Today rapid testing devices and supplies for a testing capability of 9000 are slated to go out to Native American health facilities. Testing expected tomorrow. This thread is about an unexpected move by the administration for Natives and a narrative that was needlessly buried 1/
On April 2, Dr. Birx announced that the Trump administration was giving Native American health services priority access to the new 15-minute Abbott rapid coronavirus tests that received FDA approval just days earlier. A positive Politico article follows.
politico.com/news/2020/04/0…
politico.com/news/2020/04/0…
Citing Politico, Kaiser Health News gave a pretty remarkable headline considering whenever Americans need valuable resources, historically they take it all and leave nothing for Natives. This narrative—basically the truth—of course dies here
khn.org/morning-breako…
khn.org/morning-breako…
The same day Birx said Native Americans will get priority access to rapid tests, a report poured cold water on these "tests hyped by Trump" saying all 50 states combined (pop. 327.2m) were getting a pathetic 5500 tests. The narrative changes.
thedailybeast.com/abbott-laborat…
thedailybeast.com/abbott-laborat…
On April 5, we learn from Pence that "FEMA has purchased 1200 of these [Abbott] devices. We’re distributing them to all 50 states and the Indian healthcare system, and then we’ll be distributing the tests." Trump says they go out Tuesday (April 7)
On April 6, NYT blasts delays but reports 250 of 1200 rapid devices Pence spoke of will go to Indian Health Service. After reading, I wrote IHS with questions distribution of devices and tests
nytimes.com/2020/04/06/hea…
nytimes.com/2020/04/06/hea…
The next morning I got a statement from IHS saying it was allocated 250 devices and "supplies for more than 9000 individual tests"
Recall the April 2 report saying all 50 states (pop. 327m) would get 5500 tests. Native Americans allocated 9000—double what all states allocated
Recall the April 2 report saying all 50 states (pop. 327m) would get 5500 tests. Native Americans allocated 9000—double what all states allocated
As I said, Native Americans are always pushed aside when it comes to precious resources. Maybe the first time in US history Natives ever got moved up to the front of the line for something in short supply. The administration deserves credit for the priority move. Is it enough? No
The shortages everywhere are unacceptable. They still have a lot to do and need to be held to task, but I think Birx really did a good thing for Native Americans that was reported correctly at first before the narrative got changed. So thank you to her
Dr. Brix is a great person in my book. She has really put in some work for Native Americans during all this.
https://t.co/ss7jJhd0nR
https://t.co/ss7jJhd0nR
