The Navajo Nation was struck hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with one of the highest per capita infection rates in the country earlier this year. Disparities in access to health care and infrastructure, high rates of chronic health conditions, and multigenerational homes increase the risk for virus spread and complications.
Native elders depend on firewood for cooking and staying warm in the winter. Each load donated lasts a family 3-6 weeks. Many of the elders live in remote locations and are experiencing grocery shortages on the reservation, amplified by the pandemic.
FMSL supports two elders, Grandmothers Anita Jackson and Elvira Horseherder, by providing food boxes, food certificates, firewood, and other supplies such as yarn and medical supplies through Adopt a Native Elder. The Annual Fun Run is our main fundraising effort, and this fall our support is especially vital to the elders’ health and survival.
Stay tuned for information coming soon about this year’s VIRTUAL Navajo Rug Show!
ANE newsletter July 2020
More info anelder.org