Dear Nation Member,
Shekóli. We write to share with you some very favorable developments for Nation Members related to our health and safety efforts on our behalf in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
This week, we will secure for Oneida Indian Nation Health Services the “Abbot ID NOW” analyzer test for COVID-19, which provides positive results in as little as 5 minutes and negative results in 13 minutes. We have secured this valuable resource through our strong partnership with the federal Indian Health Service. The Nation was able to acquire the Abbot ID Now analyzers because of the longstanding credibility of our Health Services and the measures we have already put in place to support our Members in response to COVID-19.
Testing will be available to Nation Members and patients of the Oneida Indian Nation Health Services who exhibit coronavirus symptoms. Our health care staff is licensed to fulfill COVID-19 response functions, including, lab testing and training with respect to COVID-19 testing equipment and supplies. The Nation has rented a 25-square foot, heated tent to serve as a temporary testing site in the parking lot of our facility, which can now easily accommodate drive-through testing for patients. Use of this tent has doubled Oneida Indian Nation Health Service’s space capacity.
In the coming days, we will provide more information on what our Members need to do in order to be tested. Thank you for your strength and ongoing perseverance in the face of this unprecedented moment. We hope this new development brings some relief and comfort to you and your family during this very difficult time.
N∧ki’ wa,
Ray Halbritter
Nation Representative
