Healthy Start

Abstract

Among the Ojibway, Odawa and Potawatomi people, Tribal communities in Michigan collectively known as the People of the Three Fires, women, infants and families often do not receive the healthcare and prevention services that they need to maintain good health. A variety of factors contribute to compromised maternal and child health (MCH) within Native American communities. These include high rates of smoking, substance abuse, domestic violence and chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Excessive post neonatal deaths and SIDS, which are two to four times greater than for Whites, are significant concerns. In addition, many American Indians suffer …