Summary
This fact sheet describes a range of behavioral health issues that affect American Indian and Alaska Native populations in disproportionate numbers relative to the general population. Using data from the 2009 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), the authors provide statistics on psychological distress, depression, suicide ideation, physical or sexual violence, binge drinking and use of alcohol or drugs and smoking status. They also report on the need for behavioral treatments, the type of behavioral health provider used most often by native populations, as well as the need for culturally appropriate treatments.
The development of this fact sheet was supported by the Indian Health Service, California Area Office, in collaboration with the Native American Health Center in Oakland, United American Indian Involvement in Los Angeles, and the San Diego American Indian Health Center.