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Cherokee Nation mourns the loss of one of its fluent Cherokee speakers and elders to COVID-19. Our thoughts and prayers...
Posted by Cherokee Nation on Sunday, July 5, 2020
Speaking of Donald Trump, insensitive #COVID19 flyer was spotted @ Indian Health Service facility, bearing president's racist term for #Coronavirus & @IHSgov logo. It's apparently been removed--after facility was contacted. @IHSDirector @IndianCommittee @SecAzar @IndianCommittee pic.twitter.com/SmqT968xE9
— indianz.com (@indianz) July 1, 2020
Indian Health Service Statement
American Indians and Alaska Natives are at high risk for flu complication. Every year, the Indian Health Service communicates to its communities the risks of the flu, especially to young people and the elderly, and encourages everyone six months of age or older to get their flu shot.
A 2016 flu campaign at Claremore Indian Hospital had good intentions when communicating this important message but the materials that accompanied their initiative could be viewed as being offensive. One poster from the 2016 flu season recently became visible when furniture in the facility was moved thereby displaying the image. The Indian Health Service regrets that this poster was displayed and offended individuals. Claremore Indian Hospital employees have checked the entirety of the hospital to ensure that no more campaign materials remained in the hospital. To our knowledge, the campaign materials have not been used since the 2016-2017 flu season.
At the Indian Health Service our aim is to foster an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment The IHS does not condone campaigns that demean any racial or ethnic group and we apologize to anyone we offended with this campaign.
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