Famous American celebs including Mark Ruffalo, Marisa Tomei, Debra Messing, and Ellen DeGeneres have teamed up to bring the world’s attention to Navajo Nation’s immediate need for help regarding coronavirus.
Among the 175,000 people that comprise the Navajo tribe, 2,292 individuals have already been infected and 73 have died.
Navajo Nation lacks the fundamental facilities needed to deal with its large number of coronavirus patients.
They have 13 ICU beds, 28 ventilators, and a total of just 12 healthcare centers. In addition to lacking personal protective kits, the nation is also facing a deficit of health experts and doctors.
In view of the desperate condition of the Navajo Nation, celebrities from around the U.S. decided to raise their voice in support.
The celebs said in a video message: “One hundred and fifty years ago, we made a promise that the beautiful citizens of the Navajo Nation would be cared for the same way all Americans are.
“To give the first people of this land the respect and dignity we have owed them for a long time. Now is the time to make good on our promise.”
The video recorded the appeals from top stars including Mark Ruffalo, Marisa Tomei, Debra Messing, Ellen DeGeneres, Andy Garcia, Tara Strong, Danny Pino, Rebecca Romijn, Jerry O Connell, Mark Hamill, Lea Thompson, Matthew Modine, Brad Garrett, Ricki Lake, Joely Fisher, Lisa Ann Walter, and Marianne Williamson.
Jonathan Nez, the president of Navajo Nation, also participated in the video message.
Director of Protect the Sacred also took part, saying that the notable elders of their nation “the keepers of our stories, language and culture” are at a much higher risk.
She said: “We are resilient. We are survivors. We ask all allies of the Navajo people to help us. Do you hear us?”
The tribe whose 30% population don’t even have running water in their homes is in dire need of coronavirus testing kits, masks, face shields, protective kits, and medicines.
Stressing upon the need for instant assistance, chief medical officer of Navajo Area Indian Health Service, Dr. Loretta Christensen said that the nation isn’t able to adhere to even basic health and hygiene practices.
Christensen told NBC News: “You’re telling people, ‘Wash your hands for 20 seconds multiple times a day,’ and they don’t have running water.
“Or you’re saying, ‘Go buy groceries for two or three weeks and shelter in place and don’t come out,’ but people can’t afford groceries for two or three weeks.
“So it’s just a setup for frustration and concern by the population here.”
Replaced!