anyway, the list of causes nearly mirrors what researchers are finding for the native community with one difference sticking out. surveys of clients are showing a lack of trust amongst natives of western medicine, white doctors, government funded…anything and this is causing them to, on average, to SEEK less medical care, even if it is available.

I wonder if this is unique to natives. is there a significant number of black folks who refuse to see a doctor who has no ties to the black community? we see a large number of clients who would not go anywhere else. not all of our doctors are native, but clients are willing to see any doctor at a clinic they perceive to be in touch with thier community. since we have introduced traditional and holistic aspects to the care we give, even people with health insurance, who could go to a high tech facility in the burbs, or get into the systems of one of the major hospitals are headed to SW-D to our relatively ramshackled facilities to recieve care.

I have no illusions that we are much more than a band-aid on a shotgun wound. But, as the evidence piles up, our access to funds becomes greater, as we can prove that we can provide something that other health centers cannot. Are other minority groups able to provide such evidence and perhaps field and fund smaller, community based organizations where there is a greater amount of trust and thus a greater percentage of people SEEKING the care they need?