Useful Resources
Native Americans: A Health Snapshot
October 03, 2008
This racial group includes any of the original peoples of North, South and Central America who maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment. The five leading causes of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives are heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, diabetes and chronic liver disease/cirrhosis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities. Native Americans suffer disproportionately high rates of obesity, infant mortality, mental health problems and substance abuse. In 2008, an estimated 4.8 million people were classified as American Indian or Alaska Native (alone or in combination with one or more other races), according to the U.S. Census Bureau. About one third of American Indians live on reservations or other trust lands. The federal Indian Health Service is charged with meeting the health needs of 562 federally recognized tribes residing on reservations. Indians who live elsewhere have limited or no access to these services; many have difficulty accessing health care because of lack of insurance. Other factors that contribute to poor health care include geographic isolation and poverty. Many Native Americans rely on traditional healing practices. Updated February 2010
Resource Links
Blogs
Blog that discusses issues facing Native Americans, including health disparities and health care.
The UIHI is a division of the Seattle Indian Health Board. The blog focuses on policy considerations and research aimed at curbing the health status deficiencies of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Guidance for Consumers
This links to the Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention, which focuses on the disproportionately high rate of Type 2 diabetes in American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Useful search engine for American Indians and Alaska Natives created at the University of New Mexico's Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center.
Advocacy
The center, located at the University of Colorado, focuses on mental health for American Indian and Alaska Native populations of all ages. The site includes many links to past and present research.
Support center for Native American cancer patients and survivors that also advocates for prevention.
University of North Dakota-operated site on issues affecting American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian elders.
A very comprehensive site operated by the governmental organization that promotes mental, physical and social health for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Public Policy
The goal of this Oklahoma-based nonprofit founded by Native American doctors is to improve Native American health and draw in more Native Americans into health care professions.
Nonprofit organization that aims to build awareness of Native American health care issues.
A health policy, programs/services advocacy organization focused on California tribes and headquartered in Sacramento.
Statistics, Trends and Research
Brief discussion of the quality of care that Native American elders receive after being diagnosed with cancer.
NIH-sponsored site, linking to research and data, specific health topics, cultural information and programs and services for American Indians.
This fact sheet from 2007 provides background information on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians.
Useful links to tables on health status, health risk factors, access to health insurance, and more affecting the American Indian or Alaska Native population.
Facts on health disparities, updated in late 2006.
Basic health statistics for American Indian and Alaska native population.
Understanding the Issue
A 2009 report on Health Information for Urban American Indian and Alaska Native Communities.
The goal of this branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is to eliminate health disparities.
