American Indians and Alaskan natives constitute a seriously disadvantaged minority in this country and suffer the destructive effects of sociocultural maladjustment with its concomitant toll of unemployment, poverty, and illness.
Despite the existence of an established Indian Health Service, evidences of inadequate health care and lack of opportunity for health careers are obvious and well documented. The situation of Indians and Alaskan natives in America is critical whether they live on or off the reservation. For example, there are less than 10 tribally related Indian physicians in America and probably not more than a total of 40 identifiable Indian physicians.
Despite these findings, federal support for Indian Health Services continues to be woefully insufficient and Indian and Alaskan native health and life are neglected both on and off the reservation. Therefore, the American Public Health
Association urges:
- Increased federal support for Indian Health Services;
- Expansion of health career opportunities for Indians and Alaskan natives at all levels;
- The coverage by new National Health Insurance proposals of Indians and Alaskan natives whether on or off the reservation;
The direction of special funding efforts toward enriched programs for basic survival health and economic needs of those Indians and Alaskan natives who are undergoing the arduous transition from reservation life.
Active participation and control by Indian and Alaskan natives in the planning and implementation of their programs both on and off the reservation.
Finally APHA urges that an immediate and just settlement of aboriginal claims in Alaska, now in the form of proposals before the U.S. Congress, receive favorable action prior to the 1970 congressional adjournment.