona’s congressional delegation is urging federal health officials to pause a proposed restructuring plan that would eliminate a key tribal health office in Tucson and transfer its responsibilities to Phoenix.
In a letter sent to the Indian Health Service, U.S. Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, along with Rep. Adelita Grijalva, called for an immediate suspension of the plan until tribal consultation is completed and the agency provides more details about how healthcare services would be affected.
The proposal would close the Tucson Area Office and merge its operations with the Phoenix office as part of a broader Indian Health Service realignment effort. Lawmakers argue that the move could negatively impact healthcare access for nearly 28,000 Native American patients in Southern Arizona.
The Tucson office currently helps coordinate health services for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and the Tohono O’odham Nation. Critics of the plan say the consolidation could require patients, tribal leaders and healthcare staff to travel significantly farther for services and administrative support.
In their letter, the lawmakers questioned why the Tucson office was selected for consolidation, noting that it appears to be the only area office targeted under the restructuring initiative. They also requested a written response from the agency by June 15 addressing the rationale behind the decision and its potential consequences.
Tribal leaders have also voiced opposition. Representatives from the Tohono O’odham Nation argued that the closure would not improve healthcare delivery or advance tribal self-governance, and instead could create additional barriers for patients who rely on services coordinated through the Tucson office.
The letter was addressed to Clayton Fulton, who is currently exercising the delegated authority of the Indian Health Service director. As of Monday, the agency had not publicly responded to the concerns raised by lawmakers or announced any changes to the proposed consolidation plan.
The debate highlights ongoing concerns about access to healthcare in tribal communities and the role local offices play in coordinating services across large and often rural regions of Arizona.
