November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native American and Alaska Native communities.
While celebrating their heritage, it’s essential to acknowledge and address the social drivers of health (SDOH) that impact these populations, affecting well-being and creating barriers to health equity.
Key Social Drivers of Health for Native Communities
- Economic Stability
Many Native communities face economic challenges stemming from historical inequities. Limited job opportunities and high poverty rates impact housing, food security, and healthcare access. - Healthcare Access
Access to healthcare remains a major issue, with funding shortages for the Indian Health Service (IHS) and limited healthcare facilities in rural areas. Strengthening telehealth and funding IHS can help bridge the care gap. - Community and Cultural Resilience
Community and cultural connections are vital for mental health and resilience. Programs supporting language preservation, traditional practices, and community health are key to strengthening social and cultural well-being.
This Native American Heritage Month let’s honor Native heritage and recognize the resilience of these communities. Supporting community-driven programs that address SDOH can foster health equity and empower Native populations to thrive.
Telligen is proud to offer our own suite of solutions to eliminate healthcare disparities to improve health for all. Learn more at Telligen.com/health-equity.