The Hidden Crisis in Native American Life Expectancy

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.