Social Determinants of Health Affecting Urban American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: Key Findings & Recommendations

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The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) has released new resources highlighting how key social determinants of health (SDOH) affect American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people living in urban areas across the United States, and specifically in California.

From 2025 to 2026, NCUIH conducted a scan of publicly available research and data, along with a survey of California Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), to examine four key challenges related to SDOH:

  • Housing insecurity;
  • Transportation barriers to care;
  • Food insecurity; and,
  • Indigenous language and identity challenges.

Findings indicate that AI/AN people experience significant disparities across these areas. The research also highlights the interconnected nature of SDOH and their collective impact on health outcomes, as well as the need for increased investment and resources to reduce these disparities.

To support UIOs, providers, policymakers, and partners, the report offers key findings and actionable recommendations to address these challenges and improve health outcomes for urban AI/AN communities.

NCUIH has also developed two infographics that highlight findings from the survey of California UIOs on SDOH.

Visit ncuih.org/sdoh2026 to learn more and access the full report and infographics.

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