In Arizona, Native Americans are experiencing COVID – and dying from it – at much higher rates than other racial or ethnic groups. The rate of COVID cases for people identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native is more than three times the rate of people identifying as white, relative to population. And the death rate is much higher – about four times that of white Arizonans. This story will explore this disparity, with a particular focus on the staggering death rates and the pre-existing social and health conditions that lead to poorer outcomes for Native Americans in Arizona.
Potential Sources:
- Navajo Nation tribal government
- Arizona Department of Health
- Aid organizations such as the Navajo and Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund
- Experts from the Center for American Indian Health at Johns Hopkins
Estimated Length: 1,200 words.