Breaking Barriers to Indigenous Healthcare: The Need, Background, and Solutions to Native American Health Accessibility

Kaitlyn M. Thompson¹ and Maria Felicia Cavallini^1,

¹Limestone University

Cite this paper:
Kaitlyn M. Thompson and Maria Felicia Cavallini. Breaking Barriers to Indigenous Healthcare: The Need, Background, and Solutions to Native American Health Accessibility. American Journal of Public Health Research. 2025; 13(2):62-66. doi: 10.12691/ajphr-13-2-4

Abstract

Native Americans suffer greater health disparities associated with risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide rates, cardiovascular disease, stroke, andhypertension compared to other ethnic groups. A main deterrent to healthcare for the Native American population is inadequate healthcare policies that stem from an "illness-based care system" that attempts to treat individuals rather than the population as a whole. Western medicinestandards are mainly used in the healthcare field when diagnosing and treating health problems and are often considered the medical standard. However, the Western framework creates a problematic superiority complex and leads to the invalidation of Native Americans' traditional views. Natives have described that a significant barrier for them seeking health services is the lack of trained providers with the knowledge, skills, or training to work with their community in a more traditional form. In addition, mental health has been a targeted area of concern, mainly in part due to historical trauma that has resulted in substance dependence, PTSD, youth behavioral problems, and a rise in suicide rates among the population. Native Americans are disproportionately represented in mental health statistics, experiencing higher rates of substance abuse, suicide, and psychological distress compared to the general population. However, despite this overrepresentation in mental health needs, they are severely underserved and underrepresented in the availability of mental health professionals. Although Indigenous healthcare faces a variety of barriers, multiple strategies can be pursued to combat these obstacles, starting with rebuilding the views and process of the health services offered to Native Americans as well as being more mindful to the Native wholistic approach to healing and optimal health as a way of life. Viable approaches and solutions to safeguard Native access to healthcare are presented and are crucial to overall Native welfare and quality of living.

Keywords:
Native American Healthcare Accessibility Barriers Native Health and Well-Being

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