American Indians and Alaskan Natives bear what experts call a "disproportionate disease burden." Here's how that euphemistic term translates to real life:
They're at higher risk of heart disease than the general population and more than twice as likely to develop diabetes. They're also more likely to die from diabetes, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, cancer, stroke, kidney disease, suicide, assault and drug-related causes.
These tragic gaps aren't a new medical challenge, but they remain a particularly stubborn and shameful one. That's why a new initiative from the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health is timely and needed.
In Minnesota and across the nation, there is growing acknowledgment of the value of having caregivers who are not only aware of American Indians' unique health needs and but familiar with their cultural values. This foundation can strengthen the caregiver-patient relationship, which in turn can serve as a foundation for improved medical outcomes.
At the same time, there is a shortage of health care providers and staff with the cultural knowledge needed to strengthen care in Indian communities. The new School of Public Health program, which was announced in June, aims to help meet this workforce demand.
The school is now offering its graduate students a chance to minor in American Indian health. The pathway is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation. It also complements the work done at the University of Minnesota Medical School's Center of American Indian and Minority Health.
There's no need to be American Indian to enroll. Subjects will include Indian culture and provide an in-depth look at tribal law, the federally run Indian Health Service and the complicated interaction between Indian nations and the federal government.
The knowledge will augment traditional public health graduate majors, which include biostatistics, community health promotion, epidemiology, environmental health, and public health administration and policy.
