Indians have the lowest life expectancy of any group in the US; the general state of Indian health lags 25 years behind the rest of the population. Article discusses problems of health delivery systems, alternative approaches to health care, and some of the most pressing health problems. (DS)

Addresses alcoholism from a psychocultural perspective, examining social policies that have contributed to the marginality of Native Americans and to the stereotype of the "drunken Indian." As Native Americans have been forced to modify their tribal ways, more members are pushed into the fringes of their traditional culture. (Author/BEF)

To provide some directions for the design and implementation of innovative health programs, both on an individual and community level, this paper, using both empirical and anecdotal sources, explores some of the possible psychological mechanisms Indian people have used to endure overt and covert Federal policies and social attitudes of termination…

The National Council on Indian Opportunity visited 5 major cities in 1968-69 for the purpose of holding hearings about the problems of urban Indians with a view toward stimulating remedial Federal Government and local community action. This report organizes the urban Indian concerns and characteristics evidenced during the hearings which had to do…

Addressing American Indians and the Indian Health Service (IHS), this report focuses on the process of Indian involvement and self-determination in health, emphasizing improvement of the effectiveness and responsiveness of Indian health services. Data derived from written documents, statistical figures, and personal interviews with over 200 people…

Analysis of morbidity, mortality, and demographic data on Navajo people was undertaken to identify leading health problems in the Navajo area and to suggest intervention activities. Comparisons with total U.S. population were made to provide perspective. Data on Navajo mortality showed: a ratio of male to female deaths of 2:1, more than 50 percent…

Three separate reports are included in this document on American Indian alcoholism. Section I of the document (December 1969) outlines the history, nature, extent, and significance of Indian alcoholism (reporting that the incidence of alcoholism among Indians is twice that of the national average, low socioeconomic status, rather than a…

This paper promotes discussion by native community groups of the meaning of physical and mental health, the differences between treatment and prevention, and how education contributes to disease and health of children. Education's role in disease prevention is defined as helping the learner respond appropriately to stress arising from the…

This volume presents major findings and recommendations of the Department of Health and Human Service's (DHHS) Task Force on Black and Minority Health. The recommendations, which are based on data collected from a number of sources, are intended to guide DHHS in developing programs and policies that address the continuing disparity in the burden…

Discussion in Native American communities of problems related to alcoholism and drug abuse is encouraged through reading this paper, working on suggested activities and questions, and applying the information to improve local situations. Alcohol and drug abuse symptoms are described along with statistics illustrating the scope of the problem. The…

Designed to help alleviate some of the health problems among American Indians and Eskimos, this booklet covers suicide, homicide, and alcoholism. It can be used to provide: (1) "how-to" guidelines which describe ways for recognizing, handling, and preventing possible suicides among American Indians; and (2) survey data and literature for…