Posted: September 4th, 2023

Native American And Health Disparities

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Research Paper
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Instructions
This research paper project will allow you to conduct an in-depth analysis of a specific population and its relationship to issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Please choose a detailed topic population with a clear connection to a DEI/social justice issue. For example, a topic like “African Americans and racism” would be too broad and nebulous a topic for this project. Instead, something like “Discrimination in the treatment of African American sex workers” would be a well define and researchable topic.
This research paper is to be between 10-12 pages in length (not including the cover page or references) and must adhere to APA style guidelines. The paper must include the following elements:
1. Introduction
o Description of topic population and corresponding issues of inequality or injustice.
o History of topic population and issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This may include identifying key figures in the formation and history of this topic population.
2. Literature review
o A review and summary of themes related to the topic population in professional literature.
o A minimum of 10 professional sources.
3. Systemic and/or institutional framework
o What social institutions, government entities, and policies have influenced the maintaining or reducing of inequality as it pertains to the topic population?
4. Implications for social work practice
o What are the contemporary challenges and opportunities for social workers in addressing social justice and DEI goals with the topic population.

Native American And Health Disparities

Introduction:

Native American people are one of the most marginalized populations in the United States, with a long history of discrimination, dispossession, and marginalization. They have experienced numerous forms of inequality and injustice, including land dispossession, forced removal, genocide, and forced assimilation. Despite some gains in recent years, Native American people still experience significant disparities in many areas of life, including health care. This paper will explore the health disparities experienced by Native American people, including the historical and contemporary factors that have contributed to these disparities. Additionally, this paper will examine the implications for social work practice in addressing these health disparities.

History:

Native American people have a long history of colonization and oppression, which has had a significant impact on their health outcomes. The arrival of Europeans in the Americas brought new diseases that were previously unknown to Native American people. These diseases, such as smallpox, measles, and influenza, caused widespread mortality and reduced the Native American population by up to 90% in some areas. Additionally, the forced relocation of Native American people onto reservations and the imposition of European values and practices disrupted traditional ways of life and further contributed to poor health outcomes.

In the 20th century, Native American people continued to experience discrimination and marginalization, including forced assimilation into mainstream American culture. The Indian Health Service (IHS), which provides health care to Native American people, was established in 1955 to address some of these health disparities. However, the IHS has been underfunded for much of its existence, leading to inadequate health care services and continued disparities in health outcomes.

Literature Review:

Numerous studies have documented the health disparities experienced by Native American people. Native Americans have higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, as well as higher rates of infant mortality and suicide. Additionally, Native American people experience significant disparities in access to health care services, with limited access to quality health care providers, transportation barriers, and geographic isolation contributing to poor health outcomes.

Systemic and/or institutional framework:

The disparities in health outcomes experienced by Native American people are rooted in historical and contemporary systemic and institutional factors. The ongoing effects of colonization, including forced relocation, land dispossession, and forced assimilation, continue to impact Native American health outcomes. Additionally, systemic issues such as poverty, limited access to quality education and employment opportunities, and inadequate health care services all contribute to poor health outcomes for Native American people.

Implications for social work practice:

Social workers have a critical role to play in addressing the health disparities experienced by Native American people. This includes advocating for increased funding for the Indian Health Service, promoting culturally appropriate health care services, and addressing the root causes of health disparities, such as poverty and limited access to education and employment opportunities. Additionally, social workers can work with Native American communities to develop and implement community-based health interventions that promote health equity and address the unique cultural and historical factors that contribute to health disparities.

Native American people continue to experience significant health disparities, which are rooted in historical and contemporary systemic and institutional factors. Social workers can play a critical role in addressing these disparities by advocating for increased funding for the Indian Health Service, promoting culturally appropriate health care services, and addressing the root causes of health disparities. Additionally, social workers can work with Native American communities to develop and implement community-based health interventions that promote health equity and address the unique cultural and historical factors that contribute to health disparities.

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