@nafoaorg | Coronavirus/Covid-19 Resources

As COVID-19 continues to impact the health and economic position of those around the world, the amount of both information and questions are on the rise. NAFOA is here to provide resources for those in Indian Country who want to stay abreast of the latest developments. This page will provide timely updates on the status of legislative efforts to provide relief to Indian Country, which includes the progress of the Tribal COVID-19 working group comprised of all the national and regional native organizations across the country, as well as pertinent notices from various federal agencies, and links to the resource pages of our other partner organizations.

RECENT COVID BROADCASTS

September 13, 2021

September 13: 5 Things You Need to Know this Week

The Treasury Department's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) deadline for Tribal governments to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) is currently scheduled for Thursday, September 16th. The SSBCI received $10b in funding as part American Rescue Plan, signed by President Biden this past March, and aims to fund state, territory, and Tribal government small business credit support and investment programs.

COVID-19

May 10, 2021

Policy Alert: Treasury Announces Formula to Distribute $20 Billion in COVID-19 Relief to Tribal Governments

On Monday, May 10, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) announced the much awaited distribution of $20 Billion to Tribal Governments for Coronavirus Relief. This announcement described the methodology Treasury used to allocate the funds as well as the timeline for distribution, upcoming information sessions, and the regulation determining allowable uses and requirements for the funds.

COVID-19

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LEGISLATIVE PROCESS AND RESPONSE

The legislative relief effort will be the result of several phases of legislation. There are discussions of a possible next phase coming soon. We are working with Native national and regional organizations to push for health, nutrition, economic, and governance relief throughout this entire process. There are several more priority items that we are working to include in later phases of this ongoing relief effort.

PHASE 1

Full Text: Public Law No: 116-123 Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020

Summary: Public Law No: 116-123 Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020

Tribal Inclusion: This legislation provides at least $40 million dollars for "tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health service providers to tribes, to carry out surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity, infection control, mitigation, communications, and other preparedness and response activities."

Tribal Response: the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services advising how the $40 million tribal set-aside could best be distributed to get needed resources to Indian Country quickly and efficiently.

PHASE 2

Full Text: Public Law: 116-127 Families First Coronavirus Response Act, 2020

Summary: Public Law: 116-127 Families First Coronavirus Response Act, 2020

Tribal Inclusion: The legislation guarantees free coronavirus testing, establishes paid leave, enhances Unemployment Insurance, expands food security initiatives, and increases federal Medicaid funding. The act specifically allocates $64 million to the Indian Health Service to cover the costs of COVID-19 diagnostic testing for Indians receiving care through the Indian Health Service or through an Urban Indian Health Organization. The Act ensures coverage of testing for COVID-19 at no cost sharing for Indians receiving contract health services. Additionally, the Act provides nutrition services for older Native Americans.