African Americans have a very long history in the United States. Many African American families have lived in the United States for many generations; others have recently immigrated from places like Africa, the Caribbean or the West Indies. The population of African Americans, including those of more than one race, was estimated at 44.5 million, or 14.3 percent of the total U.S. population in 2012. Those who identified only as African Americans represented 13.1% of the American population, or more than 39 million inhabitants. The largest concentrations of African Americans live in the South, while the North is home to the smallest population of African Americans. For example, North Dakota has one of the smallest concentrations of African Americans, approximately 1.4% in 2012, 5.5% Native Americans, and 92% of the population is white. Life expectancy and overall health have improved in recent years for most Americans, improving significantly. The situation has improved mainly in part due to increased emphasis on preventive medicine. However, not all Americans benefit equally. Good health For many racial and ethnic minorities in the United States, good health is difficult to achieve, primarily because appropriate care is often associated with a person's race, economic status, and gender. Despite clear progress in overall population health, African American people living in North Dakoata continue to suffer disparities and bear the burden of illness and death. These disparities are thought to be the result of genetic mutations, environmental influences, inadequate access to care, poor quality of care, poverty, violence, and specific health practices. . For example:⦁ Infants born to black women in ND are 54% more likely to die from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) than those born...... middle of article..... .2014http://www. cdc.gov/omhd/amh/amh.htmWeb May 3, 2014http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/health-disparities-overview.aspxWeb May 3, 2014http://www.stanford.edu/group/ethnoger/ african.htmlWeb May 3, 2014http://www.cdc.gov/minorityhealth/populations/REMP/black.htmWeb May 3, 2014 http://www.cdc.gov/omhd/AMH/amh.htm Web May May 3, 2014 http ://www.ojhas.org/issue46/2013-2-3.html Web May 3, 2014 http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/health-disparities-overview.aspx Web May May 3, 2014 http: //www.stanford.edu/group/ethnoger/african.html Web May 3, 2014 http://sgec.stanford.edu/pdf-word/cirriculum.doc Web May 3, 2014 http:/ /www.diversityresources.com/ health/african.html Web May 3, 2014 https://safeassign.blackboard.com/B2Http/originalityReport?paperId=74118233# Web May 3, 2014 https://safeassign.blackboard.com/ B2Http/originalityReport?paperId=74118233# Web may 3, 2014