Home > News > Improving Health of American Indians and Alaska Natives: Q&A with IHS Director Michael Weahkee
Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee, director of the Indian Health Service (IHS), answers questions about the health needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Water and sanitation systems, adequate stable housing, and transportation are important issues of infrastructure that impact public health.
“American Indians and Alaska Natives have long experienced lower health status when compared to other Americans. Heart disease and cancers, diabetes and unintentional injuries are the leading causes of death for our population,” said Weahkee. “And of course, we have a lower life expectancy than the U.S. general population, about five and a half years less.”