COVID-19: Disproportionate Impact on Navajo Nation and Tribal Communities

Learn about historical policies leading to disparities in resources available to tribal communities, gain insights into the need for structural changes in how we provide public health support to tribal communities.

The Navajo Nation has long experienced barriers to health and opportunity. As the COVID-19 pandemic has crossed the country, the Navajo tribe has been disproportionately impacted by the virus, facing some of the highest rates in the United States.

Chronic underfunding for health and infrastructure for tribal nations coupled with the historical trauma that has come from centuries of forced relocation and other federal policies are now compounding the impacts of COVID-19. Prevention efforts including social distancing and increased hand-washing are particularly challenging to maintain across the Navajo Nation, due in large part to the 30-40% of households without access to running water or electricity, widespread food insecurity, and large number of multi-generational households.

Location

Online

Trail Competencies

Relevant Trail Types

General. All trail types are relevant.