Open AccessThe Indian Health Service and American Indian/Alaska Native Health Outcomes
Author(s) -
Gina Kruse,
Victor A. Lopez-Carmen,
Anpotowin Jensen,
Lakotah Hardie,
Thomas D. Sequist
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
annual review of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.239
H-Index - 144
eISSN - 1545-2093
pISSN - 0163-7525
DOI - 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-052620-103633
Subject(s) - health equity , indian country , ethnic group , native american , health services , medicine , health care , service (business) , environmental health , gerontology , political science , economic growth , business , public health , nursing , population , sociology , ethnology , marketing , economics , law
The Indian Health Service (IHS) has made huge strides in narrowing health disparities between American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations and other racial and ethnic groups. Yet, health disparities experienced by AI/AN people persist, with deep historical roots combined with present-day challenges. Here we review the history of the IHS from colonization to the present-day system, highlight persistent disparities in AI/AN health and health care, and discuss six key present-day challenges: inadequate funding, limited human resources, challenges associated with transitioning services from federal to Tribal control through contracting and compacting, evolving federal and state programs, the need for culturally sensitive services, and the promise and challenges of health technology.