Tribes push for access to their own health data amid ongoing disparities

For decades, U.S. tribes have struggled to access critical health data needed to protect their communities. Despite being sovereign nations, they often face roadblocks when requesting health statistics from state and federal agencies. Advocates say data sovereignty is essential for addressing health disparities, from disease outbreaks to chronic conditions.

Some states, like Washington, have begun to share data with tribes, but many still refuse, citing privacy concerns. Without this information, tribal leaders argue, they can't properly allocate resources or track the impact of health interventions.