Racial and ethnic minorities are significantly more likely than whites to delay or forego needed mental health care, and, if they do seek treatment, they are more likely than whites to drop out (McGuire and Miranda, 2008). Mental illness stigma and discrimination are thought to contribute to these racial/ethnic disparities in service utilization (U.S. Department […]
American Indian or Alaska Native
Racial-Ethnic Differences in Psychiatric Diagnoses and Treatment Across 11 Health Care Systems in the Mental Health Research Network
A large study from Kaiser Permanente, involving more than 7 million adults, found significant differences in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions based on the race and ethnicity of the patients. The new study published in the journal Psychiatric Services, also found that regardless of race or ethnicity, patients were more than twice […]
Lifelong Disparities among Older American Indians and Alaska Natives
The rapidly growing number of older American Indians and Alaska Natives warrants the attention of researchers, policy makers, and service providers. This report uses American Community Survey data to provide a national overview of the sociodemographic characteristics of this growing population. American Indians and Alaska Natives ages 50 and over report having lower levels of […]
Racial and Gender Disparities in Suicide Among Young Adults Aged 18–24
Suicide is an act of violence against oneself, resulting in death. Among teenagers and young adults aged 15–24, suicide was the second leading cause of death in 2013. Because patterns of suicide may be different for young adults aged 18–24 than for teens aged 15–17, this NCHS Health E-Stat examines suicide rates and methods among young adults aged […]
Suicide in Indian Country: The Continuing Epidemic in Rural Native American Communities
A review of suicide in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities found that successful suicide prevention programs used in these communities generally (1) address risk factors while “building individual self-efficacy and positive self-image,” (2) “are strength-based and culturally sensitive,” and (3) include traditional healing practices as well as cultural/spiritual development. After reviewing the literature, […]
Suicide Prevention in Rural Tribal Communities: The Intersection of Challenge and Possibility
The authors of this review article conclude that the high rate of suicide among American Indians—and especially youth—in rural areas results from a combination of the risk factors that characteristically contribute to high rates of rural suicide (e.g., social isolation, lack of access to services, and substance abuse) with the long-term consequences of historical trauma […]