FROM THE ARCHIVE
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Studies document disparities in Indian health
Friday, August 1, 2003

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Indian Health Service published data today in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report documenting health disparities affecting American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The studies looked at injury mortality among Native youth, diabetes, cancer mortality and respiratory ailments. In every area, Native Americans suffered at rates two to three times higher than all other groups combined.

When broken down by IHS service area, other disparities emerged. For example, American Indians in Minnesota and surrounding states have the highest rate of cancer deaths among all American Indians.

Another study showed high vaccination coverage among Alaska Native children.

Health officials said the studies show that problems must be tackled on a local basis. They emphasized tribal-federal partnerships.

Get the Story:
Indians' health still lags whites (USA Today 8/1)
Indians' health not on par with rest of U.S. (AP 8/1)
Study finds high cancer death rate among Indians in Minnesota (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 8/1)

Get the Studies:
  • Health Disparities Experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives
  • Injury Mortality Among American Indian and Alaska Native Children and Youth --- United States, 1989--1998
  • Diabetes Prevalence Among American Indians and Alaska Natives and the Overall Population --- United States, 1994--2002
  • Cancer Mortality Among American Indians and Alaska Natives --- United States, 1994--1998
  • Bronchiolitis-Associated Outpatient Visits and Hospitalizations Among American Indian and Alaska Native Children --- United States, 1990--2000
  • Vaccination Coverage Levels Among Alaska Native Children Aged 19--35 Months --- National Immunization Survey, United States, 2000--2001

    Full MMWR Report:
    August 1, 2003

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