According to Health Affairs, "Native Americans have many of the risk factors that put them at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, and diabetes are leading causes of death among AI/AN and lead to a life expectancy that is 5.5 years less than that for the US all-races population. Natives are twice as likely as whites to have diabetes. Native people die from diabetes at a rate that is 189 percent higher than that for other Americans. In addition, 28.6 percent of AI/AN under age 65 do not have health insurance."
With oftentimes limited access to healthcare that is hours away, natives must rely on help from foundations during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) has a COVID-19 Response Fund and has published recommendations concerning critical needs—particularly among vulnerable populations—such as personal protective equipment and medical equipment; getting necessities to quarantined and socially isolated individuals; access to medical care; and continued care of pre-existing illnesses.
Click here to read the full article: "Native American Communities And COVID-19: How Foundations Can Help"
