Document Type
Research Paper
Publication Date
4-17-2021
Abstract
This article examines both the historical and current government actions that have rendered the Indian Health Service a highly inefficient agency unable to address the poor health outcomes of the Native American community. Findings reveal disparities in funding levels between the Indian Health Service and other government-sponsored healthcare programs, room for growth in the IHS' culturally-conscious programming, and a severe provider shortage across the organization. A study of the COVID-19 pandemic's toll on the Navajo Nation and its healthcare facilities highlights these existing issues at the IHS as well as the organization's ill-preparedness for public health emergencies. Recommendations for future IHS reforms include reclassification of the IHS as a mandatory government spending program, increased emphasis on community-based, culturally-conscious IHS programming, and recruitment of more Native American providers.
Recommended Citation
Roubal, Abby, "The Federal Neglect of the Indian Health Service: Root Causes of Inadequate Health Systems for Native Americans and Recommendations for Future Action" (2021). Library Undergraduate Research Award. 9.
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/lib_ugrad_research/9
Comments
Finalist