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"Cherokee Nation Tribal Council Member Cara Cowan-Watts, representing District 7 in Rogers County, has been selected to serve on the Advisory Committee for Minority Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services." TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation is pleased to announce the appointment of a citizen to the Advisory Committee on Minority Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Cherokee Nation Tribal Council Member Cara Cowan-Watts, representing District 7 in Rogers County, was invited to serve on the committee by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Micheal Leavitt. The Committee advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on improving the health of racial and ethnic minority groups and on the development of goals and specific program activities for the department’s Office of Minority Health. “We are glad that Council Member Cowan-Watts has been selected to serve in this capacity,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith. “Minority health within the Department of Health and Human Services is an area that could be greatly improved upon for tribal representation. Cara will do a good job. This appointment will benefit all tribes.” According to Secretary Leavitt, the work performed by this committee serves as a valuable tool in helping the department bring quality health care to all Americans. Cowan-Watts considers the Secretary’s invitation to serve as a member of the advisory committee a great opportunity. “Serving on the Health and Human Services Advisory Committee for Minority Health is an incredible honor. The position ensures Indian Country has strong representation when Health and Human Services is considering policy which might impact our tribal communities,” Cowan-Watts said. Committee members were selected based on nominations from across the United States. Cowan-Watts will begin serving immediately and her term will end in November, 2011.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org