FOCUS
As part of the program, Jordyn’s goal is to reduce infant mortality among American Indian infants through research examining prenatal and postnatal care interventions. As a part of this work, she also seeks to end the bifurcation presented regarding maternal and infant health, recognizing that these reinforce each other. One of the issues with examining health care among American Indians is the complicated nature of the institutional arrangements that differ by location and have shifted over time. On some reservations, the Indian Health Service and tribal clinics can provide care for pregnant women and their infants. However, in other areas, the facilities are not equipped for childbirths, and women are generally referred out of the Indian Health Service system. This can be a stressful situation as women and their families may not be familiar with them and the facilities may not accommodate the families’ desires regarding pregnancy and birth. Working across sectors to form a culture of health that can truly support native families before, during, and after birth is the focus of Jordyn’s work.
MORE ABOUT JORDYN
Jordyn is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Born and raised on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation, she has gained the first-hand experience of understanding health disparities and health barriers American Indians face. She has dedicated her life goals to serving her community and other American Indian communities to improve the overall health of community members and gap health disparities by addressing the social determinants of health. She is passionate about incorporating effective health policy that encompasses cultural beliefs and practices, as well as health equity.
DISSERTATION GRANT AWARDEE — SUMMER 2022
Maternal Health Outcomes and Access to Prenatal Care Among American Indians: A Mixed Methods Dissertation
This dissertation examines the association of prenatal care with birth outcomes for American Indian and non-American Indian women in the Northern Plains region, how COVID-19 has impacted prenatal quality and delivery of care among American Indians in the Northern Plains, and examines how the Indian Health Service Purchased/Referred Care Program impacts access and/or quality of care for American Indians.
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