Coronavirus cases surge in hard-hit Indigenous Montana communities
Tribes across Montana have reported an increase in COVID-19 cases.
As of Monday, the Blackfeet Nation reported 176 active cases on the reservation. More than 300 people in the community were quarantined and two people were hospitalized with the virus. COVID-19 was the leading cause of death among Native Americans in Montana in 2020, and the Blackfeet Nation has lost 58 people to the virus. Citing a staffing shortage, the tribe announced that the Blackfeet Community Childcare would be closed through Friday. People who have questions are advised to call Randi Parsons at (406) 338-4255.
As of Monday, the Fort Belknap Indian Community reported 124 active cases, zero active hospitalizations and 13 deaths among tribal members. The Rocky Boy Health Center reported on Monday there were 128 active cases and two hospitalizations in the community. The Northern Cheyenne Tribe, as of Tuesday, reported 42 active cases and 51 deaths among community members.
While tribes have consistently enacted stricter COVID-19 safety protocols than the state, Indigenous people have been disproportionately impacted by the virus. A Department of Public Health and Human Services report found that from March through October 2020, Native Americans accounted for 19% of COVID-19 cases and 32% of COVID-19 deaths in Montana. Indigenous people comprise 6.7% of the state's population.
These disparities are not random; rather, they are a product of long-term disinvestment.
COVID-19 cases surge in Montana
Montana on Tuesday reported 2,860 new COVID-19 cases. The state has 15,067 active cases, 331 active hospitalizations and 2,987 total deaths. There have been 8,840 new tests since Monday.
Cascade County, where 49% of eligible residents are fully vaccinated, reported 248 new cases on Tuesday. The county has 1,114 active cases and 290 deaths, which is no new fatalities since Monday.
As of Monday, Benefis Health System was operating at more than 90% capacity, as the hospital reported it was caring for 56 COVID-19 patients. Kalispell Regional Medical Center was over capacity on Monday, as it was caring for 12 more patients than there are beds.
Fifty-four percent of eligible Montanans have received the COVID-19 vaccine. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, visit vaccines.gov.
Latest COVID-19 cases by county:
Gallatin: 485 new cases, 2,861 active cases
Yellowstone: 440 new, 2,668 active
Missoula: 348 new, 2,086 active
Cascade: 248 new, 1,114 active
Flathead: 230 new, 972 active
Lewis and Clark: 194 new, 1,028 active
Great Falls groups host symposium to learn about community health needs
Every three years, the Healthy Lives, Vibrant Futures Coalition, a group comprised of Cascade County nonprofits and government agencies, distributes a Community Health Needs Survey so that county residents can make their voices heard to improve community health.
The coalition includes United Way of Cascade County, Indian Family Health Clinic, Cascade City-County Health Department, Benefis Health System, Alluvion Health and Alliance for Youth.
Feedback at the symposium and from the survey will be used to develop a community health plan for the next three years. In recent years, health issues that were identified as priorities include: access to health care, maintaining a healthy weight and addressing substance abuse, child abuse and neglect.
The symposium is held virtually this year, and community members may complete it anytime, starting Thursday through Feb. 24. People who provide feedback will be eligible to win prizes, and people can also participate in a Healthy Lives, Vibrant Futures Coalition scavenger hunt at the Holiday Village Mall anytime in February.
For more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/249993726967.
This article originally appeared on Great Falls Tribune: Coronavirus cases surge in Indigenous Montana communities
