Correspondingly, communities are seeing different health problems. Economic hardship contributes to a variety of health problems. Assimilation into the dominant society has led to disruptions in family and community values. Suicide, homicide, family violence, and chemical dependency are more significant issues than in the past. Raising children and encouraging young people in this environment is difficult.
Accidents still claim a disproportionate number of young people.
There are a significant number of homes without access to water and sewer systems. An increasing population of elders, who are dependent on the family and community, at a time of such pressure adds to the stressors in the environment. The chronic diseases of an aging population such as diabetes and end stage renal disease also demand special program interventions. But these issues vary from community to community. The Agency budget proposes health program increases to address the changing health needs of these vulnerable populations.