Challenges Faced by Marshall Islanders in Northwest Arkansas: Health and Well-being

Marshall Islanders in Northwest Arkansas experience significant health issues such as high infant mortality, tuberculosis, diabetes, alcohol-related problems, and more. Possible causes include the aftermath of nuclear weapons testing and limited access to healthcare. Springdale, AR, has a sizable Marshallese population, highlighting the need for support and resources to address their unique health concerns.

• Marshall Islanders
• Health Issues
• Northwest Arkansas
• Access to Healthcare
• Nuclear Weapons Testing

isak_49 Follow

Uploaded on Sep 21, 2024 | 0 Views

Download Presentation

Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.

The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.

Presentation Transcript

1. MARSHALL ISLANDERS IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS: HEALTH, ACCESS & WELL-BEING Michael Duke, Ph.D. Department of Anthropology

2. Where are the Marshall Islands?

3. Health Issues Substantial health problems, including: - High infant mortality (5 x US rate) - Tuberculosis - Diabetes - Alcohol-related problems - STIs - Hansen s Disease - Suicide Ebeye Community Health Center, RMI

4. Health Issues: Possible Causes Inter-Related Factors - Urban centers - High population density, substantial unemployment - Outer islands - Health care access - Nationwide - Poor diet - Physical, ecological, psychological (and genetic?) impact of nuclear weapons testing (1946-1958, 23 tests total) Nuclear weapons test, Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands

5. Where is Springdale, AR? Demographic Characteristics (N=71,397) Pacific Islander 5% Latino 32% Asian 2% AmerInd/ Alaska Native 1% White 58% African Amer 2%

6. Why Springdale? Photo: Steve Hebert Marshallese Population: 6000+ (app. 1/10thof RMI s population) Photo Still from Unnatural Causes

7. Poultry! Photo: Steve Hebert Note: Marshallese can travel to and work in the US via the Compact of Free Association between the USA and RMI

8. Kommol Tata! (Thank You!) Photo: Steve Hebert