Health Care for American Indians

Last month, the leaders of 564 American Indian tribes were invited to Washington DC to talk with President Obama and cabinet leaders about their concerns. Among the concerns, the most heated was health care. The health care overhaul being debated in Congress could possibly bring improvements to the Indian health system. The representatives at this meeting called Obama's administration the "most positive" because of their concern for American Indian health. Obama mentioned to the press that the American Indian health system should get more attention because so many natives die of tuberculosis, alcoholism, diabetes, pneumonia, and influenza compared to other Americans. One specific woman had breast cancer and did not NEED a mastectomy, but chose to have the operation anyway because she did not have the resources or time to travel five hours roundtrip to get radiation. The operation was not necessary at all and she her condition could have been treated with radiation and other methods, but the other methods simply weren't in her reach. Even though many Americans complain about health care, they should at least be grateful that they don't need to travel five hours to get radiation treatment. I think Obama and his administration are headed in the right direction with caring about American Indians, because the US certainly doesn't have the best history with the natives (breaking treaties, removing them from land, putting them in reservations, killing their bulls..)


One man stated that the "first Americans" are living in third world conditions, and this is and has been true. Some people argue that the Obama administration shouldn't be so concerned about the American Indians and focus more on repairing our economy. But I think part of Obama's appeal is that he is concerned for a wide scope of issues, not just the "big ones".