The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating effect on a wide, unprecedented scale. Even as the rate of new cases levels off in some areas, certain populations still experience sharp increases in occurrences of the coronavirus.
Communities with a shortfall of personal protective equipment face an especially tough time. The lack of necessary PPE makes it harder to carry out currently recommended measures to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
Public health workers in these groups with limited access to masks and shields are less able to maintain proper precautions. Since these workers are in frequent contact with those affected by the coronavirus—along with the other patients they care for—their risk of contracting and transmitting the coronavirus is especially high. Being unable to obtain PPE makes their job even riskier.
Navajo Nation: The current epicenter of COVID-19
In recent weeks, no segment of the American population has been hit harder by the COVID-19 outbreak than those in the Navajo Nation.
Over 350,000 Native American residents in the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah depend on services provided by the Navajo Nation government for nearly a century. Along with preserving the heritage and history of the Navajo population, their responsibilities cover all aspects of their constituents’ lives, including education, employment, transportation, and healthcare.
The recent, sharp rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Navajo Nation has made it the current epicenter of the coronavirus crisis. As of May 24, over 4,600 members of the Navajo Nation have been diagnosed with the virus, with 153 confirmed deaths. The surge in COVID-19 cases has stretched the tribe’s public health care infrastructure to its limits.
Protective equipment shortages increase the risk
Workers in Navajo Nation’s healthcare system, just as others like them across the world, face additional hardship due to the shortage of masks, shields, and other PPE items. Their responsibility for the health of infected individuals places them in nearly constant exposure to the coronavirus, increasing the risk of further spread. Access to items that help prevent further transmission is critical.
Over the last few weeks Navajo Nation administrators have made fervent requests for help in addressing their most crucial needs, including non-surgical masks, face shields, and gloves.
How DocPPE is helping Navajo Nation
DocPPE’s mission during the COVID-19 pandemic is helping individuals and organizations fighting for their communities against the virus. The healthcare employees of Navajo Nation are one of those groups, struggling to protect their members with a lack of life-saving protective supplies.
To help with their efforts, DocPPE has donated 300 face shields to Navajo Nation to help curb the transmission of COVID-19. We hope this donation helps reduce the risk faced by healthcare workers as they treat afflicted people in their care.
DocPPE is committed to the safety and wellness of all affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those who face risks every day in their efforts to control its spread and treat the afflicted. For every 50 masks purchased through DocPPE, we’ll provide 10 additional masks free of charge to hospitals, medical centers, clinics, and other organizations working on the front lines against the coronavirus.