Tag Archive for: Covid-19

NCUIH Endorses Bicameral Bill that Extends Grants to Urban Indian Organizations to Treat Long COVID

On April 7, 2022, Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the bicameral Targeting Resources for Equitable Access to Treatment for Long COVID (TREAT Long COVID) Act (H.R. 7482/S. 4015) to increase access to medical care and treatment for communities and individuals struggling with Long COVID. Specifically, this legislation would establish a grant program for eligible entities, including urban Indian organizations (UIOs), for the purpose of creating or enhancing capacity to treat patients with Long COVID through a multidisciplinary approach. The bill authorizes up to $2 million in grant funding to eligible entities and the period of a grant shall be up to three years, with an opportunity for renewal.

The TREAT Long COVID Act is co-sponsored by Rep. Donald Beyer (D-VA-8), Rep. Lisa Rochester (D-DE-1), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA). The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) endorses this bill that brings critical funding to UIOs to treat the lasting effects of COVID on the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) community.

“NCUIH is pleased to endorse Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s Targeting Resources for Equitable Access to Treatment for Long COVID Act. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted Native communities and we are left to deal with the devastating lasting impacts of this disease. We are grateful for the inclusion of urban Indian organizations to be eligible for these critical grants to address Long COVID conditions,” – Francys Crevier (Algonquin), CEO, NCUIH.

Next Steps

The bill was referred to the House Energy and Commerce and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committees. It currently awaits consideration. This bill has been added to the NCUIH legislative tracker and can be found here.

Background

Native communities face some of the harshest disparities in health outcomes of any population in the U.S. and are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. American Indians and Alaska Natives have infection rates over 3.5 times higher than non-Hispanic whites, are over 3.2 times more likely to be hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 and have higher rates of mortality at younger ages than non-Hispanic whites.

The impact of COVID-19 on American Indian and Alaska Native health will continue beyond the pandemic. Lasting illness such as Long COVID need to be addressed.

NCUIH Resource: American Indian/Alaska Native Data on COVID-19

The TREAT Long COVID Act would expand treatment for Long COVID nationwide by:

  • Authorizing the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants up to $2,000,000 to health care providers, including community health centers;
  • Granting funding for the creation and expansion of multidisciplinary Long COVID clinics to address the physical and mental health needs of patients;
  • Prioritizing funding for health providers that plan to engage medically underserved populations and populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19;
  • Ensuring that treatment is not denied based on insurance coverage, date or method of diagnosis, or previous hospitalization;
  • Encouraging ongoing medical training for physicians in Long COVID Clinics and other health care workers serving patients; and
  • Requiring grantees to submit an annual report on its activities that includes evaluations from patients.

Full Text of the House Bill

Full Text of the Senate Bill

Resource: American Indian/Alaska Native Data on COVID-19 Document Released on NCUIH Website

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) recently released an infographic about American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Data on COVID-19 on the NCUIH website. This document shows the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on AI/ANs and Indian Country’s success with vaccinations for the virus. Native communities face some of the harshest disparities in health outcomes of any population in the U.S. and are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 on American Indian and Alaska Native health will continue beyond the pandemic. Loss of American Indian and Alaska Native lives—especially the loss of elders—means loss of Native culture, including language, ceremonies, and more.

View the resource

Disproportionate Rates of COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, and Mortality Among AI/ANs

American Indians and Alaska Natives have infection rates over 3.5 times higher than non-Hispanic whites, are over 3.2 times more likely to be hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 and have higher rates of mortality at younger ages than non-Hispanic whites.

AI/AN Children and Orphanhood Due to COVID-19

1 of every 168 AI/AN children experienced orphanhood or death of caregivers due to the pandemic, and AI/AN children were 4.5 times more likely than white children to lose a parent or grandparent caregiver.

Indian Country Lead on Vaccination Rates

As of February 2022, AI/ANs have the highest vaccination administration rates in the U.S with 70.6% of AI/ANs having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to CDC Vaccine Administration Data. As of January 2022, UIOs that use IHS vaccine distribution have administered over 164,095 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and fully vaccinated 65,957 people.

AI/AN Food Insecurity and COVID-19

NCUIH Endorses Bill to Understand and Address Long COVID, Including in Urban Indian Communities

On March 3, 2022, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the Comprehensive Access to Resources and Education (CARE) for Long COVID Act (S. 3726). This bill would improve research on long COVID as well as expand resources for those dealing with the long-term impacts of the virus. Specifically, the bill authorizes $50 million for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027 to fund grants to eligible entities, including Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations (UIOs), to support legal and social service assistance for individuals with long COVID or related post-viral illnesses. Additionally, UIOs are included in outreach and research activities of the long-term symptoms of COVID–19 by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund.

“The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is pleased to endorse Senator Kaine’s Comprehensive Access to Resources and Education (CARE) for Long COVID Act. The pandemic has taken a disproportionate toll Indian Country and the public health crisis continues to affect Native communities experiencing symptoms of long COVID. This bill is a step in the right direction to better understand the long-term effects of the virus and provide support for those suffering.” – Francys Crevier (Algonquin), CEO, NCUIH.

The Comprehensive Access to Resources and Education (CARE) for Long COVID Act is co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Edward Markey (D-MA), and Tina Smith (D-MN). The bill was referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. It currently awaits consideration.

This bill has been added to the NCUIH legislative tracker and can be found here.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating and disproportionate impacts on American Indians/Alaska Natives and continue to feel the lingering effects of the virus. This legislation aims to address this issue by:

  • Accelerating research by centralizing data regarding long COVID patient experiences;
  • Increasing understanding of treatment efficacy and disparities by expanding research to provide recommendations to improve the health care system’s responses to long COVID;
  • Educating long COVID patients and medical providers by working with the CDC to develop and provide the public with information on common symptoms, treatment, and other related illnesses;
  • Facilitating interagency coordination to educate employers and schools on the impact of long COVID and employment, disability, and education rights for people with long COVID; and
  • Developing partnerships between community-based organizations, social service providers, and legal assistance providers to help people with long COVID access needed services.

 

Senate Text of Bill

Senator Kaine’s Press Release

CDC and FDA Approve COVID-19 Boosters for Certain Individuals

On March 29, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized secondary booster doses of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for older adults and certain immunocompromised individuals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also updated its recommendations following the approval. The updated CDC recommendations acknowledge the increased risk of severe COVID-19 for the elderly, those over the age of 50 with underlying conditions, and are given based on available data on vaccine and booster effectiveness and FDA recommendations.

The FDA amended the emergency use authorizations with the following:

  • Individuals 50 years of age and older, who received their first booster of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months prior, may receive a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
  • Individuals 12 years of age and older with certain immunocompromises, who received their first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months prior, may receive a second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Individuals 18 years of age and older, who received their first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months prior, may receive a secondary booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Background

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of it, AI/ANs were 3.5 times more likely to test positive, 3.2 times more likely to be hospitalized and 2.2 times more likely to die due to COVID-19. Due to NCUIH advocacy, UIOs were included in initial vaccine rollout plans and efforts.  NCUIH also partnered with Native American Lifelines – Baltimore and the University of Maryland to create a vaccine clinic for urban AI/ANs in the DC area.

Tag Archive for: Covid-19

Reaching Unvaccinated Urban Native Americans: A COVID-19 Study for the Department of Indian Work

Authors: Maria Robisnon

Publication Year: 2022

Last Updated: June 2022

Journal:

Keywords: Covid-19; Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Health Disparities; Vaccination/Immunization; Messaging; Mistrust

 

Short Abstract: Through interviews with experts in the field, unvaccinated individuals, and a scan of what other organizations around the U.S. that serve urban Native American populations are doing, we found that COVID-19 vaccine-related messaging and strategies should use a culturally based approach centering the Native American community.

 

Abstract: Through interviews with experts in the field, unvaccinated individuals, and a scan of what other organizations around the U.S. that serve urban Native American populations are doing, we found that COVID-19 vaccine-related messaging and strategies should use a culturally based approach centering the Native American community. Organizations should focus their efforts on targeting messages and strategies to those who may be on the fence about vaccinations and should not waste time and resources trying to convince those who feel strongly that they will not get vaccinated. With this in mind, some key findings are:  Communities of color, especially Native American communities, experience significant health disparities, such as higher rates of infectious and chronic diseases including COVID-19. Disparities have always existed but have been exacerbated by COVID-19.  Those least like to get vaccinated in the Native American community are: people age 20-50; those who identify as traditionalists or religious; women who are pregnant, nursing, or breastfeeding; and community members who are transient.  There is a lack of trust in government and western medical entities among the Native American community rooted in multigenerational experiences of racism and discrimination.  Use trusted messengers like family and friends to disseminate information about COVID-19 and the vaccine.  Education and understanding of how vaccines are created and approved would help address common misconceptions and concerns in the Native American community.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Funding:

Code:

Source: https://www.wilder.org/sites/default/files/imports/InterfaithAction_COVIDHotlineEvaluation_6-22revised.pdf

Type of Resource: Wilder Research Study Report

Association of death or illness from COVID-19 among family and friends on vaccine uptake within four months of the Emergency Use Authorization. Findings from a national survey in the United States

Authors: Sauralb Kalra, Deepak Kalra, Irina Grafova, Julia Sass Rubin, Alan Monheit, Joel Cantor, Paul Duberstein, Soumitra S. Bhuyan

Publication Year: 2023

Last Updated: January 13, 2023

Journal: Vaccine

Keywords: Covid-19; Vaccination/Immunization

 

Short Abstract: Objective To examine the relationship between knowing that a friend or family member became ill with, or died from, COVID-19 and receiving a vaccine dose within four months of the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization.

 

Abstract: Objective To examine the relationship between knowing that a friend or family member became ill with, or died from, COVID-19 and receiving a vaccine dose within four months of the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization. Methods A national sample of 1,517 respondents were surveyed from April 7 to April 12, 2021, 1,193 of whom were eligible for the vaccine when the data were collected. Results Respondents who knew someone who became ill with COVID-19 (AOR = 2.32, 95 % CI 1.74–3.09) or knew someone who died (AOR = 2.29, 95 % CI 1.32–3.99) from COVID-19 were more likely to receive at least a single COVID-19 vaccine dose. Conclusion Encouraging people to share their COVID-19 illness and bereavement experiences with their local network such as friends, families, social-networks and via social media might help increase vaccine uptake.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Funding:

Code:

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X2300035X?via%3Dihub

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Cultural Sources of Strength and Resilience: A Case Study of Holistic Wellness Boxes for COVID-19 Response in Indigenous Communities

Authors: Kevin M. W. Aulandez et al.

Publication Year: 2021

Last Updated: February 2021

Journal: Frontiers in Sociology

Keywords: Covid-19; Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Health Disparities; Mental and Behavioral Health; Nutrition; Holistic Health; Community-Based Participatory Research; Pandemics

 

Short Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had disproportionately severe impacts on Indigenous peoples in the United States compared to non-Indigenous populations. In addition to the threat of viral infection, COVID-19 poses an increased risk for psychosocial stress that may widen already existing physical, mental, and behavioral health inequities experienced by Indigenous communities.

 

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had disproportionately severe impacts on Indigenous peoples in the United States compared to non-Indigenous populations. In addition to the threat of viral infection, COVID-19 poses an increased risk for psychosocial stress that may widen already existing physical, mental, and behavioral health inequities experienced by Indigenous communities. In recognition of the impact of COVID-19-related psychosocial stressors on our tribal community partners, the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Great Lakes Hub began sending holistic wellness boxes to our community partners in 11 tribal communities in the Midwestern United States and Canada in the summer of 2020. Designed specifically to draw on culturally relevant sources of strength and resilience, these boxes contained a variety of items to support mental, emotional, cultural, and physical well-being. Feedback from recipients suggests that these wellness boxes provided a unique form of COVID-19 relief. Additional Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health offices have begun to adapt wellness boxes for the cultural context of their regions. This case study describes the conceptualization, creation, and contents of these wellness boxes and orients this intervention within a reflection on foundations of community-based participatory research, holistic relief, and drawing on cultural strengths in responding to COVID-19.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Funding:

Code:

Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2021.612637/full

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

A Qualitative Study of COVID-19 Vaccine Decision-Making Among Urban Native Americans

Authors: Anna E. Epperson et al.

Publication Year: 2022

Last Updated:

Journal: Vaccine: X

Keywords: Covid-19; Health Disparities; Vaccination/Immunization; Community-engaged Research

 

Short Abstract: Background: Significant disparities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality exist for Native American (NA) people, the majority of whom live in urban areas. COVID-19 vaccination is a key strategy for mitigating these disparities; however, vaccination disparities affect NA communities. The current study investigated COVID-19 vaccine decision-making before widespread vaccine rollout occurred, among urban NA communities. We aimed to understand vaccine decision-making factors to develop recommendations about COVID-19 vaccine outreach.

 

Abstract: Background: Significant disparities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality exist for Native American (NA) people, the majority of whom live in urban areas. COVID-19 vaccination is a key strategy for mitigating these disparities; however, vaccination disparities affect NA communities. The current study investigated COVID-19 vaccine decision-making before widespread vaccine rollout occurred, among urban NA communities. We aimed to understand vaccine decision-making factors to develop recommendations about COVID-19 vaccine outreach. Methods: We conducted three in-depth virtual focus groups with 17 NA adults living in an urban community (Los Angeles County) between December 2020 and January 2021. Participants were recruited through NA community-based organizations and community stakeholders. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti. Findings: Participants in this study identified two overarching themes with implications for health vaccination campaigns. First, participants described a need for tailored information and outreach, including NA vaccine outreach that addresses misconceptions about vaccine development to calm fears of experimentation and support communication of vaccine evidence specific to NA people. Second, participants suggested strategies to improve public health resources in the urban NA community, such as the need for unified, proactive communication across trusted NA entities, navigation support to improve vaccine accessibility, and adequately resourcing health partnerships with and among trusted NA community agencies for improved reach. Conclusion: In this qualitative study, we found that urban NA participants reported several factors that affected their vaccine decision-making, including a lack of tailored information for their communities. Our findings also underscore the need to work with tribes, tribal leadership, and urban NA serving organizations to coordinate vaccine communication and distribution to urban communities where the majority of NAs now reside. Further, these findings have implications for COVID-19 vaccine outreach among urban NA communities and demonstrate the need for clear and tailored engagement about the COVID19 vaccine.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Funding:

Code:

Source:

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Feasibility and Acceptability of Virtual Implementation of a Sexual Reproductive Health Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program for Native Youth

Authors: Hima Patel et al.

Publication Year: 2022

Last Updated:

Journal: American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research

Keywords: Communication Technologies; Covid-19; HIV/AIDS; Pregnancy; Women's Health; Substance Use; Youth; Virtual; Telehealth

 

Short Abstract: American Indian/Alaska Native (Native) youth face high rates of substance use, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Respecting the Circle of Life (RCL), a sexual reproductive health and teen pregnancy prevention program for Native youth and their trusted adult, was adapted and delivered in a virtual format with Native youth in a rural, reservation-based Native community.

 

Abstract: American Indian/Alaska Native (Native) youth face high rates of substance use, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Respecting the Circle of Life (RCL), a sexual reproductive health and teen pregnancy prevention program for Native youth and their trusted adult, was adapted and delivered in a virtual format with Native youth in a rural, reservation-based Native community. This manuscript describes the adaptation process, feasibility, and acceptability of virtual program implementation. The manuscript describes the process of rapidly shifting the RCL program into a virtual format. In addition, a mixed-methods process evaluation of implementation forms, program feedback forms, in-depth interviews with participants, and staff debriefing sessions was completed. Results show virtual implementation of RCL is both feasible and acceptable for Native youth and their trusted adults. A key benefit of virtual implementation is the flexibility in scheduling and ability to have smaller groups of youth, which offers greater privacy for youth participants compared to in-person implementation with larger groups. However, internet connectivity did present a challenge for virtual implementation. Ultimately, sexual and reproductive health programs seeking to reach Native youth and families should consider virtual implementation methods, both during and outside of pandemic situations. NOTE: This project was conducted to better understand how the virtual implementation of the program was received by participants and not to draw any conclusions about its utility or impact.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Funding:

Code:

Source: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/docs/librariesprovider205/journal_files/vol29/29_2_2022_63_patel.pdf

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

COVID-19 Among Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native People Residing in Urban Areas Before and After Vaccine Rollout – Selected States and Counties, United States, January 2020-October 2021

Authors: Dornell Pete, Scott L Erickson, Melissa A JIm, Sarah M Hartcher, Abigail Echo-Hawk, Adrian Dominguez

Publication Year: 2022

Last Updated: September 12, 2022

Journal: American Journal of Public Health

Keywords: Covid-19

 

Short Abstract: Evaluation of COVID-19 disparities among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and non-Hispanic White persons in urban areas.

 

Abstract: Objectives. To evaluate COVID-19 disparities among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and non-Hispanic White persons in urban areas. Methods. Using COVID-19 case surveillance data, we calculated cumulative incidence rates and risk ratios (RRs) among non-Hispanic AI/AN and non-Hispanic White persons living in select urban counties in the United States by age and sex during January 22, 2020, to October 19, 2021. We separated cases into prevaccine (January 22, 2020–April 4, 2021) and postvaccine (April 5, 2021–October 19, 2021) periods. Results. Overall in urban areas, the COVID-19 age-adjusted rate among non-Hispanic AI/AN persons (n = 47 431) was 1.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36, 2.01) times that of non-Hispanic White persons (n = 2 301 911). The COVID-19 prevaccine age-adjusted rate was higher (8227 per 100 000; 95% CI = 6283, 10 770) than was the postvaccine rate (3703 per 100 000; 95% CI = 3235, 4240) among non-Hispanic AI/AN compared with among non-Hispanic White persons (2819 per 100 000; 95% CI = 2527, 3144; RR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.17, 1.48). Conclusions. This study highlights disparities in COVID-19 between non-Hispanic AI/AN and non-Hispanic White persons in urban areas. These findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination and other public health efforts among urban AI/AN communities can reduce COVID-19 disparities in urban AI/AN populations.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Source: https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306966?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Social Determinants of Mortality of COVID-19 and Opioid Overdose in American Rural and Urban Counties

Authors: Yuhui Zhu, PhD, Zhe Fei, PhD, Larissa J. Mooney, MD, Kaitlyn Huang, BS, and Yih-Ing Hser, PhD

Publication Year: 2022

Last Updated: January 2022

Journal: Journal of Addiction Medicine

Keywords: Covid-19; Health Disparities; Infection Disease; Social Determinants of Health; Substance Abuse

 

Short Abstract: After adjusting for other covariates, the overall mortality rate of COVID-19 is higher in counties with larger population size and a higher proportion of racial/ethnic minorities, although counties with high rates of opioid overdose mortality have lower proportions of racial/ethnic minorities, a higher proportion of females, and are more economically disadvantaged. Significant predictors of rural counties with high mortality rates for both COVID-19 and opioid overdose include higher ratios of Black people, American Indians and Alaska Native people, and people with two or more races. Additional predictors for high-risk urban counties include population density and higher unemployment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8815643/pdf/adm-16-e52.pdf

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Disaggregating Data to Measure Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Outcomes and Guide Community Response — Hawaii, March 1, 2020–February 28, 2021

Authors: Joshua J. Quint, PhD1, Miriam E. Van Dyke, PhD, Hailey Maeda, MPH J. Keʻalohilani Worthington, MPH, May Rose Dela Cruz, Dr. Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, PhD, Chantelle Eseta Matagi, Catherine M. Pirkle, PhD, Emily K. Roberson, PhD, Tetine Sentell, PhD, Lisa Watkins-Victorino, PhD, Courtni A. Andrews, MPH, Katherine E. Center, PhD, Renee M. Calanan, PhD, Kristie E.N. Clarke, MD, Delight E. Satter, MPH, Ana Penman-Aguilar, PhD, Erin M. Parker, PhD, Sarah Kemble, MD

Publication Year: 2021

Last Updated: September 17, 2021

Journal: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: MMWR

Keywords: Awareness, Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness, Data Collection, Health Disparities

Abstract: Research shows that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Despite being distinctly different groups and populations, data from these populations is often grouped together in analyses. This unfortunately can limit the understanding of disparities among diverse groups such as Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian subpopulations. That is why, in order to assess disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian populations an all inclusive study of all population groups was done using 21,005 COVID-19 cases and 449 COVID-19–associated deaths reported to the Hawaii State Department of Health (HDOH) during March 1, 2020–February 28, 2021.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7037a1.htm?s_cid=mm7037a1_w

Source: