Disparities among the Native American Population
Often times when discussing institutionalized discrimination and disparities in healthcare, Native American issues are glossed over. Being one of the most underserved populations in the country, Native Americans face numerous medical challenges that require immediate attention, and the first thing we can all do, is to educate ourselves!
One of the major challenges faced by Native Americans is the lack of access to healthcare. According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, less than half of Native Americans have a usual source of healthcare, and nearly a quarter of them are uninsured. This leads to a significant gap in access to preventive and curative care, which results in higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Another issue that Native Americans face is the disparity in quality of care. A report by the Office of Minority Health states that Native Americans receive lower quality of care compared to other racial and ethnic groups, even when they have similar health insurance coverage. This disparity in quality of care is due to a lack of culturally appropriate care, inadequate training for healthcare providers, and a lack of resources and facilities.
Moreover, Native Americans are also at a higher risk of substance abuse and addiction. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Native Americans have the highest rate of opioid overdose deaths among all racial and ethnic groups in the country. This is due to various reasons, including poverty, lack of access to mental health care, and the high prevalence of trauma and depression.
To address these medical challenges, it is essential that we, as a society, take a comprehensive approach to provide Native Americans with the necessary resources and support. This includes increasing access to healthcare facilities, providing culturally appropriate care, increasing funding for public health initiatives, and improving access to mental health services. Additionally, training healthcare providers to better understand the unique health needs of Native Americans and how to provide culturally competent care can help bridge the gap in quality of care. With a comprehensive approach, we can help improve the health and well-being of Native Americans and ensure that they receive the care they deserve.
Sources:
National Library of Medicine. (2018). Health Disparities and Inequalities Report - United States 2013.
Office of Minority Health. (2015). Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Opioid Overdose: Native American Communities.
By: Sreenidhi Saripalli
