Health challenges facing American Indians and Alaskan Natives
This November, in honor of American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) Heritage Month, the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is raising awareness of the health challenges and disparities the AI/AN population faces. American Indians and Alaska Natives often have more health issues and severe complications when compared with other Americans.
Health disparities include:
The overall death rate from chronic liver disease for American Indian/Alaska Natives is almost four times higher than the non-Hispanic white population.
AI/AN adults are almost three times more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes.
American Indian/Alaska Natives have almost twice the infant mortality rate as non-Hispanic whites.
In 2019, AI/AN mothers were almost three times as likely to receive late or no prenatal care as compared to non-Hispanic white mothers.
The overall death rate from suicide for AI/AN adults is about 20 percent higher as compared to the non-Hispanic white population.
American Indians and Alaskan Natives experience higher rates of alcohol and substance use disorder.
Why is this? There are many factors that contribute to the disparities but two of the most notable ones are: historical trauma and socioeconomic conditions.
The median household income for American Indians and Alaska Natives is $49,906, as compared to $71,664 for non-Hispanic white households.
In 2019, nearly 15% of American Indians and Alaska Natives had no health insurance coverage.
What can be done? Helping American Indians and Alaska Natives get out of poverty and living in safe and healthy environments will lead to better health outcomes.
Cultural and traditional teachings and practices are also critical to the overall wellness and identity of American Indians and Alaska Natives. The CDC’s Healthy Tribes program supports these strategies:
Connect cultural teachings to health and wellness.
Support seasonal cultural practices that strengthen health and wellness.
Develop social and cultural activities that promote community wellness.
Start and maintain collaborations that strengthen well-being.
Support intergenerational learning about well-being and resilience.
Promote traditional healthy foods and traditional and contemporary physical activities.
Learn more about the CDC’s Healthy Tribes program here.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office of Minority Health
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Tribes program