Currently, the numbers of positive cases on the reservation are slowly climbing. The tribal leadership had imposed restrictions that are assisting in slowing the spread, but as of June 9th, we have 39 cases in Oglala Lakota County and Native Americans make up 11% of all the cases in the state of South Dakota. There are cases in Wounded Knee, but so far no cases yet here in Allen.
As most of us know by now, people with compromised health are at greater risk of dying from this virus, and much of our Native American community suffers from diabetes, COPD, heart issues, and more that place them in that high-risk category. We have been asked by some community leaders to speak into their discussions on ways to protect and support the Allen community, and one of their goals is to have face masks for the entire community. Our community here consists of around 600 children and around 400 adults.
Some individuals and churches have responded to our request for partners in meeting this need and we are so grateful. If any of our other churches or CWC organizations would like to assist in this particular need here on the Pine Ridge Reservation, you would be a great blessing to us!
- Tim & Kim Wardell, Missionaries to Native Americans
Masks can be mailed to us through USPS:
Pass Creek Church
PO Box 600
Allen, SD 57714
Or using FedEx or UPS:
Pass Creek Church
20910 B.I.A. Road 22
Allen, SD 57714
If you don't produce masks, you can also send fabric.