PIERRE, S.D.(JOster)- Closing the gap in life expectancy between Native Americans and whites is a goal of South Dakota Health Department Secretary Melissa Magstadt.

She outlined the sharp gulf at a meeting this week of the State – Tribal Relations Committee.

Magstadt says causes of death also differ between natives and whites.

Magstadt says a major issue is the poor health of young native Americans.

Magstadt says her department along with others in state government are willing to work with the tribes to come up with better strategies for improving health.