1. MARSHALL ISLANDERS IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS: HEALTH, ACCESS & WELL-BEING
Michael Duke, Ph.D.
Department of Anthropology

2. Where are the Marshall Islands?

3. 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

4. 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 ( , 23 tests total)
Nuclear weapons test, Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands

5. Where is Springdale, AR?

6. Why Springdale?
Photo: Steve Hebert
Marshallese Population: (app. 1/10th of RMI’s population)
Photo Still from “Unnatural Causes”

7. 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

8. Kommol Tata! (Thank You!)
Photo: Steve Hebert