Native Americans in Wisconsin are more vulnerable to COVID-19

In Wisconsin, Native Americans are facing extremely high rates of coronavirus and are at higher risk for hospitalization. Because of historic injustices that have built upon each other, Native Americans have been particularly vulnerable to the systematic failure of the government response to the pandemic.

After the GOP struck down Gov. Evers’ Safer at Home order, many tribes have put their own safety measures in place, and have had to put together a patchwork of support systems to minimize risk and exposure in their communities. Our state has neglected our Native American neighbors throughout history, and now as they face a particularly dangerous health crisis, we must do more to support them.

Thankfully, leaders like Sen. Tammy Baldwin have urged congress to give more funding to tribal health facilities. Wisconsin should continue to push for substantive support as this virus takes its toll on vulnerable populations.

Ask Rep. Mike Gallagher to get on board. We have needs for more Native American resource assistance, right here in the Shawano/Menominee County area. Call him at 920-301-4500.

Mary Arnold, Shawano