Health Issues that Affect Native Americans
The main health issues that affect Native Americans include chronic diseases, mental health, substance abuse, and limited access to healthcare (Omisakin et al. 31-34). First, Native Americans report a higher number of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity compared to other populations. Secondly, Native American communities mostly experience a high number of mental health cases, including substance abuse, depression, and suicide. This is attributed to limited access to mental health services, social disparities, and historical trauma (Omisakin et al. 31-34). Thirdly, substance use like illicit drug and alcohol use is a key health concern among Native Americans. Substance use may lead to different health problems, including injuries, liver disease, and mental health issues. Lastly, Native American communities face several barriers to accessing quality healthcare services, including economic challenges, geographic isolation, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure (Omisakin et al. 31-34).
Health professionals can help improve the health of Native Americans in different ways. One way is to understand and respect the cultural diversity among Native American communities. Health professionals should establish trust, build rapport with patients, and be aware of their cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions that may affect healthcare decisions. Also, health professionals may collaborate with Native American communities and their leaders to develop health programs that are tailored and responsive to their community needs (O’Keefe et al. 84-89).
Health professions should further recognize the importance of a holistic approach to health whereby traditional healing methods should be integrated with Western medicine to improve overall health outcomes (Gartner and Wilbur 113-27). Lastly, health professionals should act as advocates for policies that seek to address the social determinants of health, like education, poverty, and employment. Subsequently, according to O’Keefe et al., improvement of education access and economic opportunities can positively impact the overall health of Native American communities (84-89).
Works Cited
Gartner, Danielle R., and Rachel E. Wilbur. “Exploring Public Health’s Role in Addressing Historical Trauma among U.S. Indigenous Populations.” Public Health Ethics Analysis, vol. 7, Springer Nature (Netherlands), Jan. 2022, pp. 113–27, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-92080-7_8.
O’Keefe, Victoria M., et al. “Increasing Culturally Responsive Care and Mental Health Equity with Indigenous Community Mental Health Workers.” Psychological Services, vol. 18, no. 1, May 2021, https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000358.
Omisakin, Olusola A., et al. “Contributors to Reduced Life Expectancy among Native Americans in the Four Corners States.” PLOS ONE, edited by Neha John-Henderson, vol. 16, no. 8, Aug. 2021, p. e0256307, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256307.
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Question 
What are the main health issues that affect Native Americans (List at least 4)?
Health Issues that Affect Native Americans
As a health professional, how would you assist in improving their health and utilize culturally competent methods?