The Hidden Crisis in Native American Life Expectancy
From Hosted by Dr. David Derose by Native Voice One - NV1
April 20, 2026 · 59 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the alarming life expectancy crisis among Native Americans, highlighting underreported mortality rates and health disparities.
Host: Dr. David DeRose, MD, MPH. Co-Host: Joni Bokovoy, DrPH, MPH. (Cherokee Nation). Guests: Jacob Bor, SD, Associate Professor, Departments of Global Health and Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health; Michael E. Bird, MSW, MPH (Kewa Pueblo), Past President of the American Public Health Association. Description Dr. Jacob Bor and Michael Bird paint a chilling picture of how Native Americans are dying as early as residents of a third-world country like Bangladesh, rather than having the longevity benefits enjoyed by most of those living in the United States. You will learn how these startling death rates have not been recognized until recently, due to the misclassification of many Native Americans. The full scientific study featured in the program is: Bor J, Bird M, et al. Life expectancy of American Indian and Alaska Native persons and underreporting of mortality in vital statistics. JAMA. 2025; 334(3):243-252. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.8126. For Further Information, visit: www.AIANL.org.
People in this episode
Host: Dr. David DeRose
Guests: Jacob Bor, Michael E. Bird
Topics covered
- Native American health
- life expectancy
- public health
- mortality rates
- health disparities
Keywords
- Native American life expectancy
- health crisis
- mortality underreporting
- public health
- epidemiology
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Boston University School of Public Health, American Public Health Association, JAMA
Books & works: Life expectancy of American Indian and Alaska Native persons and underreporting of mortality in vital statistics
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