Thirteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Health disparities of New Mexico’s American Indians compared to New Mexico’s white residents and with the national averages for both are reexamined. New Mexico’s American Indians were shown to have higher racial disparities in health than their comparisons with white New Mexico population. Theoretical perspectives that steer away from Eurocentric perspectives are explored. Culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) are explored to show the effectiveness of the awareness of culture in working with American Indian/Alaskan Natives. Interventions for health disparities are examined with an emphasis on disparities perceived by American Indians/Alaskan Natives. Community-based participatory research is explored to show its effectiveness in working with American Indian/Alaskan Natives populations. A case example is offered of the successful use of community-based participatory research with American Indians/Alaskan Natives populations. The ethical nature of dealing and working with health disparities in American Indians/Alaskan Natives population is discussed, as well as policy implications of these health disparities. Policy implications that focus on American Indians/Alaskan Natives environments and communities would probably be the most beneficial in improving the health and wellness of these populations. Those policies that fail to do so would likely not meet the needs of American Indians/Alaskan Natives population.