November is American Indian Heritage Month and as we celebrate the rich culture, traditions and contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives, we also recognize that Native communities have endured challenges that many Americans will likely never encounter.

Whether it’s tackling a severe weather emergency or reducing risk amid a global health pandemic, reservation communities face unique barriers to disaster aid and emergency response. Year-round realities such as food insecurity and contaminated water, overcrowded housing, lack of internet access and health care make navigating an emergency even more complex for tribal communities, especially those located on remote and impoverished reservations.

These tribes are all too familiar with the short and long-term effects of a disaster, as many remote communities frequently face weather emergencies. Preparedness is critical for impoverished Native communities, where even daily life can feel like a crisis, and disaster recovery typically takes longer on the reservations than it does in mainstream America due to a lack of resources.

Currently, charities are working with tribes to deliver critical resources to communities that are continuing to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Native Americans are 5.3 times more likely to contract COVID-19, so addressing food insecurity and delivering basic supplies such as clean water and PPE means delivering a fighting chance at stopping the spread of the virus.

What can you do to help? Many charities are assisting tribal communities during emergencies, with chronic needs and/or with disaster preparedness, such as Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA), the Navajo Water Project, Boys & Girls Club Native Services and Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health. Donations are critical to their work so contributions are always appreciated.

Read the full article about disaster prep in Native communities at Charity Navigator.