Hello! My name is Chantelle Blue Arm. I’m Mnicoujou/Hunkpapa Lakota enrolled with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota.  It’s been really difficult for me to watch helplessly as COVID-19 ravages our world overall, but also as it ravages our own communities.  I can’t do as much as I would like to prevent the spread of the virus in all communities, but I know I can make at least a small impact if I focus on a particularly vulnerable community.  I decided I’d like to focus on providing care packages for Native American families in Rapid City, SD as the Native American community has been disproportionately affected in this community. As of June 23, 250 of the 475 cases in Pennington County are Native American, according to the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board.  In addition, there are two mass gatherings that will be happening in the coming days that are particularly concerning and likely to increase positive cases among our susceptible Native population (the President will be visiting the area on July 3 with an expected attendance of 7,500 and the Sturgis Bike Rally, which typically has 500,000 people in attendance, is a 10-day event in August).  

I had my own COVID-19 experience.  I was fortunate to have mild symptoms and I was fortunate that I was prepared in many ways in advance that prevented the virus from spreading within my large family.  I was also fortunate to have many loved ones deliver food, vitamins, water and so many other necessary items.  But as I journeyed through 17 days of quarantine and isolation, I saw how others would face obstacles.  Over the past several months, like many others, I have experienced first-hand how difficult it can be to find disinfectant, hand sanitizer and hand soap, among other necessities.  While I was in isolation, I quickly learned what was important to have the minute I left the testing site.  The minute you leave, you and all of your loved ones, anyone who was near you, must quarantine or isolate.   In that moment, you must rely on others for assistance, you must rely on your community.  I compiled a list of the things I needed.  It’s a list of supplies that many families don’t have readily available because these items have been difficult to find.

The purpose of this fundraiser is to help me purchase some of the necessary supplies to those who have contracted the virus and hopefully aid in easing some of the stress involved (stress also lowers our immune response and we want people to have all the strength they need to overcome this virus).  I am also hoping it will aid in slowing the spread of the virus as people who receive the care packages will have some of the necessary supplies to do so.  Most of all, I want those who are impacted by the virus to know they are loved and supported through their COVID journeys (it can be a lonely and depressing time).

With any funds I raise, I will send supplies to Natalie Stites Means in Rapid City, SD who is organizing the care packages and the delivery of meals to Native families affected by COVID-19 (Check out her Facebook page, Meals for Relatives COVID-19 Rapid City Community Response).  So far, they have been able to provide over 1,000 meals to families impacted by COVID-19.  Below is the list of items I’ll be purchasing for the care packages:

Thermometer
Pulse oximeter
Tylenol
Ibuprofen
Tea
Cough drops
Vapor rub
Hand sanitizer
Masks
Disinfectant spray
Vitamins
Case of water
Paper plates/bowls
Plasticware
Paper towels
Laundry detergent
Dish soap
Shampoo and conditioner
Wash clothes
Towels
Trash bags
Toilet paper
Basket for supplies

I appreciate any and all support for this fundraiser!!




With love,

Chantelle