Native Americans have a significantly lower life expectancy compared to White Americans, with a median age at death 14 years younger according to recent CDC data. In South Dakota, the disparity is even more pronounced, with Indigenous residents dying 22 years earlier than their White counterparts.
Health experts attribute this alarming gap to complex social and economic factors rather than just inadequate healthcare. Dr. Donald Warne, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, emphasizes the need for community-based prevention programs over simply hiring more medical professionals.
The article highlights various challenges facing Native American communities, including high rates of suicide, car crashes, and chronic diseases. Katherine Goodlow (above), a 20-year-old member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, shares her personal experiences of losing multiple friends and relatives at young ages.
Efforts to address these disparities include programs like Family Spirit, which provides support for Indigenous mothers and children. Chelsea Randall of the Great Plains Tribal Leaders’ Health Board describes how community health workers assist pregnant women and families with children up to age three.
Experts stress the importance of addressing underlying issues such as poor living conditions, generational trauma, and limited access to resources. Katrina Fuller, health director at Siċaŋġu Co on the Rosebud Reservation, emphasizes holistic approaches to improving community health, including cultural revitalization and economic initiatives.
While challenges persist, there is hope in community-led programs and increased collaboration between federal, state, and tribal governments to improve life expectancy for Native Americans.
See “Native Americans have shorter life spans, and it’s not just due to lack of health care” (April 15, 2024)
