Skip to main content

Overcoming Invisibility: Better Health Data for American Indians and Alaska Natives

Information on the American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) population is critical now more than ever as COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting AIAN populations across the country.

Join UCLA Center for Health Policy Research Senior Public Administration Analyst Tara Becker, PhD, and Senior Research Scientist Riti Shimkhada, PhD, as they share findings from their forthcoming policy brief (co-authored by Susan H. Babey, PhD; AJ Scheitler, EdD; and Ninez A. Ponce, MPP, PhD) which examines AIAN data availability and the variations in estimates due to differences in coding and tabulating from eight large population health surveys. Becker and Shimkhada will discuss implications of the limited accessibility of AIAN information in population datasets and provide recommendations that may help improve availability of health information and our understanding of disparities within the American Indian and Alaska Native population. 

Speakers

Tara Becker

Tara Becker

Senior Public Administration Analyst

Learn More
Riti Shimkhada

Riti Shimkhada

Senior Research Scientist

Learn More
AJ Scheitler

AJ Scheitler

Director of Development, Engagement, and Strategic Planning

Learn More
Ninez A. Ponce

Ninez A. Ponce

Center Director, UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

Learn More

Upcoming Events

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Webinar // 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM

California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) Annual Data Release

The mental and physical health effects of the 2025 wildfires. Hate targeting immigrants. Barriers to healthcare. Food insecurity. What do the latest data reveal about the experiences shaping life and health in California, and who was affected most? Join the UCLA CHPR on Thursday, October 15, as we share the 2025 findings from the annual California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).

Read more