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For Immediate Release: October 5, 2005 (05-129)
Contacts:
Becky Johnston, American Indian Health Commission 206-240-8194
Jeff Smith, DOH Communications Office
360-236-4072
Health factors for American Indians and Alaska Natives show improvement
OLYMPIA ¾ Washington’s American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population has seen a marked improvement in health status over the last two decades, but more work is needed.
A recent report jointly published by the Washington State Department of Health and the American Indian Health Commission for Washington State shows significant progress in AI/AN health issues for several key areas during the past 20 years:
"The government-to-government relationship between the state and tribes has been effective in improving the health status of tribal members," said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. "We must continue to build on our successes and ensure that this is a mutual priority."
Secretary Selecky said that two major successes are the ongoing efforts by Washington tribes and the agency to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies and the work between Health’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Program and Washington tribes.
Despite the improvements in some health indicators, tribal members in Washington continue to experience a disproportionately high mortality and morbidity burden compared to the general population:
In 2000-2002, AI/ANs had the lowest life expectancy at 74 years. This compares to 78 years for whites, 83 years for Asians and Pacific Islanders.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Northwest AI/ANs is disproportionately higher than in the general population, with the rate among this group second only to that for African Americans. And the prevalence of diabetes among Northwest tribal members is rapidly increasing – almost doubling between 1996 and 2001.
Injury-related mortality – notably from drowning, motor vehicle crashes, suicide, and traumatic brain injuries – is highest among AI/ANs.
Although birth rates for adolescents of all races have declined significantly since 1992, birth rates for AI/AN adolescents were higher than national rates. In general, women of all ages in this population were least likely to enter prenatal care in their first trimester.
A combination of living conditions, limited access to health care services, diminished funding, and lifestyle choices continue to play a role in the low health status of AI/ANs. The prevalence of many, if not all, of these factors can be diminished or even eliminated.
"Washington state and the tribes must renew their commitment to implementing effective public health programs as well as disease prevention and treatment strategies," said Marilyn Scott, chair of the American Indian Health Commission for Washington State and the Upper Skagit Tribe. "The state should assist tribes in assuring that adequate resources are available to eliminate health disparities affecting American Indians and Alaska Natives."
The report – Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges: The 2005-2007 American Indian Health Care Delivery Plan – offers recommendations and objectives for tribal and urban health programs and state policymakers. The complete report (http://www.aihc-wa.org/AIHCDP/aihcdp.htm) is available on the Internet.
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