American Indians and Alaska Natives
Updated May 2005
American Indians and Alaska Natives comprise 1.5% of the U.S. population
and in 2003, 196 new AIDS diagnoses were reported, revealing a 20.1%
increase in AIDS diagnoses among this population. At the end of
2003, a total of 1,498 American Indians and Alaska Natives were
estimated to be living with AIDS but this number is most likely
underreported as often, AI/ANs are subject to misclassification
upon their race and ethnicity by health and social services. Historically,
AI/ANs have been marginalized when examining health disparities,
particularly regarding HIV/AIDS. Social and systemic barriers exist
for Native Americans resulting from forced government relocation
and social discrimination and thus, further increase their risk
for HIV infection. These risk factors include substance abuse, familial
violence, and high rates of sexually transmitted diseases. These
social problems and the reluctance of AI/AN populations to seek
medical assistance and HIV preventative education remain intrinsically
linked. HIV/AIDS care often lacks the cultural competency to treat
the disease within the context of AI/AN beliefs and traditions.
Consequently, these populations accordingly refrain from seeking
preventative HIV education, medical treatment, and follow-up care,
resulting in higher HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality rates. The
organizations and publications below provide a broad base of resources
for HIV/AIDS in American Indian and Alaska Native populations through
their culturally specific initiatives and collaborative efforts.
Organizations
Association of American Indian Physicians
The AAIP HIV/AIDS Education and Awareness program is designed to provide basic information about HIV/AIDS to American Indian and Alaskan Native Youth. Their HIV/AIDS capacity building project seeks to increase community awareness about HIV/AIDS through the development of coalitions in Native communities. This website includes various partnership opportunities and HIV/AIDS research and capacity-building initiatives for Native American communities at local and national levels.
Indian Health Service
IHS is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services and is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. There is a wealth of information about IHS programs, including health history and research databases and resources for IHS management.
National Council of Urban Indian Health
The mission of the National Council of Urban Indian Health is to advocate and raise the health status and wellness of American Indians/Alaskan Natives living in urban communities. A variety of newsletters, articles, and other resources are available online.
National Indian Health Board
NIHB, a non-profit organization, conducts research, policy analysis, program assessment and development, training and technical assistance programs, and project management to tribes, Area Health Boards, tribal organizations, federal agencies, and private foundations serving American Indian communities.
National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (NNAAPC)
The mission of NNAAPC is to stop the spread of HIV and related diseases among American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, and to improve the quality of life for members of their communities infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Programs include technical assistance, and curriculum development. This website offers current information in HIV/AIDS, statistics, events, resources, and links to other sites. NNAAPC also publishes the Two-Spirit Newsletter.
Publications
Ashman JJ, Perez-Jimenez D, Marconi K. "Health and support service utilization patterns of American Indians and Alaska Natives diagnosed with HIV/AIDS." AIDS Educ Prev . 2004 Jun 16(3): 238-49.
Bertolli J, McNaghten AD, Campsmith M, Lee LM, Leman R, Bryan RT, Buehler JW. "Surveillance systems monitoring HIV/AIDS and HIV risk behaviors among American Indians and Alaska Natives." AIDS Educ Prev. 2004 Jun 16(3): 218-37.
Henderson, CW. "HIV/AIDS poses threat to American Indian and Alaska Native communities." AIDS Weekly December 4, 2000. p. 21.
Simoni, JM, Sehgal S, Walters KL. 'Triangle of risk: urban American Indian women's sexual trauma, injection drug use, and HIV sexual risk behaviors' AIDS and Behavior. 2004 March 8(1): 33-45.
Vernon, IS. Killing Us Quietly: Native Americans and HIV/AIDS. University of Nebraska Press. 2001.