Amended Supporting Tribal Public Health Capacity in Coronavirus Preparedness and Response - 2020 - Kivalina, Alaska is a remote coastal village situated atop a narrow, eight-mile long barrier reef in northwestern Alaska. The population of Kivalina is 442. 98% of the population identify as Alaskan Native or Native American. For the size of the community, Kivalina is faced with significant challenges, including relocating their community due to climate change. There are no roads leading to or from Kivalina and access is limited to air transport, seasonal boat, and snow-machine travel. As a result, basic goods and service, including adequate health and social services, are extremely expensive and difficult to access. The lack of medical access and the expense and logistical complexity associated with receiving medical care make Kivalina particularly vulnerable in the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people in the community live in multi-generational homes that are often overcrowded, creating significant social distancing challenges. Kivalina tribal members have a high rate of underlying health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, Kivalina is a socio-economic disadvantaged community with a high unemployment rate and percentage of the population living below the poverty level. The cumulative impacts of limited health facilities, climate-related stress, anxiety and fears, inadequate sanitation, socio-economic conditions, and underlying health conditions make the community particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kivalina’s resources were stretched thin prior to the pandemic, and COVID-19 is further exacerbating the disparities. In addition to limited public health services, Kivalina currently lacks a local Village Public Safety Office or other local law enforcement. This has left the community without a person designated to ensure the public health and safety of the community. In order to help meet the public health and safety needs, the Native Village of Kivalina established the Kivalina Wellness Coalition in 2017 through a 5-year Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant. The Kivalina Wellness Coalition primarily addresses the public health, mental health, and wellness needs of the community. As a result, the Kivalina Wellness Coalition is the ideal entity to coordinate COVID-19 preparedness, response, and mitigation measures. The Native Village of Kivalina intends to use CDC funds to hire a COVID Response Coordinator. The COVID Response Coordinator will coordinate all COVID-related activities and measures at the community level. This includes the following – expanding COVID-related communication through public service announcements on the local VHF radio network; broadcasting updates and mitigation orders; procuring and distributing person protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation supplies; making house visits to elders and at-risk individuals; developing a preparedness and response plan; coordination efforts with regional and state entities; and assisting with emergency coordination and recovery efforts, including connecting tribal members to resources such as unemployment, job opportunities, and mental health services. COVID-19 is expected to be a part of daily life for the foreseeable future. The Native Village of Kivalina anticipates that hiring a designated COVID Response Coordinator will be a long-term solution to providing adequate response, preparedness, mitigation, and recovery services to the community. This position will ultimately mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the health, safety and well-being of tribal members. The Native Village of Kivalina is requesting $60,409.00 from the CDC for this project.
