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IRVING, Tex. – Native American tribal populations face a life expectancy 5.5 years lower than the national average, according to the Indian Health Service. Contributing factors include inadequate healthcare access, high poverty rates, and limited health education. Recognizing these disparities, McKesson is taking action to support Native American communities through health education and outreach efforts.
As part of its commitment to advancing health outcomes for all, McKesson partnered with customers and industry leaders to improve healthcare education and accessibility within the Navajo Nation. In October 2024, McKesson’s Impact Innovation & Activation team, alongside McKesson Medical-Surgical, U.S. Pharmaceutical, CoverMyMeds, and the UNITY employee resource group, sponsored and attended the Western Navajo Fair in Tuba City, Arizona.
For the second consecutive year, McKesson collaborated with organizations such as Genentech, Kenvue, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to educate more than 2,300 Navajo Nation members on cancer, diabetes, and nutrition. The initiative also provided sunscreen to attendees while offering resources from the Nourish My Health campaign, a public health initiative aimed at promoting healthy eating to reduce chronic illnesses.
“This event is just one of the many ways we’re putting our company’s purpose into action,” says Niki Shah, vice president of Impact Innovation & Activation at McKesson. “Our goal with activations like this one is that we not only build trust within these communities, so they are confident to take additional steps for better health, but we also actively contribute to tackling key health disparities facing these communities today.”
In addition to educational outreach, McKesson provided resource guides to local clinics and hospitals serving the Navajo Nation, helping connect community members with available healthcare services. A survey among nearly 250 fair attendees revealed that 90% found the information valuable, while 85% planned to follow up with their doctors based on their knowledge.
McKesson’s work in Native American communities extends beyond single events. “In continuation of our work in this community, we’ve engaged community leaders to establish a year-round campaign to continue to build awareness and education within the Navajo population,” says Mark Murtagh, senior manager of Community & Corporate Impact. “We are deepening the relationship with the broader Native American community to help improve health outcomes.”
By continuing to invest in community-driven initiatives, McKesson remains committed to ensuring equitable healthcare access for Native American populations and beyond.
