ROCHESTER, Minn., July 6 (UPI) -- The Mayo Clinic says it will pledge to collaborate with the U.S. government in helping reduce disease among American Indians and Alaska Natives.
The clinic and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, on behalf of the Indian Health Service, are to sign a Memorandum of Understanding Monday, pledging to collaborate in seeking ways to reduce the burden of cancer and other diseases in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
The public signing at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., will include several American Indian ceremonial elements, including drummers and a color guard.
"This collaboration will enable us to work with the Indian Health Service to address health care-related needs specific to (American Indians), ranging from developing research initiatives to address unique problems, to finding ways to improve access to medical care," said Dr. Denis Cortese, Mayo Clinic president and chief executive officer.
Cortese said American Indian programs at the Mayo Clinic have been in place for several years and the new agreement will build on current efforts, as well as laying the groundwork for more initiatives across the country.
