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Document Type

Article

Abstract

This study evaluated the health care situation for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) in urban areas. Some urban areas offer extensive health care services through the Indian Health Service (IHS) or other health care providers. Other urban centers have no options for AI/AN health care at all. The study was limited to six selected metropolitan areas due to time and budget constraints. Data was collected from existing sources including: 1) information compiled by the urban center personnel; 2) demographic information; 3) 1990 Census; 4) IHS population projections; and 5) vital statistic information supplied by the IHS. Proposed National Health Care Reform (Clinton Version), was reviewed along with other available information related to national health reform. A literature search of relevant reports and studies was conducted. Much of the information available was often incomplete, inaccurate, and unsupported, thereby unusable. The 1990 Census became the main source for demographic information and projections. The statistical results from this study were compiled into charts and graphs. The 1990 census data provided the only comprehensive and accessible data base on the urban American Indian populations. The study indicates that over 50% of all American Indians live in urban areas. This large population is not comprehensively served by IHS or any other health care agency or facility. Although all Federally recognized Americans Indians are legally eligible for health care, that care is not geographically available in many urban areas. Therefore, the IHS has limited data available for served and unserved populations other than mortality, infant death, age and sex data.

Publication Date

1994

Publisher

Indian Health Service, Staff Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Research, Rockville, MD 20857 (SSI-05).

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