The Native American population of Oregon continues to struggle with a high poverty rate. Health care that is both affordable and accessible to those living on and off reservation land can be hard to find.Tribal agencies and nonprofit organizations have developed programs to provide health services to the Indian community.
Oregon Native Tribes
Oregon is home to nine Native American tribes that are recognized by the United States government. These are: Confederated Tribes of Umatilla, Klamath, Coquille, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua, Burns Paiute, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Confederated Tribes of Siletz, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The 2009 U.S. Census reports that 1.6 percent of the state's total population is Native American.
Need
In 2008, a survey conducted by the state of Oregon showed that over 25 percent of the Native American population was living below poverty level. The 2009 U.S. Census found that one out of three Native Americans does not have health care. Compounding the issue of health care is that Native clinics are frequently located on reservation land. The 2009 U.S. Census reports that more than two-thirds of Native Americans live in urban areas, away from the reservation and accessible health care. In response to the need for affordable health care for Native Americans in Oregon, nonprofit organization Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, Inc., or NARA, has become a leading center for Natives to receive health care.
Services
Native American clinics provide community health services. These include but are not limited to: outpatient medical, dental, pharmacy, lab, X-rays, optical, diabetic care, sexually transmitted disease testing, well baby/child clinics, health education, and substance abuse treatment (separate treatment for adolescents). Some clinics offer services free of charge, while others offer a fee-for-service payment scale.
Obtaining Services
The process for obtaining services varies depending on the clinic and tribe. Clinics on reservation land offer walk-in appointments, while urban clinics such as NARA have an intake process. Proof of Native American status is required to obtain services. The identification for on-reservation health clinics is a tribal identification card, while off-reservation clinics may require a CDIB (Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood), which is obtained from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Other Tribes
Native Americans living in the state of Oregon that are from tribes not originating in the state are also eligible for health care services. Organizations such as the Chemawa Indian Health Center and NARA provide services to members of all federally recognized tribes.
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