American Indian College Fund and United Health Foundation Award $100,000 in Scholarships to American Indian Students Pursuing Health Careers

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Indian College Fund (the College Fund) announced that $100,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 18 academically excellent students in partnership with United Health Foundation's Diverse Scholars Initiative, which has provided nearly $2 million in scholarships this year through partnerships with organizations like the College Fund.

The Diverse Scholars Initiative aims to increase diversity in the health care workforce by supporting promising future health professionals.

The scholarships were announced at the sixth annual Diverse Scholars Forum, which brings more than 100 United Health Foundation scholarship recipients to Washington, D.C., July 23-26 to celebrate and inspire scholars to work toward strengthening the nation's health care system. This year's event gives these future health care professionals the opportunity to hear from members of Congress, representatives from academic and research institutions, health care providers and health and wellness companies.

Scholarship recipients were all members of the Navajo nation and include: Danelle Cooper, global health, Arizona State University; Sheridan Cowboy, pre-physical therapy, University of New Mexico-Albuquerque; Patricia Dixon, dental hygiene, San Juan College; Lesley Eldridge, biology/psychology/chemistry, University of New Mexico-Albuquerque; Tierra Jishie, pre-physical therapy and exercise science, Fort Lewis College; Jason Shirley, biology, University of New Mexico-Albuquerque; Lavalerie Tsinnajinnie, nursing, Northern Arizona University; Miranda Yellowhorse, public health, Northern Arizona University; Cadijah Allen, public health, Diné College; Mycollete Anderson, public health, Diné College; Carlene Black, public health, Diné College; DAyn DeGroat, nursing, Navajo Technical University; Martina Martinez, nursing, Navajo Technical University; Lance McCabe, pre-professional nursing, Navajo Technical University; Katrina Morgan, nursing, Navajo Technical University; Wayne Nez, public health, Diné College; Taleighia Shortey, public health, Diné College; and Fallon Todacheenie Yazzie, nursing, Navajo Technical University.

"We are proud of the achievements of our scholarship recipients, who have shown not only academic excellence but the desire to serve their communities in their careers in health care," said Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund.

"We are grateful to work with the American Indian College Fund to support these amazing students as they work to achieve their goals and improve our health care system," said Kate Rubin, president of United Health Foundation. "The Diverse Scholars Initiative helps these scholars fund their education and gives them an opportunity to learn from one another and interact with experts who are leading the way in improving patient care."

According to the American Medical Association and Association of American Medical Colleges, the number of multicultural health professionals is disproportionately low when compared to the overall population. For example, about 15 percent of the U.S. population is Hispanic/Latino; however, only 5 percent of physicians and 4 percent of registered nurses are Hispanic/Latino. About 12 percent of the population is African American, yet only 6 percent of physicians and 5 percent of registered nurses are African American.

Research shows that when patients are treated by health professionals who share their language, culture and ethnicity, they are more likely to accept and adopt the medical treatment they receive.¹ Increasing the diversity of health care providers will reduce the shortage of medical professionals in underserved areas, reduce inequities in academic medicine and address variables – such as language barriers – that make it difficult for patients to navigate the health care system.

"The American Indian College Fund is thrilled to continue its partnership with the United Health Foundation. Thanks to these scholarships, our students can pursue health care careers to meet the needs of Native communities. These scholars will go on to become the next generation of Native healers, providing first-rate care in areas where it is desperately needed," said Dr. Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund.

For more information about the Diverse Scholars Initiative, visit http://www.unitedhealthfoundation.org/Initiatives/FutureHealthWorkforce/DiverseScholars.aspx

About the American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund (the College Fund) is the nation's largest private provider of scholarships for American Indian students. Founded in 1989, the College Fund has been "Educating the Mind and Spirit" of Native people for 25 years, and provides an average of 6,000 scholarships annually. The College Fund also supports the nation's 34 accredited tribal colleges and universities located on or near Indian reservations. The College Fund consistently receives top ratings from independent charity evaluators. For more information, please visit www.collegefund.org.

About United Health Foundation 
Through collaboration with community partners, grants and outreach efforts, United Health Foundation works to improve our health system, build a diverse and dynamic health workforce and enhance the well-being of local communities. United Health Foundation was established by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private foundation dedicated to improving health and health care. To date, United Health Foundation has committed more than $240 million to programs and communities around the world. We invite you to learn more at www.unitedhealthfoundation.org.

SOURCE American Indian College Fund