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for Providers

IHS - for Providers

Whether you’re an Indian Health Service Dentist, a Tribal Nurse or a private sector Physician the culturally tailored resources found in this section should be useful to you when working with American Indian and Alaska Native patients.

The Indian health care system presents a successful model for rural health programs as well as for indigenous people around the world because of its respect for cultural beliefs, its blending of traditional practices with the modern medical model, and its emphasis on public health and community outreach activities. The Indian health model and the participation of Indian people in decisions affecting their health has produced significant health improvements for Indian people: Indian life expectancy has increased by about 10 years since 1973; and mortality rates have decreased for maternal deaths, tuberculosis, gastrointestinal disease, infant deaths, unintentional injuries and accidents, pneumonia and influenza, homicide, alcoholism, and suicide.

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