COPE COVID -19
Response
Navajo Nation was hit hard by COVID-19, with cases in the early days totaling more than all other regions in Indian Country combined. While a strong, evidence-led response from Navajo Nation has helped to bring down infection rates, the spread of new variants continues to threaten the under-staffed and under-funded medical system.
COPE is uniquely positioned to contribute to the immediate and long-term response to COVID-19. Our approach of working alongside tribal leaders, our close connections to leading COVID-19 responders,
and our strong relationships within the communities where we work, enable us to effectively mobilize high-impact programs to help measure the spread of the virus and ensure social support for affected families and communities.
Join us in stopping the spread of the virus.
The COPE team is coordinating and implementing a multi-faceted action plan to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in both Gallup, New Mexico where our office is based as well as the surrounding tribal lands.
COPE facilitated the delivery of essential supplies on Navajo Nation, including hard-hit regions of Kayenta, Chilchinbito, Nazlini and Dennehotso Chapters (pictured). COPE staff are conducting screenings, conducting referrals, and servicing the unsheltered in Gallup to limit COVID-19. COPE delivered hand santizer and masks to local stores, nursing homes, and schools, and worked with Navajo Incident Command to develop a Contact Tracing app.
COPE is working in the following areas:
Press Coverage
COPE Executive Director Hannah Sehn discuss in an online session that highlights community-centered, place-based approaches for COVID-19 responses for racial and ethnic minority and American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
Volunteer clinicians from around the United States have responded to the COVID-19 crisis on Navajo Nation. COPE is meeting the needs of Navajo Nation by helping to match and coordinate these healthcare providers with the Indian Health Service.
COPE Executive Director Hannah Sehn and Research Director Sonya Shin are joined by Dr. Wei and Dr. Lozada from IHS to discuss our joint response to COVID-19 on Navajo Nation.
The map below comes from the Navajo Epidemiology Center Coronavirus Response Hub. Each positive case of COVID-19 on Navajo Nation is broken down into counties.