Minnesota Native News: Health Report

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, Minnesota leaders and health officials are reminding citizens about important and effective steps to take this holiday season to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's reporter Cole Premo with more.   Many Minnesotans will be spending time with their extended families this holiday season, with a notable exception being Gov. Tim Walz. He announced recently that he and his family tested positive for COVID-19 after his son presented symptoms.   Here's Walz in a video posted to social media on Dec. 21.   WALZ: “My son Gus began feeling sick… Monday evening, we tested positive. Everyone is doing well. We're boosted and I'm experiencing no symptoms. Was looking forward to Christmas but those things will have to wait.”   For those who are gathering, health officials recommend that everyone get vaccinated if they haven't already, and get their booster if they're eligible.   Researchers say the Omicron variant is more transmissible than previous variants, but those fully vaccinated and boosted have increased protection against severe illness or death if they do contract the virus.   The next important step is testing; health officials suggest testing before holiday gatherings even if you're not experiencing symptoms. If you're using an over-the-counter rapid test, it's best to do that as close to the gathering date as possible.  Testing options are available at mn.gov/covid19. As part of the country's response to the Omicron variant, President Joe Biden announced that his administration will be distributing 500 million free rapid tests to Americans in January. Lastly, people are urged to wear face masks while traveling and in in-door public settings such as a grocery store, shopping mall, or a school. Washing hands and avoiding crowded indoor spaces before family gatherings is also a good idea. The state is approaching nearly 1 million positive COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, with over 990,000 recorded so far. That includes reinfections. About 10,200 deaths have been attributed to the virus. Hospitalizations remain high in the state with about 355 patients with the virus needing intensive care unit beds and an additional 1,115 patients with the virus needing non-ICU beds. About 67% of the state's total population has had at least one vaccine dose. Over 93% of seniors are fully vaccinated. Over 8.5 million doses have been administered, 1.5 million of those being booster shots. Find out more information on vaccines at mn.gov/vaccine.  

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, healthcare leaders in the state are urging vaccination, saying hospital emergency departments are overfilled and the situation is “critical.” Reporter Cole Premo has more on that.   “We're heartbroken, we're overwhelmed” is the title of a collective and emotional statement by medical workers from major healthcare systems in Minnesota, including Mayo Clinic, Hennepin Healthcare and Children's Minnesota.   The statement was released as the state experiences the seventh-highest COVID-19 infection rate in the country.   Medical workers say they are seeing avoidable illnesses and death as direct result of COVID-19 on a daily basis. The statement goes on to say that the pandemic has strained hospital operations and demoralized many medical workers.   Furthermore, medical workers say that hospital emergency rooms are overfilled and the ability to provide adequate care is being threatened. Getting care from a local community hospital without delay is now an uncertainty.   On Dec. 15, healthcare workers shared emotional stories during a press conference at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis. Here's Dr. Shirley Xie, who works at Hennepin Healthcare.   The group of medical workers is urging people to get vaccinated, including getting the booster shot. They also ask to wear a mask even if you're vaccinated, and socially distance. If you feel sick, get tested.   Minnesotans are also encouraged to talk with neighbors and loved ones to take these steps. The state's latest COVID-19 positivity rate, although on a downward trend most recently, continues to remain above the high risk threshold, last recorded at 10.2%.   Meanwhile, the state's death toll officially breached 10,000 since the pandemic began.   Over 8.3 million vaccine doses have been administered, including 1.4 million booster shots. Just over 71% of those ages 5 and up have received at least one dose.   I'm Cole Premo. 

 MNN Heath Report for 12/10/21:  This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report…Governor Walz is urging Minnesotans to get booster shots… ahead of the holidays.  And… The FDA has now approved booster shots for 16- and 17-year-olds. But first, researchers are racing to understand the threat of the Omicron variant.  I'm Marie Rock.   Story A The Omicron variant is FOUR times more transmissible that's according to an early study of latest COVID variant.  Still… the C-D-C says cases of omicron that have shown up in the United States have only caused mild disease in the 40 patients identified so far.  Researchers are racing to understand the threat of the Omicron variant… and how it will impact people who have already been vaccinated.  Just for some perspective… The first COVID case was diagnosed TWO years ago in December of 2019 in Wuhan China. Since then, the disease has claimed the lives of more than 5-point-2 million people world-wide. Story BHere in Minnesota…. Health officials are expressing concern about the number of people filling up I-C-U beds in our state.  This prompted Governor Walz to urge people to get booster shots and vaccinations…  Walz said: Don't take up a hospital bed because you are unvaccinated.  Governor Walz made that remark at a vaccination event at Century College, where more than 500 first doses and booster shots were given.   Health officials say that many hospitals around the state have more critically ill patients… than they have intensive care beds available at this time.  That's a problem when patients need hospitalization for problems other than COVID. Unvaccinated Minnesotans make up the majority of COVID-related hospitalizations. That's why Governor Walz is saying: get your shots. Some people have reportedly had trouble getting an appointment for their booster shot, but Walz encourages people to keep trying… at their healthcare clinic or through your local pharmacy.   Story C  Federal regulators approved booster shots for 16- and 17-year-olds… the emergency approval of the Pfizer COVID booster vaccination comes less than a month after health officials declared that everyone 18 and up is eligible to receive a booster shot six months after receiving the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines…. Or two months after getting the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. For more information about when and where to get your booster shot go online to Vaccine connector DOT MN DOT gov  For the Minnesota Native News Health Report - I'm Marie Rock.   

Script: This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, the COVID-19 Omicron variant has been detected in the state for the first time. Health officials are calling it a concerning, but not surprising, development. Reporter Cole Premo has more on this and what it means for Minnesota. According to the Minnesota health department, a man who lives in Hennepin County is the state's first confirmed case of the Omicron variant. It's also the second confirmed case detected in the United States.   MDH says that the man recently traveled to New York City where he attended an Anime convention event. Then, a day after the event, on Nov. 22, he developed mild symptoms. A couple days later, he got tested.   In New York, the governor Kathy Hochul is urging everyone who attended the event to get tested. She says the state has a list of all attendees and can contact them. Omicron cases have since been detected in New York, Colorado and Hawaii.   The Minnesotan who tested positive for Omicron was fully vaccinated and had received their booster shot in early November before the event in New York City.   The Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm addressed the development following the announcement of the confirmed case.   MALCOLM: “While this is clearly something we're taking seriously, it's not a reason to panic. As we are with other variants, there's still a lot more to learn from the variant.”  The Omicron variant is classified by the World Health Organization as a variant of concern. Scientists are still researching how the new variant compares to the predominant Delta variant, including its transmissibility and disease severity. Research also continues to look into how well the vaccines and treatments protect against Omicron.   Malcolm says the new finding underscores the importance of Minnesotans limiting the spread of COVID-19.  MALCOM: “The most important thing we can do is stay on offense and use the important tools available to make it as hard as possible for this virus to spread. In addition to vaccination and boosters, we can slow the spread by using a layered approach of wearing masks, staying home when sick and getting tested when appropriate .. now is especially the time for everyone 5 and older get vaccinated, or anyone over 18 to get boosters”  The Minnesota health department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as New York City on investigating the Omicron case.   The Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa.  Meanwhile, Minnesota's latest COVID-19 positivity rate is on a downward trend, with 10.1% recorded as of late November, down from 11% recorded in mid-November. It's still slightly over what state health officials call a “high risk” threshold, which is 10%.   Over 7.8 million vaccine doses have been administered in the state so far, with 1.1 million of those being booster shots.    I'm Cole Premo. 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report…All adults 18 and older are eligible and should get a Covid-19 booster shot…. And… 400 MN National Guard members begin training to become temporary nursing aids… to help with health care worker shortage.  Plus, need help paying your home heating bill? … Or getting a broken furnace repaired?Federal funds are available…. We will tell you how to apply.   I'm Marie Rock.   Story AFederal regulators expanded COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to all adults… last week.And now State Health Officials are urging all Minnesotans to get their booster shots…  eligibility expands to all people 18 and up.   For people who received their first and second dose of the Pfiizer vaccine or the Moderna vaccine… they should get their booster shot 6-months after their second dose. For people who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine…. They should get their booster shot 2-months after their single dose.  Getting a booster is the best way to maximize protection against serious illness and sometimes deadly effects of contracting COVID-19. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced these new booster recommendations for because evidence is mounting…  that immunity to COVID infections from vaccines… lessens over time.  Mayo Clinic Doctor Abinash Virk explains: “Boosters have increased the antibody response significantly after the third dose much higher than even the second dose. Therefore, we know there is going to be increased protection.” For more information about when and where to get your booster shot go online to Vaccineconnector DOT MN DOT gov Story B This comes as cases continue to surge in our Minnesota… with the CDC reporting that all 87 counties in our state remained at a HIGH level of COVID-19 community transmissions.  This news is alarming Nursing home administrators who are having trouble keeping enough people on staff to care for elderly and vulnerable residents.  In response, Governor Walz has activated the National Guard to help facilities experiencing staff shortages and are struggling to meet the needs of patients in long-term care centers.  This week, 400 guard members began a one-week training session to become certified nursing assistants and temporary nursing aides.  Then the guards will form skilled nursing response teams to provide on-site staffing support for up to 3 weeks at a time.  To get this help… Nursing home administrators just need to contact the MN Department of Health and ask for assistance. The shortage of care workers is problem nationwide, with burned-out workers quitting in record numbers.    Story C In other news… Winter weather means fun outdoor activities for many in our state… But for some… the cold temperatures raise concern and anxieties about how to pay for soaring heating bills. The Energy Assistance program or EAP has money available to help people pay for home heating, water costs and furnace repairs. The EAP grants are for income-qualified households.   EAP is a federally funded program and the grants range from 3-hundred dollars to 2-thousand dollars which are paid directly to energy providers and utility companies.  Grants are available to both renters and homeowners. Applications ask about household size and income.  To apply for this grant…. Find your EAP provider by calling 1-800-657-3710… that's 1-800-657-3710 Or search for Energy Assistance Program on the MN dot gov website.    For the Minnesota Native News Health Report - I'm Marie Rock.   

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, emergency medical teams from the federal government are being sent to the state to support hospitals during the current COVID-19 surge. Also, Dr. Antony Stately with the Native American Community Clinic talks about vaccines for younger children. Plus, an award has been given to two tribal health clinics in northern Minnesota. Here's reporter Cole Premo.   Gov. Tim Walz announced that the federal government accepted his “urgent request” for emergency medical staffing assistance, and now two Department of Defense medical teams are on the way.   The emergency staffing teams, with 22 medical personnel each, will be supporting staff at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis, also known as HCMC, and St. Cloud Hospital. They're expected to arrive the week of Nov. 22.   In Minnesota hospitals as of Nov. 16, there are 1,382 patients being hospitalized for COVID-19, which is the highest figure in 2021. Only 47 intensive care unit beds remain available for Minnesota patients.  Health officials say Minnesotans can support hospitals by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask in indoor public settings, testing as appropriate and social distancing.   Meanwhile, the Food and Drug administration has officially expanded its emergency authorization of Pfizer's and Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to all adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will need to issue recommendations before its officially greenlit, but many states, including Minnesota, are preparing to give out the shots soon.   ----  In other news, COVID-19 vaccine doses are now available for children ages 5 to 11 years old.   In COVID-19 Community Conversations, Antony Stately, PhD, talked about the importance of vaccination and how the virus can spread through families.   STATELY: 5:18-5:46: I just think folks are just beginning to see the value of having your child vaccinated, so we can all enjoy being close to each other, and not have to repeat what happened last year.   STATELY: 6:36-7:50 I think it's really important that your children are going into schools, they're playing in extra curricular activities. They're petri dishes of infection anyways, even before covid. I think it's important to recognize the danger. Maybe they will be fine, but they could bring it home to a family member. Immunocompromised people are very vulnerable”   Check your local clinic or tribal health clinic for vaccines for more information on pediatric vaccinations. You can also go to mn.gov/vaccine and use the vaccine locator map.   ----   Lastly, two northern Minnesota tribal health systems have received awards for their vaccination efforts.   Recently, the Minnesota Department of Health announced that the 2021 MN Rural Health Team Award has been given to Cass Lake Indian Health Services and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Health Division.   The health department says from January to April of this year, both health systems not only developed and implemented a mass immunization model for eligible Native Americans, but the rural community at large.   In 15 mass vaccine events, over 12,000 vaccine doses were provided, 70% of elders were vaccinated before it was a national goal, and 70% of the Cass Lake Indian Health Services user population was vaccinated before the president's July 4th goal.   The pair of health systems are considered two of the best and fastest vaccine administration teams in the state, and their vaccination model has gotten attention from federal, state and private sector partners across the United States, the health department said.   I'm Cole Premo. 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, health leaders are sounding the alarm as COVID-19 case numbers are among the highest seen in 2021. Also, reminders on vaccine booster shots. Here's reporter Cole Premo.   As the holiday season nears, Minnesota health officials are calling a spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths “scary” and “truly alarming.”   In recent days, the Minnesota Department of Health has been reporting dozens of new deaths every day, along with daily case numbers in the several thousands.   In fact, the health department recently reported a backlog of cases due to the intake of new cases exceeding the processing capacity of staff. If the high case rate continues, MDH may add more staff.   Meanwhile, the state's positivity rate is on an upward trend, with the latest figure being 9.3% -- nearing the state's “high risk” threshold of 10%.    Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says this spike in the pandemic is preventable.   2:02MALCOLM: “Every day now, we're seeing dozens of people dying from an illness they didn't have to get. The tragedy of this current spike in cases is more than ever, we have the tools and knowledge to minimize the pandemic. But a sizable number of people are not using those tools. Because some think it's no big deal… and some because they have fallen victim to misinformation.”  The health commissioner says those tools to minimize the pandemic include vaccination, masking in public, and staying home when sick.  3:26 MALCOLM: “This spike is bad, it's scary. But it could be much more worse, especially with many more hospitalizations and deaths, if it weren't for the fact that most Minnesotans have the protection of the vaccine.”   Jan Malcolm says the state is now working to “decompress” the health system strain from the pandemic by opening up alternative care sites.   ----  In other news, Pfizer is asking for federal approval of it's COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for all adults.   While federal agencies work to determine that, here's what you need to know about booster shot eligibility.   Right now, booster shots are authorized for seniors and adults at high risk who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago.   Also eligible for the booster shots are adults ages 18 years old and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months ago.  Officials have authorized "mixing and matching" COVID-19 vaccine boosters, meaning your booster dose does not have to be the same type of vaccine as your primary series.  I'm Cole Premo. 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, 5 to 11 year olds can officially get the COVID-19 vaccine, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is highlighting the importance of vaccination after contracting the virus herself, and a vaccination event is being held at a Native American clinic in the Twin Cities. Here's reporter Cole Premo.   It's official: 5 to 11 year olds in Minnesota can now receive COVID-19 vaccination.   It comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued formal recommendations for children as young as 5 years old to start receiving the Pfizer vaccine. For this age group, it's a smaller dose and will come from smaller needles.  According to Gov. Tim Walz, this means 94% of Minnesota's population is now eligible for the vaccine.  The governor's office says more than 1,100 providers in Minnesota are prepared to begin administering vaccines to younger children. A community vaccination site at the Mall of America will triple its capacity to allow more children to get vaccinated.  Places like Walmart, Walgreens, Hy-Vee and others are also offering the vaccine for kids.   Medical experts shared their thoughts on the importance of children getting the vaccine in a video from the Minnesota Department of Health, including Twin Cities pediatrician Dr. Andrea Singh. Here she is.   SINGH: “Im a pediatrician and a mother of two kids. Sometimes it's hard as a parent to know what to do to protect your kids' futures. Getting them COVID vaccine helps. It decreases transmission of COVID in your household. It also protects them from serious illness. If you have any questions, talk to your pediatrician, family doctor. We can do this, Minnesota. Let's get the vaccine.”  Families are advised to check with their pediatricians or family medicine clinic about appointments. They can also visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the vaccine locator map.  Minnesota has administered more than 7 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, including nearly 500,000 booster shots. About 74% of the state's 12+ population has received at least one dose.  ------  In other news, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is highlighting the importance of vaccination after her family recently contracted the virus.   Flanagan, who says she's fully vaccinated, says her 8-year-old daughter tested positive for COVID-19 in later October, and experienced fever and sniffles. Later, Flanagan said she tested positive.   In a tweet, she said the pandemic is not over and getting vaccinated not only helps you but little kids who are not yet eligible, or who haven't gotten, the vaccine. At the time, she said her daughter is looking forward to getting the first dose of the vaccine when she feels better. Flanagan will also be getting the booster shot.   ----  Lastly, the Native American Community Clinic in south Minneapolis is holding a vaccination event on Friday, Nov. 13.   From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. that day, those who attend can get vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu. COVID-19 booster shots will also be available.   Shots for 5-11 year olds will not yet be available at this event, but the clinic will have that ability starting the week of Nov. 15.   The clinic is located at 1213 East Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis.   I'm Cole Premo. 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report… state leaders announce plans to start vaccinating 5 to 11 year olds as soon as early November. Minnesota's health commissioner details why this is such an important step in the pandemic. Here's reporter Cole Premo. State leaders, including health commissioner Jan Malcolm, recently unveiled plans to vaccinate 5 to 11 year olds.  It comes after the US Food and Drug Administration voted to recommend the use of Pfizer's vaccine in the age group. The official green light to start vaccinating the youngest age group so far could come in the first week of November.  In order to prepare for the new vaccination push, state officials say they built a network of 1,100 providers, including health care systems, pharmacies, clinics, local public and tribal health agencies and state-run community clinics.  Also, Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says schools will be involved. Here she is.  Malcolm: "In order to ensure equitable access to the vaccine… the administration has partnered with schools and charter schools to get kids vaccinated at or near schools."  Jan Malcolm says the upcoming ability to vaccinate 5 to 11 year olds is an important step in the pandemic.  MALCOLM: “It comes at a crucial moment. We are definitely seeing a high transmission rate…and very high levels of health care pressure. Since Jan. 1, there have been more than 45,000 pediatric cases and more than 300 child hospitalizations for COVID-19 just in our state. As of yesterday (Oct. 26),  all but 17 pediatric ICU beds in the state were full, occupied by children not only with COVID-19, but otherwise with grave illnesses.”  Malcolm says COVID-19 can also have long-term consequences, and thousands of children in the country have been diagnosed with COVID-19-linked multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Almost 100 cases have been discovered in Minnesota. Some of these children need intensive care treatment.  MALCOLM: “Getting your child vaccinated gives you reassurance that your child is protected.. Getting your child vaccinated also protects your family members and neighbors.. And they can focus on being kids again.”  The network of providers in Minnesota cannot vaccinate 5 to 11 year olds until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given its final approval. Once that happens, families are advised to check with their pediatricians or family medicine clinic about appointments. They can also visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the vaccine locator map.  Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 community coordinators will also host clinics offering vaccines to the whole family.  -----  In other news, the health department is now offering even more COVID-19 rapid tests for people who are showing symptoms.  The free tests are being done at sites in St. Paul, Crookston, Hutchinson, Moorhead and Stillwater, along with Brooklyn Park, Duluth, Inver Grove Heights, Wadena and Hibbing.  Gov. Tim Walz launched the new sites to meet increasing demand due to the Delta variant.  All of the locations are free and you get results within a few hours after the nasal swab. 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report… state leaders announce a COVID-19 vaccine incentive program that aims to get more young Minnesotans vaccinated … also, there are new COVID-19 rapid testing sites popping up across Minnesota. Here's reporter Cole Premo.   Here's reporter Cole Premo.   Minnesotans between the ages 12 and 17 years old who start and complete their vaccine series before the end of November will get a $200 Visa gift card -- and a shot at a $100,000 college scholarship.   Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz recently announced the new vaccine incentive program for youth at a press conference outside Gordan Parks High School In St. Paul. The vaccine program is called Kids Deserve A Shot. Here's Gov. Walz.   WALZ: “Being in school has a positive impact. So, we're here today to show that one of the biggest pieces of that is getting 12 to 17 year olds vaccinated. We're really gonna highlight this group because if these outbreaks happen, we'll have distance learning happen and spread in communities.” In order to get the $200 Visa gift card, 12 to 17 year olds will need to start their vaccine series over the coming weeks, and complete it by November 30.   Youth who have already completed the vaccine series before this announcement won't be eligible for the $200. However, all Mnnesotans ages 12 to 17 years old who have completed their vaccine series at any point will be entered for a chance to win a $100,000 Minnesota College Scholarship.   The state will hold five drawings of $100,000 for five students to attend any public or private non-profit higher educational institution in Minnesota.   The funds for the incentive program come from $12.2 million dollars in federal American Rescue Plan funds.   According to the latest data, only about 50% of Minnesotans ages 12 to 17 years old have been fully vaccinated. Less than 60% of Minnesota 16 to 17 years old are fully vaccinated.   More information on the incentive and how to register, visit the state's website at mn.gov. From there, you can search for the program by typing in “Kids Deserve A Shot.”  ---   In other news, there are more options for COVID-19 rapid testing across Minnesota.   State leaders recently announced an expansion of rapid testing availability at community sites across Minnesota.   Recently launched sites include the cities of Brooklyn Park, Duluth, Stillwater, Crookston and Hutchinson.   New rapid testing sites will also soon launch in Inver Grove Heights, Wadena, Hibbing, and Albert Lea.  Additionally, the state is offering rapid testing at the existing community saliva testing locations in Moorhead and at St. Paul's Roy Wilkins Auditorium.  More information on rapid testing can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health's website. 

Script:  MNN Health Report: High Positivity Rate Among Native Population | Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Expansion   This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report… tribal leaders are calling on their community to continue safe health practices as the COVID-19 positivity rate among Native people in the state remains higher than all other groups. Also, life saving treatments for COVID19 are expanding in the state. That, and more.  Here's reporter Cole Premo.   Recent data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows that the Native American population in Minnesota faces a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.  According to a 7-day moving average positivity case rate per 100,000 population by race, the native population has about double the positivity rate when compared to Asian, Black, Hispanic and White populations.   The native population began outpacing the other groups in the positivity rate starting in late summer and has increased rapidly since.   For clarity, the white population in Minnesota has far more total cases of COVID-19, with more than 500,000 cases confirmed amongst that group. However, for the native people, the percentage of the population contracting COVID-19 is far higher. Over 8,200 cases have been discovered among the population that identifies as Native American or Alaskan Native.   The health department also says that Native Americans in Minnesota have the highest proportion of positive cases that have been required hospitalization or intensive care units.   Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin addressed this data recently in a update and offered some reminders.  BENJAMIN: Here in Minnesota, in the American Indian community. We have the highest positivity rate in Minnesota. The best defense is masks, stay home if you're ill, and keep a 6-feet distance. It's kinda scary that as we move forward these cases are increasing at a rapid rate.   Health officials are recommending a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for those who are eligible. Pfizer's booster shot is the only one given emergency approval, but Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are seeking the greenlight to give boosters for their vaccines, too.   Expansion of Monoclonal Antibody Treatment  In other news, A new clinic has opened in St. Paul to expand access to monoclonal antibody COVID-19 treatment in the metro area.  The Minnesota Department of Health announced the expansion Tuesday. The outpatient treatment is for COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms that started within the past 10 days, and who are at high risk of their illness leading to hospitalization or death.  State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says the clinic will strengthen the existing capacity of providers in the metro area to give the life-saving treatment.   The new clinic, located near Interstate 35E and Arlington Avenue West, is not for walk-in appointments.  Malcolm says patients and their providers seeking monoclonal antibody treatments can make an appointment at this clinic and other locations by using the state's online tool, the Minnesota Resource Allocation Platform. People who test positive for COVID-19 can request an appointment, among some other requirements.   The health care provider who gives the drug will decide if it is safe to give to those who qualify to get it. Their decision is final.  Visit the Minnesota Department of Health's website for more information.   Eviction Moratorium   Lastly, an update about the eviction moratorium that was set in place to prevent evictions during the pandemic. It has now ended in Minnesota and landlords are now able to file evictions for any renters who are behind on rent.   However, according to a release from the Minnesota House of Representatives, renters who are behind on their rent will remain protected from eviction if they have an open rental assistance application at RentHelpMN.org.   While there is no deadline to apply, renters should apply as soon as possible if they are behind on rent.   Renters who have an open application for rental assistance will have protection from evictions until June 1 of 2022.   Again, rental assistance applications can be submitted at RentHelpMN.org.   For Minnesota Native News Health Report, I'm Cole Premo.  On Thu, Oct 14, 2021 at 2:48 PM Cole Premo wrote:Attached.. Lemme know if that ending makes sense.. PSA before the funder credit... thanks   It's in my health report file as a .wav just in case it's good to go: https://ampers.box.com/s/cs5s58tm2hw7s0x0smh25bobicpxot1p -- Cole PremoWCCO-TV | CBS Minnesota - Web ProducerMinnesota Native News - Contributor/ReporterWork #: 612-330-2598Cell: 763-742-5232Follow me on Twitter: @ColePremoMusic  -- Cole PremoWCCO-TV | CBS Minnesota - Web ProducerMinnesota Native News - Contributor/ReporterWork #: 612-330-2598Cell: 763-742-5232Follow me on Twitter: @ColePremoMusic

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, we learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for children. Reporter Dalton Walker explains in this week's story.Our littlest students may be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine soon. Children ages 5 to 11 are expected to be the next group up to be cleared to get the vaccine.A question that remains is when. It's unclear exactly but health experts expect it could be late October or early November. If so, it would be nearly a year since the vaccine's emergency use authorization for our elders and most vulnerable population.Melissa Wentz Opsahl is a COVID-19 specialist with the Bemidji Area Indian Health Service. She has nearly three decades of service with the federal agency and is a longtime pharmacist.    Last week, she gave us an update on the COVID-19 booster shot. This week, we learn more about potential vaccine options for children.   What we know about the children's vaccine so far is that it will be the Pfizer version, at least initially since it's further along in the review process. Other types of vaccines could follow later.Wentz Opsahl1: That 5-12 year old age group, from what I understand, it is going to be a smaller dose than that in which we use for patients 12 and up. I don't have the available information to determine exactly what that dose is, but I can share that Pfizer in particular, since that will be the product under review currently, they're developing, it's the same product, but they are developing different packaging for it so that its much more easy to determine what the correct dose will be.9:25-9:59=35 seconds Even though children rarely become severely ill, a coronavirus shot is still recommended. According to a New York Times report, 125 children ages 5 to 11 have died from COVID-19 and most recently, 30,000 were hospitalized in August mainly due to the Delta variant. Smaller bodies usually means smaller doses. For pharmacists like Wentz Otsahl, this is especially important. Wentz Opsahl2: As a pharmacist, I can tell you that's very important to assure that when you're creating dose preparation that if you do have different doses available for different age ranges that you try to separate that out as much as possible just to minimize any potential for medication errors.10:14-10:30=17 seconds   If you haven't gotten the vaccine yet or fall into an age group not yet eligible, safety tips remain the same since the start of the pandemic. Wentz Otsahl has a few reminders as we move to more time indoors for the colder months.Wentz Opsahl3: It's all of the things that we were doing prior to the availability of covid-19 vaccine such as wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, staying away from others that are sick, staying away from your work or your school if you yourself are sick, according to CDC recommendations, and then of course, social distancing, which is going to be extremely important for us as we consider our area specifically moving into the fall and winter months. We naturally are going to be much closer together and indoors then the freedoms that we had during the summer. 11:35-12:12=38For the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines, contact your local health professional, check the state and federal health websites.For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker.

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, the COVID-19 booster shot in Indian Country and who can get it. Reporter Dalton Walker explains in this week's story.The COVID-19 booster shot is available with some important caveatsOnly those that received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be eligible to receive the booster shot once six months have passed since their second dose. The research is still out for Moderna, a similar two dose vaccine, and the single dose Jannssen vaccine. Decisions are still to come. The CDC does not recommend mixing and matching the vaccines. Additional caveats, at least for now, are that you must be 65 and older, or have underlying health problems, or at risk due to work or living situations. Melissa Wentz Otsahl is a COVID-19 specialist with the Bemidji Area Indian Health Service. She is a longtime pharmacist and has more than 27 years of service with IHS. She said people eligible should get the booster.  Wentz Otsahl1: Well, it's important to get this third shot to ensure that they continue to maintain their protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death as a result of COVID-19 disease. 5:50-6:02 - 12 seconds More than 130,000 doses have been administered under the Bemidji Area office since the vaccine became available. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and a section of Indiana fall under the Bemidji Area Office.  IHS serves 2.6 million patients in 37 states. It has administered 1.6 million doses as of Sept. 27.  Side effects to the booster shot are similar to the first two doses, according to the CDC. Possible side effects include a fever and a headache.  Wentz Otsahl said the age group with the lowest vaccine rate is 12 to 17, but stressed that is related to the age range being the latest group to be approved. IHS is following the FDA and CDC guidelines to get the message out for people to get the booster. Wentz Otsahl2: We are very happy to report that overall American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest vaccination rates throughout the United States. And partially some of that is attributed to is the understanding that because our Native population was at high risk for the disease we were able to access the vaccine early on and the peak of vaccinations occurred quite a bit sooner than the general U.S population. So we are very dedicated to our patient population in ensuring that they have access to this very highly effective vaccine.6:35-7:12=37 secondsBe sure to talk with your healthcare provider for the latest eligibility information. Certain people with weakened immune systems had already been authorized for a third dose. Minnesota recently passed 700,000 total positive coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic, according to the state Department of Health. More than 8,000 Minnesotans have lost their lives to the virus. We'll hear more from Wentz Otsahl on potential vaccines for children younger than 12 in a future episode. For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker.

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, one Ojibwe leader relayed a serious message about COVID-19 to tribal citizens on the importance of trusting the vaccine. Reporter Dalton Walker explains in this week's stories.The leader of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has a message for those undecided or not interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine.Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin referenced this week a well known Mayo Clinic medical official in her near-daily video address to tribal citizens. Benjamin is one of the few tribal leaders who regularly updates Mille Lacs citizens with short video posts. Benjamin1: Many people have decided not to take the vaccine and they are concerned about various risks or even some of the rumors that are out there.1:07-1:20 = 14 secondsBenjamin quoted Dr. Gregory Poland, Mayo Clinic's vaccine and research director in saying to believe in science first. Benjamin2: He made a statement that I quote: We are now in a desperate, but unrecognized race of variant versus vaccine of ignorance, versus knowledge of disease, versus health, and we are very much losing the game. The doctor said basically COVID-19 is a science problem, a medical problem. You can't abandon science as a way to determine truth.  1:28-2:00 = 32 secondsIn related news...More and more tribes in Indian Country, including at least one in Minnesota, are adopting a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for tribal employees.The move comes as the delta variant continues to surge across the country. Earlier this month, the Red Lake Nation Tribal Council voted unanimously to require vaccines for tribal employees.Red Lake has recorded nearly 700 positive cases and 12 deaths since the start of the pandemic. The tribe reported 56 active cases in a recent Facebook post.Chairman Darrell Seki said the tribe had to do something significant to keep citizens healthy and safe, according to a report by Indian Country Today. Also...As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian Health Service wants to remind everyone how important it is to get your influenza shot.  The flu and coronavirus vaccines can be given at the same time, according to the federal health agency. Those ages 6 months and older are recommended for an annual flu vaccination.Getting the flu shot is especially important to reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses on the health care system, IHS explains. Contact your local health care facility to ask about the flu vaccine availability near you.  And finally...Just how serious is COVID-19? The coronavirus has killed roughly 677,000 U.S. citizens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For perspective, that's more than the population in states like Wyoming and Vermont. Unfortunately, the number will rise even more in the coming weeks.The death count has officially passed the other most severe pandemic in recent history. The 1918 influenza pandemic killed about 675,000 U.S. citizens, according to the CDC. Again, the best way to beat COVID-19 and move us out of the pandemic is to get vaccinated.For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker.

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, COVID-19 cases are increasing in Minnesota's Indian Country. Reporter Dalton Walker explains in this week's stories.Unfortunately, positive COVID-19 cases are picking up again on tribal land just as our young people head back to school. Most tribes in Minnesota are posting daily numbers on social media. In posts this week, Leech Lake had 45 active cases and White Earth reported 62 cases. Bois Fort reported 14 active cases while Red Lake's latest report was 46 cases.The recent numbers come as many tribes announced single-digit positive cases for much of the summer. The Red Lake Nation implemented a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for tribal employees. The tribe continues to encourage the vaccine and offers a $130 incentive for each shot.Fond du Lac reported 22 positive cases this week, including seven between the ages of 5 and 17. The Fond du Lac Ojibwe School reported three cases this week, which included students in third, fourth and sixth grades. The school is offering virtual learning for those affected.The tribe's medical director Dr. Charity Reynolds said the community is going through a surge in positive cases amongst unvaccinated people, including those too young to get the shot. She said about 55 percent of the eligible community members have been vaccinated.   Reynolds: It's super important that we all get vaccinated and decrease the spread of COVID-19. Even though we've seen 1.4 percent of breakthrough infections, those people are still preventing going to the hospital and that's super important because right now in our local area the hospitals are at max capacity. 1:00-1:21= 21 secondsSome safety tips offered by Dr. Reynolds include keeping your circle small, know vaccine status of those around you, wear masks and avoid large gatherings.Also... The Lower Sioux Community near Morton, Minnesota is yet another tribe implementing a mask mandate in tribal government facilities. Employees and visitors must wear masks even if vaccinated. The mandate has been effective since August. Some of Minnesota's largest cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth require masks in city buildings.The tribe also has a vaccine incentive program that runs through the end of September. For more information, contact the Lower Sioux Health Care Center.And finally…Currently, 718 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized in Minnesota and 208 of those are in intensive care, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. Commissioner Jan Malcolm said the state hasn't had over 700 occupied beds since April. Sadly, that wasn't Malcolm's worst news. Malcom: And this is the highest number of people in ICs in all of 2021 so far.9:51-9:56 = 5 secondsFor Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker.

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, a tribal school in the northern part of the state had to pivot because of COVID-19 and delay the start of school. Reporter Dalton Walker explains in this week's story.Class is back in session for Minnesota students.Most schools are in-person and some still offer an option for virtual distance learning. All are navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic as positive cases continue to surge across the state mostly due to the delta variant.The first day for the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School on Leech Lake didn't go as planned. An outbreak amongst staff members happened days before the start of the school year forcing the district to push back the first day until Monday, Sept. 13.School board chair Laurie Harper said staff are required to show proof of a negative test before returning to the classroom.Harper1: All of our school staff are being required to test we've identified through contact tracing. Some will be tested through our tribal public health department and others will be tested outside of our tribal nation health facilities. 0:15-0:46=30Face coverings are required for all. The school is located in the Bena community and is home to 210 students grades K-12. The Niigaane Ojibwe immersion program falls under Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig. The new school year is in-person and 15 percent of the student population has opted to learn from home, according to Harper. In-person learning was a request by school officials, parents and students, she said. The school is in the process of applying for a state grant to implement regular COVID-19 testing.Last year, Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig started off with distance learning and educators quickly realized that more than half of the students learned better in-person. The school implemented a system of small student groups in one classroom with rotating teachers.Harper2: We can shift really quickly to back into what we were doing last year with smaller cohorts of students and having a teaching staff move from classroom to classroom rather than introducing new people into a cohort mix.5:07-5:31=24Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig is one of four tribally controlled schools in Minnesota under the Bureau of Indian Education contracts or grants. All four are on Ojibwe land. The other three are located on White Earth, Fond du Lac and Mille Lacs.The bureau falls under the Interior department. Recently, the Interior announced that all staff at BIE-managed schools were required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.“The United States has a direct interest in protecting American Indian and Alaska Native children, including their education, as part of its trust responsibility,” reads a news release explaining the vaccine mandate.  BIE operates and manages 53 schools across the country. No school in Minnesota is BIE operated, according to the Interior website directory. The mandate didn't mention tribally controlled schools that receive BIE funding. For the latest information on Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig, visit the school's website or Facebook page. For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker.

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, safety tips for student-athletes itching to get back on the playing field. Reporter Dalton Walker explains in this week's stories.September typically means the new school year has finally arrived for most students in Minnesota. School in session also means organized sports opportunities are back as well.Many questions remain regarding student safety in the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in physical contact sports. Fall sports like football and volleyball started practice in mid-August. The good news is that Minnesota teenagers are getting the vaccine. State Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm provided an update recently on the number of eligible students getting vaccinated. Malcolm: But we do continue to get some positive news on the vaccination front. Seventy percent of all Minnestans 12 and older now have had at least one dose. That's just incredibly important as school is starting out but we also want to continue to get that rate up even higher.9:30-9:45=16 secondsCOVID-19 data shows that youth rarely get seriously ill when contacting the coronavirus, but it can happen. Still, there are a lot of unknowns yet with potential long term health effects.The best defense against COVID-19 for student athletes is the vaccine. However, not all students are eligible for the vaccine, at least not yet. The latest state recommendations say face coverings and social distancing of at least six feet where possible can help. As does playing outdoors and avoiding crowds.The state recommends unvaccinated athletes participating in team sports to get tested for COVID-19 bi-weekly. For additional recommendations, visit the state health department website. Rules or recommendations can vary on location. Be sure to check with your local sports program for the la  test information. In other news.The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is extending its mask mandate through the end of the year.Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin made the announcement in a recent update to tribal citizens via her YouTube channel. This summer, the tribe decided to enforce masks again in tribal buildings due to the delta variant and an uptick in positive cases in the area. Benjamin: Mask must be worn in all Mille Lacs Band-owned buildings by all employees and guest. The commissioner's order goes into effect Sept. 1 and will be effective through Dec. 31, 2021.1:55-2:13=19 secondsOther Minnesota tribes have made similar mandates but Mille Lacs may be the first to reveal a long term mask plan. And finally, Yet more data on why you should get the shot. A new CDC study shows how dangerous the virus is for those unvaccinated. The study revealed that unvaccinated people aged 18 and older are 17 times more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19. This is especially important as more hospital beds fill up. Health officials urge people to get vaccinated to protect themselves and loved ones. For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker.

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, COVID-19 vaccinations remain a top priority as many across the state continue to explain why it's important to get the shot. Reporter Dalton Walker explains in this week's stories.COVID-19 isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Numbers are going up, again, across the state and on tribal lands.Lt. Gov. and White Earth Nation citizen Peggy Flanagan is urging our young people to get vaccinated. She posted on her Facebook this week that more than 20,000 students 12 years and older have gotten vaccinated in Minnesota. This is especially important as school fastly approaches“Let's continue this upward trend,” she said.Flanagan is far from being alone in asking people to get vaccinated.The Native American Community Clinic held an important COVID-19 Q&A recently on Facebook. Dr. Kari Rabie (KAI ROBIE), Dr. Antony Stately and Jace Gilbertson explained the seriousness of the virus and the importance of getting vaccinated.Some of the discussion explained the dangers of the delta variant, which is 2 times more contagious than the original strain. Rabie: People who are fully vaccinated with the delta variant can give the virus to other people. However, if they do get the COVID-19 virus, they are likely less contagious and they are contagious for shorter periods of time than if they are not vaccinated.6:10-6:25 = 15 secondsStately explained how health inequities and disparities affect Native people.Stately: Since the beginning of the pandemic that Native Americans and Alaska Natives, tribal people, both on tribal lands and also within urban areas like Minneapolis where NAC provides services, we have a significant higher rates of the COVID-19 infection compared to the general population, specifically compared to non-Hispanic whites. This is true of a lot of our health conditions that we have some of the highest rates of inequalities and disparities when it comes to all kinds of chronic conditions and infectious diseases.20:55-21:35= 40 secondsIn short, get vaccinated. Also...The Health and Human Services COVID-19 public education campaign includes a focus on Native people.Its toolkit includes informational content, video messages from tribal leaders, social media graphics and more.One 15-second video encouraging Native youth to get vaccinated features a traditional song and photos of our heroes and images of Native people today.Video audio: History, strength, resilience, vaccines, modern day, warriors, together, we overcome.15 seconds You can find the materials at wecandothis.hhs.gov.In other HHS news…The largest federal agency dedicated to serving the health of Indian Country is requiring all staff to be vaccinated.Indian Health Service employees have until Oct. 1 to get fully vaccinated. The directive is aimed at protecting the health and safety of IHS's workforce and patients.For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker.

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, at least one tribe is starting to see an increase again in COVID-19 cases, but also an increase in vaccinations. Reporter Dalton Walker explains in this week's stories. 

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, the state health department explains why young people need to get vaccinated even if healthy. Reporter Dalton Walker explains in this week's stories.Young people need to get vaccinated, too. This includes healthy teens. It's simple, if you're eligible and able to get the shot, do it. The Minnesota Health Department wants to inform young people across the state in a new PSA on vaccines and what teenagers should know. For some, you might already know the reasons to get vaccinated. For others, it could be new and valuable information. PSA1: Looking forward to going back to school in-person? Not having sports or other activities paused because of quarantine? Being able to hang out with family and friends? The COVID-19 vaccines are our way back to all of these things.13 secondsAcross the United States, including Indian Country, young people tend to have the lowest vaccine rates. Remember, the coronavirus doesn't discriminate and can be passed on by anyone, even healthy people. Anyone 12 years and older can get vaccinated free of charge. Those under 18, parent or guardian permission is needed. If obstacles arise regarding permission, contact your local clinic and ask about their consent process.Vaccines.gov is another helpful tool to find where vaccines are available near you. PSA2: Here are some fast facts. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe Just like for adults, they were studied in teens so we know they work and are safe The COVID-19 vaccine is free and you do not have to show an ID COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility 22 secondsRoughly 3 million residents across Minnesota have gotten the vaccine. Health officials stress that it's more important than ever to do your part and get vaccinated.Remember, the quickest way to get back to life before the COVID-19 pandemic, is to get vaccinated.  In other news.This week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended pregnant people to get vaccinated. This includes those thinking about becoming pregnant and those breastfeeding.The updated guidance comes as the highly transmissible delta variant spreads across the country causing severe harm to those unvaccinated. Vaccination rates for pregnant people are low and the CDC has seen a rise in pregnant people infected with the coronavirus in the past several weeks.“The vaccines are safe and effective, and it has never been more urgent to increase vaccinations,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. New CDC safety data did not find an increased risk of miscarraige among vaccinated pregnant women who were part of the study. For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

Don't toss out or put away those face masks just yet. For some, it might be time to mask back up, especially those seeking tribal government services.At least three tribes in Minnesota are requiring visitors to wear masks in tribal government buildings. The Bois Fort Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe have recently issued mask requirements. The decision is mostly related to the highly contagious delta variant that accounts for roughly 85 percent of COVID-19 cases in the state, according to health officials. The latest data shows Minnesota is averaging nearly 600 new cases per day. Mille Lacs tribal officials explained this week in a short video aimed at tribal citizens on why the tribe brought back mask requirements. Nicole Anderson, commissioner of Health and Human Services and Maria Costello, assistant commissioner of Administration, explained. The two were leading by example. In the video, they sat at a table inside and both were wearing masks. Anderson: We do not enter into these decisions lightly and we consider the safety and health of all of our community members, employees and guests when we make these decisions. The latest information we received on the delta variant is that it is more contagious and it is spreading quicker than the original strain. Costello: So I just want to say, be safe, mask back up, and make sure you are social distancing, good handwashing, sanitize, and if you are sick, please stay home. 10 secondsAnderson cited the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its updated advice that fully vaccinated people should wear masks indoors in areas with high transmission.Be sure to contact your tribe for mask guidance if you plan to visit tribal government departments. In other news.Need another incentive to get vaccinated? How about money in your pockets?Minnesota has taken the call from President Joe Biden and joined other states to hand out money for shots.Anyone 12 years of age and older who receive their first dose of the vaccine through Sunday, Aug. 15, are eligible to receive a $100 Visa gift card.To register, visit the state website at mn.gov/covid19. Youth ages 12 to 17 need a parent to register.The CDC and the state health department recommend anyone not fully vaccinated, including children ages 2 and older, to wear face masks in public indoor settings, around other people and outdoors when social distance cannot be maintained. For the latest coronavirus information, visit the state covid-19 response website and your tribe's website. The CDC website is also helpful.For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, why face coverings remain important as we navigate the delta variant, specifically in schools.bReporter Dalton Walker explains in this week's storiesSchool is just around the corner for many across Minnesota, and part of your back to school checklist should again include face masks.It's true, COVID-19 cases remain low and are considerably less than this time last year, or even a few months ago. But that could change.Over the past few weeks, health officials have been warning citizens about a new threat known as the delta variant of the coronavirus. It's highly contagious and dangerous if caught, especially to the unvaccinated. Most coronavirus cases in the state are of the delta kind. Last week, we explained how tribes across the state have been pushing for more vaccinations because of the variant. Now, in relation to the delta variant, state health and education officials issued new school COVID-19 guidance for the fall. The guidance is not a mandate and will be up to individual districts to implement. One recommendation is for students, teachers and staff to wear masks even if vaccinated against COVID-19. Another is for anyone 12 years and older to get vaccinated.Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm and other state health officials have been providing COVID-19 briefings more regularly again. Malcolm: Students, families and K-12 educators are preparing now for the start of the 20-21 school year. I don't want to miss saying that we are in a much better place than where we were last year thanks to the millions of Minnesotens who have stepped up to get vaccinated, and that is a critical difference. But it's very clear that we are not done with the pandemic yet.. 4:57-5:20 = 23 seconds Be sure to reach out to your local school district for the latest guidance as school approaches. In news related to face masks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention again revised its guidance for wearing masks indoors among groups. Fully vaccinated people should resume wearing masks indoors if they are in areas where the virus is surging. In Minnesota, 75 percent of new COVID-19 cases are delta, according to health officials. In other news.Tribes in Minnesota have routinely shared weekly updates since the start of the pandemic. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is one of them. Mille Lacs Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin shared the latest covid numbers among citizens. She relayed a message from the tribe's Health and Human Services about the delta variant.Benjamin: The best way to make sure that you and your family are protected when you are in large groups, please wear your mask. If you have family members and friends that do not have the covid vaccine, you can make them aware that there are clinics at the Health and Human Services building so if they are interested in getting the vaccine. 22 secondsFor Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, getting the word out to tribal citizens on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine remains a top priority for tribal leaders and tribal hWealth officials. Reporter Dalton Walker explains in this week's story.The message is simple: Get vaccinated to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.What is not so simple is convincing people, especially young adults, to get fully vaccinated.It may feel like things are finally getting back to how life used to be before COVID-19. Especially during our beautiful Minnesota summers. But tribal leaders and health officials remain cautious and continue to stress the importance of getting vaccinated. Remember, we are still in a pandemic and health experts agree that one of the ways to move forward is for people to get vaccinated. Tribes across the state have been the frontrunner in getting shots in arms, but still, more needs to be done. Now, a more dangerous and highly contagious variant known as delta is out there. It was first detected in the United States in March and now accounts for 83 percent of COVID-19 infections, according to the CDC. That's the bad news. The good news is that being fully vaccinated decreases your chances of catching the delta and other variants drastically. In other words, a potential new wave is mostly preventable. Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Medical Director Dr. Charity Reynolds said she has been answering more questions about the delta variant. She explains in a recent public service announcement aimed towards tribal citizens.  Reynolds1: The delta variant is becoming the leading variant in the U.S., we know by observing other countries that its highly contagious and spreading quickly, which causes surges of hospitalizations and deaths. We also know that the unvaccinated are at greatest risk for the delta variant. The covid 19 vaccine is protective against the delta variant. To prevent severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths, it's important to get both doses as one dose is only 35 percent protective while two doses is 88 percent effective. 34 seconds Reynolds said the two-dose Moderna vaccine remains readily available at tribal health facilities. Reynolds2: Remember to talk to your family and friends about getting vaccinated as well. The more we are protected, the less likely the delta variant will spread and we will continue to keep our community safe. 11 secondsOther tribes in Minnesota continue to share the latest coronavirus information on social media pages.Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Chairwoman Cathy Chavers reported no new positive cases in her weekly report on July 15. Her report also touched on the seriousness of the delta variant and how it could affect the tribe's young people. Chavers: I do still want to urge the people that haven't been vaccinated to get vaccinated. Please think of your children. As you can see, the delta variant and other variants are going across the United States, and other countries and they are affecting a lot of kids so please be thoughtful and mindful of children if you don't want to get vaccinated.22 secondsVaccines are readily available to anyone 12 years old and older. Reports say the vaccine could be made available for children as young as 5 later this year. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and how to get it, contact your local health provider. For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, traveling during the pandemic. Hear why two young Native athletes from the northern part of the state were in Arizona for a basketball tournament. Reporter Dalton Walker explains in this week's story.Basketball game audio14 second clip No question, basketball is a big deal in Indian Country.Just ask Red Lake Nation's Delwyn Holthusen III. He recently graduated from Red Lake High School and has his eye on Bismarck, North Dakota for college basketball. But first, a trip to the desert was in order.Holthusen was one of hundreds of Native athletes from across Indian Country to participate in the annual Native American Basketball Invitational in Phoenix, Arizona. It's one of the premier sporting events for young Native basketball players.Last year, like most things, the tournament was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event, known simply as NABI, is key for many prep athletes because of its size and exposure opportunities to college coaches. Some 400 games take place in five days. Masks were required for all who attended but optional for athletes when competing in game. Holthusen: I came down to Arizona to play in NABI because it's an experience. You get to travel and meet new people, especially. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. Holthusen1 = 15 secondsIn 2020, the opportunity was taken away from Holthusen and others like him.Holthusen: The pandemic, because, it happened while I was in my junior year, it set me back a lot because I really wanted to keep traveling every summer but we couldn't really do it my junior year, but there was that time from September to December where they eased up on pandemic and we were able to get in a few tournaments.Holthusen2 = 28 secondsHolthusen has committed to play for the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck. He also wasn't the only one in Phoenix with ties to one of the Ojibwe bands in Minnesota. Kailee Fineday was back in Phoenix this week to show off her skills on the basketball court. She has competed in NABI before and is familiar with its tough competition. Fineday is from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and later this year, she'll head to Lawrence, Kansas to play basketball for Haskell Indian Nations University. Fineday used the free time in the pandemic to improve her basketball game on her own, and with her dad's guidance.Fineday: During the pandemic, I was in the gym a lot because that was the only thing. So I had access to the gym so it was easier for me and I was in the gym every night getting shots up. My dad was coaching me in the gym, helping me out. I think it helped me a lot, developed my game.Fineday1= 16 secondsFineday has been traveling this summer for basketball and already visited Las Vegas, Nevada. Fineday: Now that I am able to travel, you know, I wasn't able to, I think it made me want to play better because, you know, I didn't get the opportunity like last year in the pandemic. So I think now it makes me go harder and makes me want to win.Fineday2 = 17 secondsFor Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, May is mental health awareness month and highlights the often-overlooked medical condition. Hear what one tribe is doing for better mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reporter Dalton Walker explains with this week's story. The last year has been challenging for all of us, and that's OK. The pandemic's impact on our mental health should not go unnoticed or brushed aside. We have all been affected, some more than others.  Many health organizations across the country are emphasizing the importance of mental health Judy Simpson, a crisis coordinator for White Earth Mental Health, and her team are working to break that stigma that prevents people from seeking help. “ But again there's that stigma for mental health that we just really need to break down. mental health is a medical condition. We have brain chemistry sometimes that just genetically we are not born with certain brain chemistry that allows us to feel certain ways on a regular basis, which would entail going out and getting some support and help in order to do that.” says Judy Simpson.  Self care might be the first step for mental health improvements, according to Simpson.  “Self care is great, and I think that's been a huge push during this pandemic as well is the need for self care. To just take care of ourselves, love ourselves, go for walks, listen to nature. Do something that takes time for you to just focus on yourself and focus on the things around you that are beautiful and important and that make you feel well and uplift you.” White Earth created a mental health connection group in 2020 that is culturally driven. Once a month, Simpson's team hosts an activity, usually in person with a virtual option. The Ojibwe band has had success in its vaccine rollout and has allowed gatherings to take place, including powwows. This month's mental health activity is hand drum making. Past activities included ribbon skirt making and discussions on traditional medicines. Simpson said participation has increased to a point that there is a waiting list.   “This is important to bring culture back into the communities, and to spend time together, so how we look at that correlation with mental health and the cultural events and activities is that this really does foster that connectedness” notes Simpson. Simpson says tribal citizens need to have an opportunity to connect with their culture instead of Western medicine or treatment being the only option. She says culture is an important piece of our mental health and our overall well being.  “Culturally driven health care is important. Our Western way of medicine can only meet the needs of so much, and that there's that gap still that if we can help fill that gap through a cultural lens and by implementing culturally-tailored health promotions and treatment that's where we're gonna see the improvements.” White Earth offers a free 24 hour mental health crisis line dedicated to those living on the  reservation and in Becker County. The word crisis can throw some people off, Simpson said, but no issue is too big or too small. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to or someone to listen.  Minnesota and other state and national health organizations have similar health helplines. More than 50 percent of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  If you're having any health-related issues, be sure to seek out your local health professionals.  For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, as the state continues to turn the corner and get vaccinated, talk has shifted for some to what's next for Indian Country. Reporter Dalton Walker explains with this week's stories.Minnesota is known for its snow and cold winters, but it's also known for its many summer outdoor adventures. Minnesota tourism was a billion dollar industry before the pandemic. Tourism in Indian Country is more than powwows or stops at the casino. Sure, both play a role in bringing revenue to the tribal government. But tourism is beyond that, especially now that things shuttered by the pandemic are slowly opening back up. Plus, with tribes pushing for vaccinations among tribal citizens, and some tribes even offering it to anyone willing to get the shot, brighter days are ahead.Tribes in the state have magnificent cultural centers like the Shakopee Mdewakanton's Hoċokata Ti, or prime walleye fishing opportunities on Ojibwe lands up in Leech Lake, or even the great hiking and scenic views at the only state park within in a reservation, home of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.A national survey focused on tribal tourism found that nearly 70 percent of respondents believe tourism will increase greatly in the coming months. The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association's annual survey asked Native and tribally owned hospitality businesses Association CEO Sherry L. Rupert said the optimism comes as many across the country itching for a vacation will pass on international travel in favor of domestic road trips. Rupert: After all our industry has faced, I'm so excited for everything the second half of 2021 and 2022 has to offer,0:37-0:46 = 9 secondsRupert was one of five tourism experts to testify this week in a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs oversight hearing focused on Native tourism economies. Committee Chairman Brian Schatz said dedicated dollars for tribes by the recent American Rescue Plan helps but more needs to be done. Schatz: Yes, help is here. But many Native communities need particular resources to reboot, revitalize, and expand their tourism economies. The Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act, or Native Act, would help Native communities do just that.21:04-21:20=17 secondsExplore Minnesota, the state's tourism arm, has a user-friendly website that highlights museums and historic sites on tribal lands.Adventure is out there. Be sure to check your specific destination's website to see what COVID-19 safety guidelines are in place before heading out. In other news…A popular social media post by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention showed the world how serious Indigenous people are about the vaccine.The CDC updated its data tracker this week to display vaccine progress trends by race and ethnicity. In the social media post of a graphic chart, American Indians and Alaska Natives are first in the percentage of fully vaccinated.30 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives are fully vaccinated, and the group has been in the lead since January, according to the CDC.For a closer look at the data tracker, visit the CDC website at covid.cdc.govFor Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, tribal leaders are stressing the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine to help curb the spread in Minnesota's Indian Country. Reporter Dalton Walker explains with this week's stories.The internet is a powerful tool. Tribes use it to communicate directly with citizens in near real time. It's easy to find a post on Facebook or a YouTube video with relevant and reliable information that may affect you or your tribal community. Boise Forte Band of Chippewa Chairwoman Cathy Chavers regularly shares updates via YouTube. Other tribal leaders and tribal health officials across the state do the same. In one of her latest messages, Chavers said the tribe will launch a vaccination message focused on tribal citizens under 30 years of age. Chavers: We are trying to reach out to those age categories who have been already vaccinated to tell their friends to please get the vaccination, please get vaccinated, it's very important. Sometimes, people don't like the government telling them what to do, I don't feel like I should be wearing a mask, I don't feel like I should be vaccinated. But if you get the virus and you end up real sick, you can also get others very sick and you could possibly pass from this virus.3:28-3:53= 26 secondsThe tribe has seen a recent increase in positive cases from unvaccinated eligible people, Chavers said. Chavers asked citizens questioning the vaccine's safety to contact their health providers. Remember, be sure to subscribe or follow your tribes' social media channels for the latest information by simply searching keywords online.In other news…Soon, our young people ages 12 to 15 will be eligible for the coronavirus vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize Pfizer's vaccine for youth as young as 12. Reports say the FDA may endorse Pfizer's vaccine for even younger children later this year. Pfizer was the first federally approved vaccine and requires two-doses.Children rarely get seriously ill from the coronavirus. However, children with no symptoms can still spread it to other people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Teens as young as 16 were given the green light to get the vaccine not long after the rollout began. Youth from the Lower SIoux Indian Community shared why they got the vaccine in a short public service announcement. Five high school students were part of the video posted on the tribe's Facebook page this month. Youth: And the reason I got the covid vaccine is to keep my elders safe. And the reason I got the vaccine so that life could hopefully go back to normal. I got the vaccine because I wanted to protect those around me. I'm getting vaccinated to help prevent the spread of corona to young kids and elders. 0:22-0:39= 18 secondsAnd finally…President Joe Biden has a new vaccination goal for the country. Biden wants at least one shot to 70 percent of adults by Fourth of July. The goal comes as nearly 105 million U.S. citizens are fully vaccinated, according to the White House. The Indian health system is doing its part. In Biden's first 100 days as president, 1.1 million vaccine doses have been administered in Indian Country, according to Indian Health Service. For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, Native people face many health-related obstacles that are beyond life in the pandemic. Reporter Dalton Walker explains with this week's stories.The numbers are staggering, and we aren't talking about the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.The opioid epidemic has been around for years and will likely outlast the coronavirus pandemic. Opioids are prescription medication known as painkillers. When abused, it can lead to overdose or be fatal.Opioid overdose deaths have increased nearly every year in Minnesota since 2000, according to Minnesota Department of Health data. Since 2017, we have lost nearly 1,200 people…. who died from overdoses… in our state. But the data doesn't even include this year or last year so the true number is even higher. In Minnesota, Native people are seven times as likely to die from a drug overdose as white people, according to the state.Recently, three Ojibwe bands joined local law enforcement to bring attention to the dangers of opioid abuse after 10 fatal overdoses in the Beltrami County area in a span of roughly two months. “It's important to know that these drugs can be fatal upon the first use,” a joint news release said. White Earth, Red Lake and Leech Lake are working with Bemidji and Beltrami County. Two Native organizations with ties to Minnesota are beneficials of Indian Health Service's grants to combat the opioid epidemic. The Indian Health Board of Minneapolis and the Native American Community Clinic, also in Minneapolis, were each awarded $500,000 as part of an opioid intervention pilot project. In other news.Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, White Earth Nation, explained why it's important to get vaccinated, and praised tribes for leading by example with high vaccine rates. Flanagan was recently on Indian Country Today's newscast.Flanagan: Someone asked me the other day, ‘why do you think that is, why do you think vaccination rates are so high?' I said, because we care about each other. Our communities have been through pandemics before, and we have stories about how those have impacted our people and our families. I am not surprised that we have been able to do this especially after the devastation we have seen in Indian Country. When given the opportunity to protect our own people, Indian Country has stepped up.And finally…The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is in need of foster families for children.In a recent video update to tribal citizens, Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin explained why it's important for those that can foster to step up for the children in need of a home. Benjamin said interested citizens wanting to foster or learn more about the process can call the tribe's Family Services. Benjamin: We want to make sure that we keep our children in our community, and immersed in the culture and our family. Sometimes, parents are in a crisis and so therefore we will need foster families.For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

More than one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine has been administered by the Indian health system, and additional help to Indian Health Service, tribal and urban Indian health programs is on its way.The Biden administration announced this month that it was investing more than $4 billion to combat coronavirus in Indian Country as part of the president's American Rescue Plan. A large chunk of the money will go to support increased vaccinations across the Indian health system.The Bemidji Area office of Indian Health Service covers three Midwest states including all of Minnesota. Nearly 100,000 vaccine doses have been administered as part of the Bemidji office. Native people are at higher risk for coronavirus disease and complications.Native American and Alaska Native people are 3.5 times more likely to get COVID-19, and have the highest hospitalization rate of any racial or ethnic group, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Two days before Biden's announcement, the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held an oversight hearing that examined the coronavirus response in Indigenous communities. The bipartisan committee oversees matters related to Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian peoples. Health officials from Hawaii, Alaska and the Lower 48 testified, including Indian Health Service Chief Medical Officer Michael Toedt. Toedt: Over the past year, the IHS has worked closely with our tribal and urban Indian organization partners, state and local public health officials, and our fellow federal agencies to coordinate a comprehensive public health response to the pandemic. Our number one priority has been the safety of our IHS patients and staff, as well as tribal community members.36:19-36:51 = 32 seconds, Toedt1 audioToedt shared IHS' coronavirus response and strategy in his roughly five-minute testimony. He said the vaccination effort was possible because of strong partnerships with tribal governments and health facilities. Toedt: As we work towards recovery, we are committed to working closely with our stakeholders and understand the importance of working with partners during this difficult time.41:02-41:11 = 9 seconds, Toedt2 audioToedt only read highlights of his 6-page testimony. To read Toedt's full testimony and other testimonies, visit Indian.Senate.gov.In other news.The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has vaccinated nearly 51 percent of tribal citizens in its COVID-19 vaccine rollout.Doctor Charity Reynolds, medical director at Fond du Lac Human Services, wants to remind citizens to get both shots of the Moderna vaccine being offered by the tribe. Reynolds: The overall goal is to get 80 percent so that we can reach that herd immunity within the community. We are asking those between the ages of 18 and 52 to get vaccinated, they have the lowest rate so we really have to work on getting those higher. 17 secondsClip: Charity Reynolds FDLFor Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

Summer Powwows on the Horizon After a Year Of Postponement This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, we check in on the latest developments for how Indian Country is responding to the COVID-19 health crisis. Here's reporter Dalton Walker with this week's stories.For 36-year-old Wesley Jourdain, a champion powwow singer from the Red Lake Nation, the snow melting usually meant powwow season was almost here. That changed last year when the country shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, and events known for large crowds were canceled. Now, as more people get vaccinated across the state, and as tribes continue to report high vaccination rates, the path back to the powwow trail is clearing by the day.Jourdain: Just to be at a presence at a powwow, was one of the best feelings I've had growing up.2:18-2:26 = 8 secondsShort powwow song clipA 25 second clip is available and can be cutJourdain: We've heard the drums over social media, videos, stuff like that. Just having that feeling of the drum, you know, that vibration, and everything it gives off in the moment right there, that is one of the things I miss.11:01:-11:21 = 20 secondsSome tribes in Minnesota have been promoting upcoming powwow celebrations. The Lower Sioux Indian Community, Shakopee Mdewakanton, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and the Red Lake Nation have already announced summer powwow dates and others could be close behind.  Jourdain is part of the Battle River drum group, a popular group on the powwow circuit. In past years, for Jourdain, the powwow season started in April and slowed down in October. In between those two months, he might have attended nearly three dozen powwows across the Midwest and beyond, even into Canada.Jourdain: You always come across people that you know, that you see, kind of adopted into your own family, to seeing these people, and vica versa they adopt you. I suppose that comradery, that respect, that mutual friendship with one another is one thing I really, really miss.10:34-10:56 = 22 secondsJourdain made it a priority to get vaccinated as soon as he was eligible. He wanted to be an example for his two young children and for his students. He's a Ojibwe language and culture teacher for lower elementary students on the reservation. Jourdain: So I made it a priority because putting myself out there in front of all these kids, all the people in the school right now, I felt I had to get the vaccine, in my mind, to protect what I bring home from my work place and for my family.24:30-24:53 = 23 secondsIn other news….Indian Health Service and some tribes in Minnesota have paused all Johnson & Johnson vaccine administration. The vaccine, known for its one-and-done shot, is under federal review after at least six reported U.S. cases of a rare type of blood clot in individuals. More than 7 million people across the country have received the J&J vaccine.IHS reported that less than 2 percent of recorded shots were Johnson & Johnson.And finally…. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is offering financial assistance for coronavirus-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. There is no deadline to apply for the federal program. More information can be found at disasterassistance.gov. For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, we look at an Ojibwe band on the most northeastern edge of the state and how it was affected by the pandemic. I'm Dalton Walker and here's this week's story. A couple hours drive north of Duluth, tucked away along the shore of Lake Superior and near the Canadian border, is the homelands of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Grand Portage is one of seven Ojibwe bands in Minnesota, and the smallest. The tribe is home to about 500 citizens.Council member John Morrin has served for more than 20 years. He said the last year has been challenging as the tribe took near immediate precautions once the pandemic hit Minnesota. Morrin: We took the virus seriously, basically shut down Grand Portage. We shut down our store, had limited hours, we shut down our casino, shut down just about everything.0:56-1:09 = 13 secondsThe shut down worked for the health and safety of the community. No deaths connected to the coronavirus have been reported. Morrin: Those precautions we took over a year ago now, we've only had one case in Grand Portage. And in fact, that wasn't a case within the community but was a case of a girlfriend that came to visit a band member one weekend and that's how he got exposed. She found out later that she got exposed. But basically, one case like that in over a year, so I would have to say, we have a community that really took it seriously and took serious precautions to keep our community safe, and it paid off.1:55-2:36 = 41 secondsLike many tribes and communities, the shutdown affected revenue. The casino was closed for nearly four months. With the border still closed, a large chunk of gaming revenue from regular Canadian visitors has stopped. Reserves and federal and state relief has helped, but the tribe has been in a crunch since, Morrin said. Morrin: We're patiently waiting for Trudeau and Biden to work something out and open up that border. We think, maybe, we've heard, middle of May. Not going to hold my breath; possibly by the Fourth of July. But we would really appreciate that border being opened, that's basically our revenues. 4:19-4:44= 25 secondsThe tribe is looking at other potential revenue streams, like maximizing outdoor recreational opportunities. Grand Portage is a vacation destination throughout the year. It's home to the picturesque Grand Portage State Park and a ferry ride to Isle Royale National Park.Tourism to the area could be coming back in the coming months as the state and the country continues to get vaccinated. The tribe has better vaccinated numbers than the state. Grand Portage worked with Indian Health Service for its vaccine rollout. Morrin said 90 percent of the tribe has been vaccinated and the leftover vaccine was shared with the county.Morrin: That's who we are, culturally, we help everybody. It's kind of an educational process too, we keep pushing. Hey, we are still here, and this is who we are, beautiful people.11:58-12:11 = 13 secondsFor Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, some tribes in Minnesota reflect on the pandemic's impact with eyes toward a one day new normal. I'm Marie Rock Dalton Walker reports on the latest developments.This time last year, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Chairman Faron Jackson gave his annual state of the band address at the tribe's casino. This year, Jackson opened his address wearing a facemask and delivered it virtually on March 26. Like all of us, Leech Lake battled a turbulent year full of unknowns with more questions than answers. Jackson: Little did we know that would be our last normal event gathering for the foreseeable future. We were informed during the state of the band event last year that the first case of the virus had been confirmed in Minnesota.Things progressed very rapidly from that point with the tribal council declaring a public health emergency just six days later. Jackson first quote 28 secondsIn his address, Jackson reflected on the coronavirus impact, including catching the virus himself and recovering. He also shared a message of hope for the future. The tribe has vaccinated nearly 5,500 people, almost half being Native American. He asked those not yet vaccinated to seriously consider it.Jackson: The actions we have taken as a tribe, and as a community, saved us from suffering the worst effects of this pandemic. I personally want to say miigwech to each and every member of the Leech Lake band of Ojibwe for doing your part in keeping our families and communities safe. We have to continue to be extremely cautious, we cannot let our guard down just yet.Jackson second quote 27 secondsThe event included a short message by Minnesota Lt. Gov. and White Earth Nation citizen Peggy Flanagan. Flanagan praised Leech Lake for its strong vaccine rollout and mentioned the importance of government to government relations.In other news….The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa went eight weeks without a positive COVID-19 case. That changed in late March after multiple positive cases were reported by the tribe. Chairman Kevin DuPuis reminded citizens in his latest public service announcement of the seriousness of the virus. He said 81 percent of elders 65 and older have been vaccinated. DuPuis: If we are going to look out for our elders, what our duty and obligation is, is that we need to step up in the generations and ages below that to move in, get vaccinated, try to do the best that you can. We can't make anybody get vaccinated, I know its a personal choice, but to get back to some sort of normality so we can start doing some things that we enjoyed, like our ceremonies, our powwows, our gatherings, our get togethers, we really need to move in that direction and look at one another as the security of our future.DuPuis quote 32 secondsAnd finally….“Want to go to prom? Tired of not getting to hang out with your friends?” These are simple questions targeting eligible high school students on the Red Lake Nation. The tribe is starting an April push to vaccinate citizens 16 and older. Chairman Darrell Seki said the tribe is also offering a $30 incentive in form of a gift card to the local grocery store and convenience store. In a recent update posted on social media, Seki again emphasised the importance of the vaccine.Seki: Please, I want to remind everyone that the vaccine is not mandatory. However, I'm encouraging everyone to take this vaccine for the protection of yourself, your brother, your sister, your families, your grandparents. It's better for all of us to be safe and live a better health lifeSeki quote 24 secondsFor Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton WalkerVideo linkshttps://vimeo.com/user124566551https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y63HESnagFIhttps://www.facebook.com/OfficialFondDuLacBandOfLakeSuperiorChippewa/posts/484376896309302

Minnesota got a glimmer of good news recently. For the first time since last April, the state reported zero coronavirus deaths in a daily situation. Progress, perhaps. But state and tribal health officials continue to stress vaccinations and safety precautions.To date, 6,800 Minnesotans have lost their lives to COVID-19.  Positive cases across Minnesota's Indian Country continue to go down. Since the vaccine rollout late last year, tribes have been the frontrunner in getting their citizens vaccinated. In a recent video update, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa tribal chairwoman Cathy Chavers said towns in the area have seen an increase in positive cases among young adults. The tribe in northeastern Minnesota is working with Indian Health Service on vaccinations. Chavers encourages tribal citizens 18 and older to contact the tribal health clinic to schedule their vaccine. So far, the tribe has administered more than 2,100 vaccines, she said.Chavers: Bois Forte would like to remind the community that now is not the time to let our guard down. This is not over. We need to continue to wear our masks, social distance, especially when out in public, or having contact with people that have not been fully vaccinated. Indian Health Service is working with tribal partners on vaccine distribution. Minnesota tribes that work closely with IHS fall under the Bemidji Area Office, which also includes Wisconsin, Michigan and parts of Indiana. IHS is nearing 93,000 in total doses distributed to the Bemidji Area Office. Indian Health Service is a federal agency under Health and Human Services. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe were the first in Indian Country to receive the vaccines from IHS back in December. The tribe regularly posts updated numbers related to the coronavirus on its Facebook page. For most of March, active cases have been in the low single digits, and on some occasions, zero cases. Vince Rock, interim health director for the tribe, said daily positive numbers were in the 50s before the vaccine rollout. Rock: So we want to build a firewall, we know that we have to protect the whole community. And that's also what we're looking at right now and these are where our plans are. We want to get all the towns on the reservation, Native and non-Native. And then we want to bolster some of those towns on the borders when we get there. The reason we can do this is because we have been given enough vaccines to do that. This week, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal government's top infectious disease expert, continued his message that public health measures need to remain in place. Fauci: I'm often asked, are we turning the corner? My response is really more like we are at the corner. Whether or not we're going to be turning that corner still remains to be seen.23:00-23:11For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

This time last year, Manidoo Ogitigan, the Spirit's Garden, had helped coordinate a sugarbush camp, along with the local school district in a community on the Red Lake Nation when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the tribe to shut down.

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, singers and dancers gathered in White Earth for the first time in many months as part of a healing process from the pandemic. I'm Marie Rock. Dalton Walker reports on the latest developments. With his 4-year-old son by his side, Bryce King-Hanks experienced an emotion he hadn't felt in months. The familiar heartbeat of the powwow drum, the sound he grew up with, had finally returned. Powwow song clip0:01-15, fade out On the White Earth Nation in northern Minnesota, the tribe hosted an indoor powwow in early March roughly a year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. An indoor powwow had been unheard of in Indian Country since we learned the seriousness of the coronavirus.  On this powwow weekend, the virus didn't win, culture did.  King-Hanks: It was such an awesome feeling seeing them people come in, the dancers, the singers. It felt good being after about a year and a half of no powwowing and singing like that to get out there and enjoy that. I brought my son with me and he had a really good time, it wore him right out because when we got home he went right to bed.1:18-1:39 White Earth is no different than any other community. It has been impacted by the coronavirus. But with positive case numbers shrinking by the week and a successful vaccine rollout, the tribe felt the time was right to host a healing gathering in the form of a powwow. Dana Goodwin is a member of the powwow committee. She said the powwow was carefully planned with masks required for participants and attendees. Hand sanitizer was readily available at the powwow. Committee members, volunteers, vendors and others were asked to do a drive up rapid testing before the powwow, she said.  Goodwin: We ensured that everyone attending was aware of the expectations. We limited the entrances to the casino, there were only three doing the powwow, otherwise there were only two doors open other than the fire exits. So people weren't going in and out or coming in without being screened. We hired extra help to watch for that, to encourage people to wear their masks in case they had forgotten. 6:33-7:06 Vaccines were also available. On Saturday, before grand entry, Goodwin said vaccinations were offered nearby and a shuttle was available as long as those getting the shot committed to come back for their second shot in three or so weeks.  31-year-old King-Hanks said he recently received his first dose of a two-dose vaccine. He's a cultural teacher in White Earth. He got the vaccine for the safety of the students.  At the powwow, King-hanks said he felt safe and comfortable. He said he was pleasantly surprised at attendance. He sings with the White Earth Boys, a drum group of childhood friends. The powwow was a great opportunity to show his son their culture, he said.    King-Hanks: It was lovely. Everybody that I talked to, they'd say that it just felt good and being there, seeing everybody, especially when grand entry started, seeing all them dancers come out because we were right in the middle, and I just felt everybody coming around us. It felt good to get back out there. Talking to my brothers, my girlfriend, my mother, they were all there. It felt good to do that, everybody left with a good feeling, a happy feeling after the powwow was done. We were pretty exhausted, but it felt wonderful. 4:40-5:11 The powwow was held in the Shooting Star casino's event center in the town of Mahnomen. The powwow was live streamed on the tribe's Facebook for those not able to attend. 18 drums and 295 dancers registered, a “nice amount,” Goodwin said. Goodwin: As a dancer myself, that heartbeat and the singing was healing. It's like when you are away from a friend, a family friend, someone you loved for a long time and don't get to hear them or be with them, that's what it felt like for me. It's a part of you and to have that back was incredible. 13:31-14:06 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced this week new guidance for fully vaccinated Americans. Masks are still recommended and social distancing is encouraged when out in public. One major change is that those vaccinated can now gather with other vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks. For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker 

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, the Red Lake Nation in northern Minnesota shows why getting COVID-19 vaccine is important, especially with elders. I'm Marie Rock. Dalton Walker reports on the latest developments.It's simple, yet powerful. It's a social media campaign explaining why Red Lake tribal citizens and others should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. A series of YouTube videos by tribal health officials offer safety tips, testing information and the impact of the vaccine has on citizens. Hereditary Chief and elder Greeting Spears and others were part of a recent “Will you do it for me?” video. Audio voice over with song in background: Will you do it for me (Spears)? Will you do it for me (child)? Will you do it for me (tee  n)? Will you do it for me (health worker)? A covid vaccine is coming, will you do it for me?25 secondsVideo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuZr48vBp6sThe campaign has been successful. The tribe has held multiple vaccine drives since February. Health officials have posted more than a dozen photos of people holding a sheet of paper with the words, “I did it for” with participants writing in why they got the shot. Some said it was for their family, the community and many merely put, “you.”For 27-year-old Serena Graves, once she was eligible for the vaccine in Red Lake, she made it a priority to get the shot. She recently received the recommended second dose and posted on her social media thanking the tribe and health officials for making it a seamless process.Graves is an Ojibwe culturalist at Red Lake schools and a lead in an Ojibwe language immersion program. Graves: Within those roles, typically we have a lot of contact with students, first language speakers and a lot of second language speakers, and so I felt like getting the COVID19 vaccine was the best way we could begin building up some immunity to the virus within our Red Lake Nation community, specifically in the Ojibwe language community on the Red Lake Indian Reservation where I'm doing a lot of work right now for the adult immersion program and with our students with the Red Lake School District.0:53-1:23 = 30Graves has encouraged others in Red Lake to get the vaccine, but she also knows the historical trauma many have when it comes to trusting federal health care.Graves: I think as Native people we understand kind of both sides of the fence where we've been historically treated very, very badly by a lot of the Westernized medicines that have been used against us for so many years, and like a vaccine, right, the flipside is that this is kind of needed to end this horrific pandemic era, but also I understand their perception of why they're nervous, or might question it, or kind of be a little reluctant to the whole concept.”2:39-3:12 = 23Still, Graves advocates for the vaccine because no more need to die. Audio voice over outro with song in background: We are a nation of people, a community, a family. Together we are our strength. I encourage all of you to get your vaccinations for the increased health and protection of all of our people, and future generations. Miigwech miniwaa gizha (two other Ojibwe words)0:19-34 = 15 For Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

This week on the Minnesota Native News health report, the White Earth Nation in northern Minnesota is having success with its COVID-19 rollout, especially with elders. I'm Marie Rock. Dalton Walker reports on the latest developments.White Earth Chairman Michael Fairbanks leads by example. He recently received his second COVID-19 vaccine dose. He feels good. He feels safe. Or in his words, safer. Now, he wants to make sure others in White Earth do the same. Fairbanks: I think that's one thing I know I promote even today to all Community band members, and also Community members to get your vaccine. Listen to your doctors, don't listen to social media because social media has so much negativity on there about the vaccine. 5:46-6:06White Earth has vaccinated 4,600 people, and 1,500 of them have received the recommended second dose. Impressive, but another statistic brings a smile to Fairbanks' face - nearly all people 65 and older have been vaccinated. Elders are the most vulnerable, he said, and it's a priority to protect them.Fairbanks: If our grandkids want to sit on grandpa's lap or grandma's lap, it's important that grandma and grandpa get vaccinated. That's what's working for us on why we have 87 percent of our elders over 65 are vaccinated. Those are numbers I'm proud of, I'm proud of our elders, they ramped it up, they said they want to see their kids and their grandkids too.”14:05-14:28White Earth is one of seven Ojibwe bands in Minnesota, and is in the northwestern part of the state. It's big. It encompasses Mahnomen County and stretches into two other   counties. Mahnomen County has one of the highest vaccine rates, according to the state health department. The land is what Fairbanks calls a checkerboard with tribal land and plots of private land. This means many people that live on the reservation aren't necessarily Native. But it also means any reservation resident has an option to get vaccinated through the tribe's public health department. Fairbanks credits the department, and its staff for working hard to get people vaccinated. Fairbanks: Community-based healthcare model is that we get to have multiple areas here on the rez. Last Friday, we had Mahnoman, we had White Earth community, we had Naytahwaush, we had Elbow Lake. We had four places where we had our nurses spread out doing vaccinations so that just tells you that our healthcare is fabulous up here in White Earth. We are doing a great job. 4:24-4:51Also this week, the largest organization to advocate on behalf of 574 federally recognized tribes met virtually for its executive winter session. National Congress of American Indians President Fawn Sharp delivered her second State of Indian Nations. Sharp asked the Biden administration for a “swift and comprehensive approach to COVID-19 relief and recovery.” NCAI is seeking $20 billion in additional federal relief for tribes, and flexibility in spending rules. Last year, Congress allocated $8 billion to tribal governments via the CARES Act. Sharp: Every single exhausting day, tribal nations are demonstrating we know best on how to care for our own people. From vaccinating our Native language speakers and elders first to providing nourishment to food insecure Native families who have lost jobs and income.33:36-33:54https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfzoDS3wzbkFor Minnesota Native News health report, I'm Dalton Walker

I'm Marie Rock. This week on the Minnesota News Health Report, state and tribal leaders say more people must enlist in the war on Covid-19. JM To beat a pandemic, a majority isn't enough. Now more than ever we need   literally all of us to make these personal, individual efforts to keep all Minnesotans safe.That's state health commissioner Jan Malcolm. She says beating the virus is hard - but not complicated. It doesn't cost anything  to wear a mask, keep at least six feet apart, and get tested if you've been exposed or if you're not feeling well. Laurie Stern has more about why the message is more urgent than ever.The predicted fall surge of virus is upon us. Cases, hospitalizations and deaths are way up this week, with a positivity rate of more than six percent. And the virus is spreading faster in greater Minnesota than the Twin Cities metro. The numbers from the Indian Health Service are worrisome. The Bemidji area  covers 34 tribes in Minnesota, Michigan,  Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. The latest area positivity rate is 10.8 percent. Area Director Daniel Frye says some of this is driven by the extreme surge in Wisconsin, which has a positivity rate over 20 percent.they have their own mandates on their reservations, but the surrounding counties around them, they don't have any, so it's easy for that virus to spread, because now people are starting to go more indoors between schools being open sporting activities, and now it's getting colder, so you're not seeing as much outside.Director Frye says Minnesota's mask mandate has been effective, but it could be more effective.Bemidji has been very good about making sure that they're enforcing that math mandate, if I go to Walmart, I feel pretty comfortable that that most folks are going to have their their mask on. But if I get out into just a couple rural towns away, you know, Bagley and down us to, I'm not going to see that I'm still going to see a lot of folks not adhering to it and a lot of local establishments not not enforcing the mask mandates.Daniel Frye says if he walks into a place where people are not masked, he leaves. I've had high blood pressure my whole adult life so I'm worried about having those pre-existing conditions as well…He says the tribes are doing the best they can without walling their citizens in. Most need to keep casinos open because that revenue supports the social services they provide. He encourages tribal leaders to pace themselves for what will undoubtedly be a long haul.What we need is a break. And I don't say that ironically, I say that, because the fatigue among these health directors among the frontline staff that are there every day is really high right now.… we need all of us to be in our top form when we are at work when we are having these conversations. So when you get a chance to take a few days off to take a weekend and take a whole week, you really just need to shut off what's going on with COVID. Especially because it looks like things will get worse before they get better.no one can go through a pandemic and basically be on call for 12 months straight. It's just not physically possible. You'll become emotionally and physically drained. And mentally, you will not be able to offer what you need to for the people that need it.Director Frye is trying to walk the talk, spending lots of time with his small children, teaching them how practice traditional ways of resilience.it's not about just doing those things. It's not about just doing something like smudging, it's teaching, why those things are meaningful and where it came from. you know, with my son being four and my daughter being too it's going to be an opportunity for me to, get them more engaged in who we are and where we came from as well. And Minnesota, especially northern Minnesota here in Bemidji is such a great place for it because you're surrounded by three Anishinabe reservations - that Ojibwe culture.As individuals prepare for the long winter haul, Native Nations are providing good examples of how to put community first. State officials are pleading with all Minnesotans to do the same. There's a good reason that the people who lived through World War Two are called the greatest generation, not only their efforts on the battlefield, but literally saved the world, but also for the work and sacrifices of those here at home. This is Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm During that time, we saw a spirit of unity and purpose and a focus on shared goals that maybe hasn't been as clear to us in more recent times.(MUSIC OUT)    

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, for the moment, the virus is winning.  But Minnesota - and Minnesotans are not giving up.  I'm Marie Rock. Laurie Stern reports on the latest developments. By every measure the state uses, we are seeing a second surge. In 85 of Minnesota's 87 counties, there is too much Covid for schools to have full in-person classes. The number of infections, hospitalizations and deaths are the highest since June. And cold weather increases the risk of transmission as activities move indoors.Walz: It's been a little while since I joined these 2 o'clocks…Governor Tim Walz joined the press briefing October 15 to lend perspective to both negative and positive developments:Walz: The United States was slow in getting testing. I mean, that is that is an obvious fact. But we've also found that there are different tools that we can use on testing different ways to go about it.In describing lessons learned over the past seven months, Governor Walz emphasized the crucial role testing plays.Walz: we want to cut off that community spread by making sure that people get tested as easily and as quickly and as close to their home as they possibly can. The longer it takes for us to find out if somebody has this, the more they unknowingly spread it. So taking a test and waiting several days to get the results that really impedes our ability to slow this down so we've made testing a critical component of our strategy and I'm really pleased today to announce a significant expansion of that testing.By mid- November, the state will have 10 locations where people can do no-contact saliva testing instead of nasal swabs. In addition to the first semi-permanent site already up at the convention center in Duluth,  Winona opened a site on October 13,  Moorehed on October 17.  Brooklyn Park opens October 20. Another six will come online in the next few weeks: four in the Twin Cities and two in Greater Minnesota.The state also announced a pilot project which would mean people who want to get tested would not have to leave home. This is Minnesota Department of Health Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff:In addition to the semi permanent testing sites, the saliva program will include a mail order program, the covid 19 testing at home program will allow Minnesotans to register online and receive their at home testing kit via UPS.The saliva tests will be processed in Oakdale at a facility that – at capacity - will employ 250 people.the new lab will reduce shipping time by allowing samples to be couriered from the collection site in the state over to Oakdale instead of having to be shipped to the biologics lab in New Jersey.The mail-in pilot project will focus on staff in Minnesota's K12 and higher ed schools, with everyone able to participate some time in November. The saliva tests will double the state's testing capacity from about 30,000 a day to about 60 thousand. Insurance companies will be billed if people have insurance. Those who don't have insurance or are underinsured will not be charged.  But state officials warn testing is only part of the strategy to curtail the virus. Contact tracing is important too. This is State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm.Because is all of this turns on voluntary compliance, from folks being willing not only to literally to, to answer the phone, when we call, but how forthcoming they are with the information, how forthcoming they're with the details of where they've been. I thinkwhat we hear when we talk to the folks who are doing these case investigations and these calls, is kind of a mix of responses.  The quality of the information really does depend upon people's participation and how forthcoming they are.Of course state officials continue to emphasize the importance of wearing a mask, social distancing and staying home if you're feeling sick. For MNNHR, I'm LS. 

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, the number of Covid- 19 cases in Minnesota now tops 100 thousand. The virus is outpacing the state's ability to track - let alone control it. But public health officials are determined to do what they can.

Marie:Headlines: This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, indigenous ways of dealing with a virus that keeps spreading. I'm Marie RockPublic health officials are concerned about the growing number of cases since Labor Day and the start of school.  This is Kris Ehresman, Infectious Disease Division director with the Minnesota Department of Health.KE we knew it would take a while and now we  see the effect, and increase in Covid cases,  a function of what happened in the beginning of September. By far the highest rate of positive cases is in the 20 to 24-year-old age group.KE It's the impact of lots of social gatherings, lots of community transmission.Many of us are trying to figure out how to cope as cold weather approaches and we spend more time indoors. Indigenous scholars at the University of Minnesota are offering a way to learn from traditional ways of healing and resilience. Laurie Stern has more.[Laurie]The pandemic has forced us to rethink our place in the world – from our own personal boundaries to how we protect our communities and our planet. Indigenous leaders at the University of Minnesota  say we COULD take the  opportunity to stop, learn and listen to elders who live close to the land.WB: These are like doctors but they don't have any degrees. Their knowledge is sacred it's vast, and it's endangered.That's Wesley Ballinger, artist and linguist.My name is Wesley, Niiyogiizhig in the Ojibwe language. I'm from the Mille Lacs Band of non-removable Ojibwe and I'm Eagle Clan.Wesley Ballinger in in charge of community engagement for the department of American Indian Studies at the university.He is helping with a fall webinar program called “An Alliance Between Humans and Creatures": Indigenous Stories of Nature, Healing and Resilience.” The series is free, and interactive. Everyone is invited to participate. The idea is to learn from indigenous practices how to think about this very troubling time. In Anishinabe philosophy, we are stewards, we are connected, we are all in this Creator's stew. We are the weakest animal, we are animals, right? We don't have hides. We don't have the sharpest teeth. We don't have claws, our eyesight is poor. Our sense of smell, our sense of hearing is all very much diminished when compared to our relatives. And when I speak of our relatives, I'm talking about makwa the  bear. waawaashkeshi, the white tailed deer, migizi the eagle. And so we need their protection, we need their protection, to survive. And we're not talking about not only like the four legged but more importantly, the growers, the trees, the plants, the animals, the earth, our Mother Earth. we need all these, we need their blessing in their pity in order to survive. And that's kind of like an underpinning, starting point of like, how we wrap our, our epistemology, our our sense of who we are in the universe.Wesley Ballinger's partner in the webinar series comes from farming people in the Andes MountainsMy name is Elizabeth Sumida Huaman; I'm Wanka and Qechua from Central Peru….Professor Sumida Huaman teaches in the Department of Education at the unverisity. She says learning can and should happen outside classrooms in places where people are connected to the land.A lot of indigenous communities, whether they're located in a particular place for generations, or for millennia, or whether they migrated to that place, have stories and instructions regarding what it means to be in a place.The webinars will pair University of Minnesota professors with Native artists, conservationists, and scholars from all over. Scientists and indigenous people and everyone looking out their window was noticing the earth was also healing.And so this is our moment, and the webinar is part of that – this is our moment to step back and to reflect and to think about what is our part in that healing.The conversations are at noon Thursdays every few weeks through December. They will be recorded if you can't catch them online. For more information, visit the website of the Interdisciplinary Center for Global Change at the University of Minneosta. That's ICGC dot UMN dot EDU. For the MNNHR I'm LS     

Marie:Headlines: This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, Covid case numbers climb, we follow up with  a patient, and get a reality check on a treatment. I'm Marie Rock.Story 1 concernThe pandemic is eight months old. Health professionals are learning more about the virus, but they need more people to take it seriously to stop it's spread. At a health briefing this week Infections Disease Director Kris Ehresman mentioned a recent large funeral at a church in  Martin County that led to 33 cases and counting…KE: the effect of these events is more people in the community who are infected and can spread so yes, it is concerning.Health officials have been repeating the refrain for months: wear masks, wash your hands, keep a distance. But Laurie Stern has the story of one woman who hopes sharing her experience will remind people that lives are at stake.We first met Sharon Walker last month. She's  an enrolled member at White Earth and a nurse-practitioner at the Indian Health Service. She was hospitalized with Covid-19 in July.I felt like my lungs got worse when I was in the hospital and I was in the hospital 5 days. I couldn't catch my breath, I was short of breath.Sharon needed oxygen to breathe in the hospital and for weeks at home. She went back to work after Labor Day but tires easily and needs extra personal protective gear because she sees patients with Covid.So what's the concern that you will give it or that you'll get it. No I could probably get it. I can't get it cause I'm already past the contagious stage.More than 84 thousand Minnesotans are – like Sharon – past the contagious stage. But as  Sharon said, there is some evidence that it IS possible to get Covid more than once. Whether and how that happens is one of many questions being studied right now. Another is about using plasma from people like Sharon – who have recovered from covid to treat current patients.  To learn more, I called, Dr. Claudia Cohn, associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and director of the Blood Bank Laboratory for M Health Fairview.We know very little at this point. We have not been able to substantiate that with randomized control trials yet but the trials are ongoing and gathering evidence. So the jury is out.Dr. Cohn knows that doctors and patients are hungry for answers. For now they are relying on what she calls low-quality studies that show convalescent plasma can help  - if it's given early in treatment and if the plasma contains a high concentration of antibodies. Scientists are convinced using convalescent plasma does no harm, so what's important now is figuring out how to use it. the US government has said that they want to stockpile hundreds of thousands of units of convalescent plasma in case we get wave after wave of COVID.If you or someone you know has had Covid and is interested in donating, you have two choices:Either they donate convalescent plasma through a Blood Center where they get no renumeration. or they go to a plasma center. And yes, plasma centers will offer you a lot more money these days, if you have a high titer if you have a high titer. And they'll ask you to come back repeatedly as well, the blood centers Dr. Cohn suggests you visit a website called The Fight Is in Us.The fight is in a Microsoft initiative. It was somewhat funded by the plasma centers, the people who are making money, because they were trying to, because they were worried This is how it began. Initially, they were worried that all the donors would go to the blood centers and they wouldn't get anyone. But I've gone myself just to see if they don't make it entirely clear what they're sending you to unless you know that it's a plasma center or a Blood Center. it by the way, are the FDA directs you you probably know that.Yes. Yeah. It's all you know, it's this these it's big government is big industry in some. It's all together. I know that the people in The Fight Is In Us.  They're trying hard to do the right thing. And they are helping  because they're so organized because they have  Microsoft money behind them and Microsoft is not making a dime out of this. They are helpful.To find out more about donating, Dr. Cohn suggests you visit a website called The Fight Is In Us. You can enter your zip code and find where to donate. There are many choices for people who live in the cities. For Sharon Walker in Cass Lake, the nearest donation center is Hibbing. For the MNNHR, I'm LS.     Dr. Claudia Cohn, associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and director of the Blood Bank Laboratory for M Health Fairview.

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, a reality check on a potential vaccine for Covid-19. I'm Marie Rock. This week the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told a Senate panel we won't see a vaccine for mass distribution any time soon. This is Dr. Robert Redfield. I think we're probably looking at late 2nd quarter, 3rd quarter 2021.That's NEXT summer.  Meantime, Minnesota health officials will be asking households chosen at random to participate in a statewide survey to see who tests positive for the virus and for antibodies to the virus. Dr. Ruth Lynfield is the state epidemiologist. She says the survey is intended to help public health officials get a learn more about how the virus is spreading.And to learn what caused  it to  spreading particular communities and regions  across the state and the percentage of people infected with Covid 19 who did not recognize symptoms, and to improve health messaging and help stop Covid 19 spread.Officials conducting the survey will be wearing protective gear and have badges identifying themselves. Tests are free and anyone who test positive will be contacted by a health professional. The survey runs until the end of September.September is also the season to harvest wild rice. Laurie Stern reports. Bois Forte openend the ricing season on Nett Lake at the beginning of SeptemberCris Holm is director of ecological programs there.COVID has really changed things for us this year. Normally, of course, during the race time, it's a it's a fun time. You know, we have we have parching crews, we're making hand parts, right? It's we're buying. We're buying rice from pickers. There's a lot of people around a lot of socializing this year. It's very sterile, you know, we had to we had to forego all the in parking that we would normally do just to keep socially distance conditions for the for the chargers. And all, you know, we're allowing limited people in at a time to sell their rights to us, everybody masks, you know, no gatherings, no group. So it's it's, it's not a it's not a fun year this year. In that regard. People are still out there. They're doing their thing, you know, but it's it is different.Holm says there will not be a commercial hand-parched product from the tribe this year. But ricers like Chaz Wagner say the tradition is alive and well for many band members.(little banter about where he is – we could say I'm out at the lake)Chaz is a musician, a founding member of the band  WarBonnet. I go by ginoogeezhek, my spiritual name my real name.) He  works at KBFT, the radio station on the rez. I try to go out at least a couple times a week, feels realy good, spiritual, be in touch with the ancesotrs, sweat a little, and the first thing I do when I get off the lake is go parch.Story #3 Marie: And now it's time to hear from Jennifer Cortes, who returned to school this week.   

Marie IntroThis week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, another special session of the legislature, bars and restaurants face scrutiny, and students return to campus with mixed results. I'm Marie Rock.Marie #1 OverviewState public health officials have not wavered from their safety message of last spring: Masks and social distancing work. Tests, contact tracing and protecting others if you may have the virus – all those things are necessary to stop the spread of Covid 19. But not everyone is listening, and Minnesota topped 80 thousand known cases this week. Laurie Stern reports that – among other things, public health experts have started trying to enforce orders the state has in place:Laurie: The department of health has received more than 800 complaints about Covid-related safety violations at bars and restaurants. The complaints have come from the public, customers and employees concerned about spreading the virus. Based on those complaints and data showing where outbreaks are the most worrisome, officials conducted compliance checks over the last weekend in August and the first weekend in September. They visited 167 establishments and found almost half with one or more violations. This is Dan Huff, Assistant Commissioner at the Department of Health.Those issues ranged from customers and workers not wearing masks where required, failure to maintain social distancing or a lack of Covid 19 preparedness plans and worker training.Huff emphasized that the visits were not punitive. He said everyone has a stake in bars and restaurants operating safely – the industry, the workers , the customers and, of course, the communities. The checks were conducted in Scott and Carver counties, and the cities of New Ulm. St. Peter, Waseca, Faribault and Mankato.The Department of Health worked with inspectors from the Departments of Public Safety, Agriculture and Labor and Industry. This is Nicole Blissenbach, Assistant Commissioner with the Department of Labor and Industry.One thing to note is while business are doing a good job, customers are not always complying.We know that Covid-19 can spread easily in bars and restaurants because of loud talking, lack of mask-wearing, being in close proximity for long periods of time and lots of high touch areas.Officials said data backs up these concerns. They traced 68 case clusters to 66 bars. And they say the recent inspections offer only a glimpse of the extent of the problem. The average age of Covid patients is 35 – continuing a downward trend in who is getting sick and testing positive. Of course many colleges resume classes this week and next. Health officials say they are offering guidance to each institution individually although they also said transmission seems to be occurring in social settings rather than classrooms. Finally, the governor announced he is extending Minnesota's peacetime emergency another 30 days, so the legislature convenes Friday for it's 4th special session. For MNNHR I'm LS.Marie #2:And now it's time to hear from our Leech Lake/North Minneapolis correspondent Jennifer Cortes, who just started her junior year at FAIR, a public fine arts high school in downtown Minneapolis.Jen tape  

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, a first-hand account from someone who is still recovering from Covid. Laurie Stern reports.Laurie: Sharon Walker is a nurse practitioner with the Indian Health Service.I live in Cass Lake Minnesota and I'm enrolled at White Earth.Sharon is 62 and healthy. She  never smoked, had no pre-existing conditions. But she didn't feel well at the end of work on Wednesday July 8.  I have to change my gown and mask and all this stuff and sometimes you get kind of sweaty and stuff. So I felt like I was a little more sweaty that day. And then Thursday when I went into work July 9, I didn't feel good. And they did a COVID test which was a one to two hour test for employees. I just had a high fever. I just felt I just felt like weak and nauseated and tired and they said, you can go home, we'll call you with your results. They called me 2 hours later and said Sharon you're positive for Covid. I thought oh, okay. I'm pretty healthy. I wear protective gear and I wash my hands all the time. I was just surprised that I had it. And when I woke up on July 10, I had no energy to really walk normally I was slow, I was sluggish. I told my husband take me to Bemidji ER. I don't want to die here  because I knew I had COVID and, and I know it can get serious and I got really really sick whereas just vomiting had diarrhea. I was weak. I had a fever a cough. I also had a sore throat. They put me in a back E.R. room right away. They gave me a gown to put on. Started an I.V. on me. And first the doctor thought he was gonna send me home and I just didn't feel good. I just felt like I don't think I can go home like this because I was so weak.He told me I just had a cold and you can go home and quarantine for 14 days. And I told him I don't have a cold. I have COVID and I'm sick. Then I got admitted and they put me in a Covid room with negative pressure. The nurses put on protective gear. Every time they came in they had to take their gown off and put it in the trash inside my room. The garbage can was right by the door. They had signs up that said no visitors. I was alone in there.I was just awful. I couldn't even do nothing. And every time I moved my head, turned my head I would cough I had a really bad cough I would turn move anything on my body and anything I moved, I would cough. And the weird thing is I could not caough anything up. But I just kept coughing.I felt like my lungs got worse when I was in the hospital and I was in the hospital five days. And I kept asking for a chest X ray, can I get a chest X ray feel like my lungs. There's something wrong. Where I wasn't. I was feeling like short of breath where every time I talked, I was catching, you know, I couldn't catch my breath. And every time I spoke, I would cough and I was feeling short of breath. I had bone pain in my bones that was just painful.during the night like Sunday night to Monday morning, like three in the morning. I couldn't breathe. I just felt like there's something wrong. I just can't breathe and the scariest thing is I didn't want to go on a ventilator. Because I know a lot of the Southwest, Southwest Indians.A lot of them died.The doctor who admitted me. He saw me that Monday. he pulled the oxygen, the nasal cannula off my face. And he said look at your 95% you don't need oxygen. As soon as he pulled it off, the alarm went off, which meant my oxygen dropped down to 80s He said I'm gonna send you home you just need to quarantine for 14 days. And he said you don't need this oxygen. So he was kind of rude to me that doctor was. He had no respect for me.And that's the way he talked to me. And I was sick and I had somebody treat me like that who put their hand on my face and take that nasal count off my face my oxygen away from me and throw it aside and tell me I don't need it. Well, yeah, I said, that's, that that was uncalled for.they have an Indian advocate at the hospital and I made a comment to him about how I was treated.I thought I was gonna die in the hospital and I thought I was gonna die when I got home that first night. That first night I was scared to go to sleep. Then we had a storm that knocked the power out. And so my oxygen concentrator went off. I was in the bathroom and I couldn't breathe. I started like hyperventilating.   And I had a portable tank because they gave me portable tanks also, and my husband brought that to me and they use that for oxygen because I had a hard time breathing or shorter breath for a long time. I also got a COVID rash, which which went on the bottom of my feet, my hands and my chin, some in my cheeks. When we talked at the end of August, Sharon Walker said she was feeling better. She expected to return to work after Labor Day. It's a mysterious illness. Everybody is affected differently by Covid. It  gets into your body and it attacks whatever it wants to. Sharon Walker's son and husband tested positive after she got sick. Her husband had no symptoms, and her son had mild ones and didn't need to be hospitalized. For MNN I'm LS.  

Marie headlines: This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, separating science from politics. I'm Marie Rock. The Food and Drug Administration announced Monday it was granting Covid-19 patients more access to plasma from people who've recovered from the virus. F-D-A Commissioner Stephen Hahn said scientists at the agency reviewed four months of data:Those scientists concluded convalescent plasma was safe and showed efficacy thereby meeting the criteria for emergency use authorization.But critics say the decision was politically motivated. It came the day before the Republican convention. They say convalescent plasma has not been studied enough to warrant emergency use. And that's not the only recent controversy.  Laurie Stern reports there's confusion on who should get tested, too. The Centers for Disease Control issued new guidelines this week saying tests were not necessary for people without symptoms but who have been in close contact with people who tested positive. But the Minnesota Department of Health – which often follows CDC recommendations – disagrees. Commissioner Jan Malcolm called for MORE people to be tested, not fewer.There's a whole lot more people we'd like to see getting tested than have been able to so far.Minnesota guidelines say people should be tested if they're showing symptoms, or if they've been in close contact with people who have tested positive for Covid-19.  That's because nearly 40 percent of known infections are coming from unknown places. That means the virus is outpacing the state's ability to track it. And the state needs more testing to regain that ability. Many providers do not have the capacity to offer tests to people who need them because there are not enough to go around.Many of the health systems are needing to manage their testing capacity for their urgent clinical needs first, perhaps for hospitalized patients, people undergoing procedures, people in the ICU, essential personal as well as health care workers. And when people do get tested, they often wait a long time for results.                The problem has been most exacerbated with the national laboratories in other states that are getting huge volumes from all around the country. Some of our health systems have contracts with those national reference labs. Test turnaround time at Mayo has been stressed because of the same thing, the volume of tests coming in to them from all over. I think our Minnesota laboratories have generally maintained a much better turnaround time than the national laboratories.So health officials were pleased to announce a contract with a new testing facility in Oakdale to open early October.It will allow us to offer more testing for more priority groups including people who have had close contact with people who test positive for Covid-19. It will allow us to do ore community testing in underserved populations, it will allow us to do rapid focused testing in an attempt to control outbreaks when they occur, and importantly we think it will help us control growth through more surveillance testing in more populations that we are concerned about being at risk.The new lab will use saliva and not nasalpharygeal swabs; A technique officials say is new but just as effective in detecting the virus. They plan to set up testing sites in 10 places around the state as well as mobile testing events. They even hope to make test-at-home kits available. This is Kris Ehreseman, who leads the Infections Disease Division of the Minnesota Health Department.                Not only does it not require swabs which is a concern if you're thinking  about supply chain issues and logistics but also it's a little more comfortable. Now I will acknowledge that several of us went through the test as a pilot and went through the process of testing  and it went really really well but it does take a fair  amount of saliva.                 Officials expect an onslaught of respiratory illness as summer turns to fall. They say the new test will double their capacity to screen for COVID-19, and be especially useful to help K12 schools and colleges decide how to proceed.                It's going to be important to be able to quickly distinguish and other typical seasonal illnesses from Covid-19.Officials say the new lab will double the state's testing capacity to about 50,000 per day and create up to 250 new jobs. For MNN I'm LS.      

This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, better numbers from the state health department and some tribes urge caution returning to school. I'm Marie Rock. The Covid 19 positivity rate has fallen a bit since early August, and the number of new cases a day has leveled off. The number of deaths and hospitalizations has remained steady since early July. The statewide mask mandate may have helped, though it's impossible to say for sure. With the virus still not contained, some tribes are recommending students stay home this fall. Laurie Stern reports.