2. Micronesians: Who We Are Nia Aitaoto M.P.H, M.S October 13, 2010

3. Ethnic Identity/History Polynesians  Hawaiians, Samoans, Tongans, Maori, Tahitians, Cook Islanders, etc. Micronesians  Chamorros, Carolinians, Chuukese, Pohnpeians, Yapese, Marshallese, Palauans, Kosraeans, etc. Melanesians  Papuans, Solomon Islanders, Fijians, Vanuatu Islanders, etc.

4. U.S Pacific Territories (Guam & A.S) Commonwealth (CNMI) Freely Associated States (Republic of Belau, Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia)

5. Republic of the Marshall Islands Spanish (1500 – 1886) German (1886 – 1914) Japanese (1914-1945) American (1945-Now)  Trust Territory: 1947-1978  Compact Free Association: 1989

6. Relationship with U.S The Promise  Health  Education  Protection The Reality  High Poverty  Disparity in Health Spending  Migration to the United States

7. Health Expenditures Per Capita (2006)  United States: $5,711  Palau$791  Marshall Islands$471  FSM$270 Source: Earth Trends

8. Life Expectancy Infant Mortality Rate Infant Mortality Rate Life Expectancy at birth United States6.577.71 FSM30.2169.75 Rep. of Palau14.8473.48 RMI29.4570.00 Source: CIA Factbook

9. Health Statistics FSM Citizens RMI Citizens United States Obesity (aged 35-55) 80% 38% Hyper- tension 35%---20% Diabetes20%30%7% Source: Micronesian Seminar 11/2004

10. Why are we at this Point? The Promise  Health  Education  Protection The Reality  High Poverty  Economic Disparity  Migration to the United States

11. Pacific Islanders in the U.S (In the 50 States) Hawaii 282,667 California221,458 Washington 47,761 Texas 29,094 New York 28,612 Florida 26,365 Utah 21,367 Nevada 16,234 Source 2000 U.S Censes

12. Health Concerns Non-Communicable Disease  Heart Disease  Diabetes  Cancer Communicable Disease  Tuberculosis  Measles  Sexually Transmitted Disease

13. Health Concerns Hansen’s Disease Suicide Alcohol Related Injuries Hepatitis B

14. Social Concerns Lack “Western” Education Lack Skills  Paying Job Lack Money Lack Food and Shelter

15. Key Pacific Cultural Concepts Cultivating Relationships Harmony Respect for elders  Parents  Bosses  Authority Figures

16. Mahalo!