Hudson College Faculty Contributes to Landmark Health Equity Textbook

Dr. Cassandra Querdibitty, assistant professor in the Department of Health Promotion Sciences at the Hudson College of Public Health, has co-authored a chapter in the newly released second edition of Health Equity: A Solutions-Focused Approach. Her chapter, titled American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Health Equity, written in collaboration with Dr. Jennifer Heck, assistant professor in the Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing, provides a comprehensive look at the unique health challenges faced by AIAN populations and explores strategies to improve health outcomes.

A citizen of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and a descendant of the Muscogee Nation from the Tiger Clan and the Mekusukey Band, Dr. Querdibitty brings both personal and professional experience to her work. Her chapter delves into key issues such as the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect AIAN communities, the historical and federal policies that have contributed to health disparities, and the U.S. government’s legal obligations in providing healthcare services to AIAN people. The chapter also examines the impact of chronic underfunding of the Indian Health Service and presents solutions to address these disparities.

Dr. Querdibitty’s contributions to the field extend beyond academia. As a two-time graduate of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences (OUHSC), where she earned her PhD and MPH in Health Promotion Sciences, she has spent the last decade engaged in public health research and advocacy. Her work, deeply rooted in community-based participatory research, has allowed her to collaborate closely with Tribal Nations, ensuring that Indigenous voices are central to health equity solutions. She has also served on her Tribe’s health boards, working directly to influence policy and healthcare initiatives.

Her chapter in Health Equity: A Solutions-Focused Approach is a vital resource for students and professionals alike, offering a nuanced understanding of AIAN health equity and actionable strategies for change. Dr. Querdibitty’s dedication to improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities exemplifies the mission of the Hudson College of Public Health—to advance health for all through education, research, and service.

For students and faculty interested in learning more, Health Equity: A Solutions-Focused Approach is available now and serves as a foundational text in health promotion sciences.