Healthcare in the Navajo Nation has always been lacking, especially after The Long Walk, partly because of poor education. In the Navajo Nation there aren’t many doctors or healthcare centers. Having the majority of the Navajo population living in poverty doesn't help either. One big health issue for the Navajo is alcoholism caused by an easy access to alcohol, and genetics. For example, boarding school survivors who had been abused "learned to drink in order to cope with grief, loneliness and poverty.” (The Native Press) The displacement that the Navajo were forced to face also caused mental illnesses like depression and suicidal thoughts because of the lost connections with their loved ones. Navajo suicide rate is 30% higher than the national average and sadly deaths aren’t uncommon. There is also a need for better dental care because of the lack of dentists that the Navajo have. There aren’t many Navajo doctors or healthcare professionals because of the lack of education. The Long Walk killed off many Navajos leaving a much smaller gene pool. (Native Health news)
Above is a photograph of Navajos holding their artwork.
(Navajo Art. Digital image. Lo Spirito Del Pianeta. N.p., 6 June 2015. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.)
(Navajo Art. Digital image. Lo Spirito Del Pianeta. N.p., 6 June 2015. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.)