Tribal leaders in North Carolina met over the weekend to address health care issues and disparities facing the 100,000 Indians who call the state home.

American Indians in North Carolina are more likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis than whites or blacks, according to state statistics cited by the Associated Press. They are also more likely to lack physical exercise, go without a doctor's care due to cost, be without health insurance, and suffer 14 or more days of poor physical health in the past month.

The state is home to one federally-recognized tribe -- the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians -- and eight state-recognized tribes.

Get the Story:
Many Indians in N.C get poor health care (AP 6/7)

Relevant Links:
North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs - http://www.doa.state.nc.us/cia/indian.htm

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