Minnesota Indians have greater health needs than the general population. They die younger, with higher rates of infant death and deaths from violence and alcohol abuse. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, suicide, and HIV/AIDS rates continue to be much higher for Indians in Minnesota than for the rest of the state's population.
In 1954, responsibility for Native health services was transferred from the BIA to the Indian Health Service, which is under the Department of Health and Human Services. Through this exchange, positive signs have shown a rise in funding for prevention programs and medical help for the sick. Reservations are now having the means to build medical and rehabilitation facilities so their people may live longer, healthier lives. A recent survey suggested that 70% of Indians were more likely to abstain when in culturally specific programs, compared to the 54% enrolled in traditional, general population programs. So in 2002, the Minnesota Department of Health allocated 6% of its budget to give Indian people in need access to medicine men and women, healing ceremonies and practices such as vision quests, sweat lodges, talking circles, making crafts and powwow regalia, drumming, and singing. Despite these gains, great disparities in health still exist between Indians and all other people groups.
In conclusion, Indians' health care is highly dependent upon services provided by governments, and its quality and availability has declined as programs have failed to keep up with needs or have been limited or cut. Even so, as reservations increasingly run their own health programs, tribes are identifying their own priorities and delivering health care in more culturally meaningful ways. There are several initiatives being taken for the Indian population's health, and I believe that even if the road getting there may be mountainous and difficult, that as long as no one gives up, one day Native Americans may live to be the average age of life expectancy here in America.
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I like what Kendra said about as long as no one gives up, Native Americans will have the same life expectancy as the rest of the American population. It's disturbing to me however, that Native Americans have so many health problems, and have higher rates the rest of the population in every negative issue, such as infant mortality, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chemical dependency etc. I hope that one day it all evens out with the rest of the population.
ReplyDeleteTracey Weitzel
Something that is disturbing to me is that the fact that the Native Americans have so many health problems compared to the rest of the general population. They have higher diabetes rates, cardiovascular disease, and many other problems. I believe that in 1954 when the health services were transferred from the BIA to the Indian Health Services this change brought about many different positive changes. Why does the government always tend to cut funding to the most important programs like health care? Why can't the people be in charge of there own programs then they would be able to focus on the different things that matter most to there people.
ReplyDeleteAs Kendra stated above (while going through the list of health issues), there are a lot of problems that are avertible. It comes from within the environment rather than through their genes. It only makes sense that they're resorting to cultural programs specifically designed for their mentality.
ReplyDeleteIf you're referring to the past, yes, the government cut funding. However, the stimulus package by Obama granted around 3 billion to split between all the federally recognized tribes. This can go towards anything the tribe sees fit (which includes better health care). It depends on the tribe, but there are also medical facilities and substance programs developed by the tribe and funded by the tribe.
As Kendra said above Native Americans and there health care needs are highly dependent upon services provided by governments aid. Like some of the people in our country, but being depended on the country for there heath care needs definitely isnt a good. Things are getting better which is good thing.
ReplyDeleteThe Consolidated Chemical Dependency Treatment Fund (CCDT), pays for treatment through state, federal and county funds. Programs like these is what the Native American community needs.
It sad to think of the infant mortality numbers in the Native American community, especially in terms of the population. The numbers in the table were less then African Americans but Native Americans have a muvh smaller population.
Sade Kelly