Injury Prevention in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

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Each tribal community in Indian country is unique with its own set of traditions, languages, practices, connections to elders, and social ties. Native communities work with the support of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (Injury Center) to prevent injuries, the leading cause of death for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) between the ages of 1 and 54.

The Injury Center partners with and supports native communities, federally recognized tribes, Tribal Epidemiology Centers, tribal organizations, and Indian Health Service to improve health and wellness.

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CDC is working with partners to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) by promoting safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments.

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CDC provides funding to improve drug surveillance and address the opioid crisis in tribal communities.

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CDC is working with tribes to reduce risk and increase protective factors to prevent suicide among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

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Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for AIAN people. Rates of motor vehicle traffic deaths among AIAN adults age 20 years or older are more than twice that of non-Hispanic White persons. Proven strategies to reduce motor vehicle injuries and deaths can be successfully tailored to tribal communities.

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The Star Collection books features and celebrates feeling connected to culture and community and having positive relationships with others that are safe, stable, and nurturing.

Download the Star Collection E-books and promotional materials

Violence Against AIAN People

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CDC works to understand and address Missing or Murdered Indigenous Peoples [PDF – 2 pages] issues by sharing data and violence prevention efforts.

Success Stories

CDC’s Injury Center supports Indian Health Boards, Tribal Epidemiology Centers, Tribal Health Organizations, and Tribes in building public health capacity to promote health and prevent disease in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. These success stories provide a snapshot of the work partners are doing in the field to advance prevention efforts in their communities.