Indigenous Communities and Health | Vermont Department of Health
Source: http://healthvermont.gov/about/our-vision-mission-values/indigenous-communities-and-health
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:23
Indigenous Communities and Health | Vermont Department of Health
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Translations for you
Indigenous Communities and Health
Our Vision, Mission & Values
Accreditation
Health Equity
Health Equity Advisory Commission
Health in All Policies
Indigenous Communities and Health
Our History
Community Organizations & Resources
Abenaki Alliance
The Abenaki Arts and Education Center
Abenaki Health and Heritage Inc
Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi Food Pantry
Nulhegan Food Pantry
The Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs
The Vermont Indigenous Heritage Center
Important Links
Abenaki Nation of Mississquoi
Elnu Abenaki Tribe
Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe
Koasek Traditional Band of teh Koas Abenaki Nation
Health Inequities and Vaccination among Vermont's Native Americans
CDC reports
that Native American/Alaska Natives have the highest vaccination rates in the nation. However, in Vermont, that figure is just 30% – the
second-lowest rate
among people age 12 and older in the state. In addition,
data in the Vermont State Health Assessment 2024
show chronic disease rates are consistently higher among Indigenous Peoples than all other people in Vermont. These data are important indicators of how health inequities can lead to negative health outcomes. These issues are not unique to Vermont. Even when we cannot measure differences due to the small number of individuals who self-identify with certain communities who live in Vermont, we know that many share similar experiences with people across the country: stigma, racism, bias, discrimination, social isolation, and unequal access that are at the root of trauma and toxic stress, worse health outcomes and lower quality of life.
As of February 1, 2023, state-run, walk-in COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics are closed. Contact your doctor or local pharmacy to find out how to get vaccinated.
Vaccines.gov - Find COVID‑19 vaccine locations near you
Non-Hispanic, American Indian and Alaska Native Vermont Adults
Source: Vermont Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2014,2017,2021 (intimate partner violence), 2019-2021 (all other measures)
Measure
Percent
Chronic Conditions
Cardiovascular Disease
24%
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
13%
Depressive Disorder
31%
Diabetes
17%
Hypertension
30%
Obesity, ages 20+
33%
Overweight, ages 20+
29%
Risk Factors & Behaviors
Alcohol Consumption-any in the past month
62%
Current Cannabis Use
38%
Current Cigarette Smoking
30%
Intimate Partner Violence-ever physically hurt
27%
Preventative Behaviors & Screenings
Routine doctor visits in the past year
71%
Learn more about our efforts to address health inequities and improve health outcomes for all people in Vermont:
Vermont State Health Improvement Plan 2025-2030
.
Connect and learn about health services available in your district by contacting with your
Local Health Office
.
Seeking to quit commercial tobacco? Contact
Health Promotion & Chronic Disease's Tobacco Team
to learn more about culturally sensitive, tailored commercial tobacco cessation support through the
American Indian Commercial Tobacco Program
.
Community Lens
By Chief Joanne Crawford, Abenaki Nation of Mississquoi
In Vermont, most health and mental health care providers and others in related fields have little or no access to data or research regarding the Indigenous people of this land, the Abenaki. This has led to a lack of understanding of and appropriate services for the community. Already struggling with historical and intergenerational trauma, the lack of appropriate care has only exacerbated the many health and social challenges so prevalent in this population.
The chart shows national health figures for Indigenous people in the United States. It is not too far a stretch to image that the Abenaki struggle with the same health and mental health challenges.
How do we help? Include Indigenous people in the data, work with the tribes to find culturally appropriate programs that work for their community, provide equitable support, services and funding, and include them in your advisory panels, councils, and boards. It is important for agencies and organizations to engage with Indigenous communities with transparency and recognition of the expertise of their lived experiences in order to sustain authentic working relationships.
Last Updated:
February 27, 2026
Skip to main content
MENU
x
CLOSE
Translations for you
Indigenous Communities and Health
Our Vision, Mission & Values
Accreditation
Health Equity
Health Equity Advisory Commission
Health in All Policies
Indigenous Communities and Health
Our History
Community Organizations & Resources
Abenaki Alliance
The Abenaki Arts and Education Center
Abenaki Health and Heritage Inc
Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi Food Pantry
Nulhegan Food Pantry
The Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs
The Vermont Indigenous Heritage Center
Important Links
Abenaki Nation of Mississquoi
Elnu Abenaki Tribe
Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe
Koasek Traditional Band of teh Koas Abenaki Nation
Health Inequities and Vaccination among Vermont's Native Americans
CDC reports
that Native American/Alaska Natives have the highest vaccination rates in the nation. However, in Vermont, that figure is just 30% – the
second-lowest rate
among people age 12 and older in the state. In addition,
data in the Vermont State Health Assessment 2024
show chronic disease rates are consistently higher among Indigenous Peoples than all other people in Vermont. These data are important indicators of how health inequities can lead to negative health outcomes. These issues are not unique to Vermont. Even when we cannot measure differences due to the small number of individuals who self-identify with certain communities who live in Vermont, we know that many share similar experiences with people across the country: stigma, racism, bias, discrimination, social isolation, and unequal access that are at the root of trauma and toxic stress, worse health outcomes and lower quality of life.
As of February 1, 2023, state-run, walk-in COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics are closed. Contact your doctor or local pharmacy to find out how to get vaccinated.
Vaccines.gov - Find COVID‑19 vaccine locations near you
Non-Hispanic, American Indian and Alaska Native Vermont Adults
Source: Vermont Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2014,2017,2021 (intimate partner violence), 2019-2021 (all other measures)
Measure
Percent
Chronic Conditions
Cardiovascular Disease
24%
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
13%
Depressive Disorder
31%
Diabetes
17%
Hypertension
30%
Obesity, ages 20+
33%
Overweight, ages 20+
29%
Risk Factors & Behaviors
Alcohol Consumption-any in the past month
62%
Current Cannabis Use
38%
Current Cigarette Smoking
30%
Intimate Partner Violence-ever physically hurt
27%
Preventative Behaviors & Screenings
Routine doctor visits in the past year
71%
Learn more about our efforts to address health inequities and improve health outcomes for all people in Vermont:
Vermont State Health Improvement Plan 2025-2030
.
Connect and learn about health services available in your district by contacting with your
Local Health Office
.
Seeking to quit commercial tobacco? Contact
Health Promotion & Chronic Disease's Tobacco Team
to learn more about culturally sensitive, tailored commercial tobacco cessation support through the
American Indian Commercial Tobacco Program
.
Community Lens
By Chief Joanne Crawford, Abenaki Nation of Mississquoi
In Vermont, most health and mental health care providers and others in related fields have little or no access to data or research regarding the Indigenous people of this land, the Abenaki. This has led to a lack of understanding of and appropriate services for the community. Already struggling with historical and intergenerational trauma, the lack of appropriate care has only exacerbated the many health and social challenges so prevalent in this population.
The chart shows national health figures for Indigenous people in the United States. It is not too far a stretch to image that the Abenaki struggle with the same health and mental health challenges.
How do we help? Include Indigenous people in the data, work with the tribes to find culturally appropriate programs that work for their community, provide equitable support, services and funding, and include them in your advisory panels, councils, and boards. It is important for agencies and organizations to engage with Indigenous communities with transparency and recognition of the expertise of their lived experiences in order to sustain authentic working relationships.
Last Updated:
February 27, 2026