MARSHALL ISLANDERS IN
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS: HEALTH,
ACCESS & WELL-BEING
Michael Duke, Ph.D.
Department of Anthropology
Where are the
Marshall Islands?
Health Issues
Substantial health problems, including:
- High infant mortality (5 x US rate)
- Tuberculosis
- Diabetes
- Alcohol-related problems
- STIs
- Hansen’s Disease
- Suicide
Ebeye Community Health Center, RMI
Health Issues:
Possible Causes
Inter-Related Factors
-
Urban centers - High population density, substantial unemployment
“Outer islands”- Health care access
Nationwide
- Poor diet
- Physical, ecological, psychological (and genetic?) impact of nuclear
weapons testing (1946-1958, 23 tests total)
Nuclear weapons test, Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands
Where is Springdale, AR?
Demographic Characteristics (N=71,397)
Pacific
Islander
5%
Asian
2%
AmerInd/
Alaska
Native
1%
African
Amer
2%
Latino
32%
White
58%
Why Springdale?
Photo: Steve Hebert
Marshallese Population: 6000+
(app. 1/10th of RMI’s population)
Photo Still from “Unnatural Causes”
İPoultry!
Photo: Steve Hebert
Note: Marshallese can travel to and work in the US via the Compact of Free Association
between the USA and RMI
Kommol Tata! (Thank You!)
Photo: Steve Hebert