
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe welcomed New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald and NYS American Indian Health Program Director Michèle Hamel for a tour of tribal medical facilities and to discuss shared efforts to strengthen public health. Pictured are (first row, from left): Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance, Tribal Chief Beverly Cook, NYS Health Commissioner McDonald, and Tribal Sub-Chief Agnes “Sweets” Jacobs; (second row, from left): Tribal Sub-Chief Derrick King, General Counsel Dale White, Health Director Michael Cook, A/CDP Clinical Director Connie Thompson, NYS American Indian Health Program Director Michèle Hamel, and Assistant-Executive Director Star Thomas.
AKWESASNE – The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council and New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald were delighted to make introductions and take part in a guided tour of the Akwesasne community on Thursday, September 14, 2023. It was the first visit to Akwesasne for Dr. McDonald, who was joined by First Nations Health and Wellness and NYS American Indian Health Program Director Michèle Hamel.
Appointed as the Acting-Commissioner of the Department of Health in January 2023, Dr. James McDonald was confirmed as NYS Health Commissioner by the State Senate on June 10, 2023. Since that time, Dr. McDonald has been working to empower New Yorkers to live healthier lives and increase their access to quality health care, including within underserved areas of the State.
“It was truly an honor to meet with the leaders and spend the day with the people of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “It is so important that we continue to build and strengthen our partnership, and expand our understanding, as we work to promote public health. We discussed some of the challenges facing Akwesasne, and I look forward to working together to address these challenges and to