American Indians/Alaska Natives

1. American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Health Disparities (2022–2023 Aligned)

Overview

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations experience some of the most persistent health disparities in the United States. According to current surveillance trends from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022–2023), inequities remain significant across chronic disease, injury mortality, maternal health, and life expectancy.

These disparities are not isolated outcomes—they reflect long-standing structural inequities in healthcare access, geographic isolation, and resource allocation.

Chronic Disease and Mortality (Current CDC Trends 2022–2023)

Recent CDC reporting continues to show elevated rates of:

  • Heart disease
  • Cancer mortality
  • Diabetes prevalence (among the highest nationally)
  • Chronic liver disease

AI/AN populations also continue to experience disproportionate burden from preventable chronic conditions linked to access gaps and delayed care.

Injury, Suicide, and Youth Mortality

One of the most critical ongoing disparities is injury-related mortality:

  • Unintentional injuries remain a leading cause of death for younger AI/AN populations
  • Motor vehicle fatalities remain significantly elevated compared to national averages
  • Youth suicide rates remain among the highest in the United States

These outcomes are strongly associated with infrastructure limitations, healthcare access barriers, and mental health resource shortages.

Infectious Disease and Public Health Access

Current CDC surveillance continues to identify disparities in:

  • Preventive screening access
  • Vaccination coverage in certain regions
  • Chronic infectious disease management (regionally variable)

Historical Baseline (For Context Only)

Earlier surveillance data (2000–2002) showed:

  • Diabetes prevalence more than twice the national average
  • Chronic liver disease mortality more than twice the national rate
  • Elevated infant mortality and SIDS rates
  • STD rates significantly higher than national averages

These historical patterns remain relevant as baseline comparison but have evolved in magnitude rather than disappeared.

PDN New Jump Swing is not positioned as a one-dimensional solution, but as part of a comprehensive approach to restoring health in populations where the need is greatest.

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