Coronavirus
(COVID-19) Information
COVID-19 and its variants continues to be a threat to the population, particularly to those with compromised immune systems, including diabetes. Get vaccinated to defend against it!
Area hospitals report that roughly 90% of all hospitalizations related to
COVID-19 are those who have not been vaccinated!
The Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson Vaccines:
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Prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill or dying due to COVID-19
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Prevent you from spreading the COVID-19 virus to others
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Add to the number of people in the community who are protected from getting COVID-19 — making it harder for the disease to spread and contributing to herd immunity
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Prevent the COVID-19 virus from spreading and replicating, which allows it to mutate and possibly become more resistant to vaccines
MEI's Covid-19 Response and Relief Project
Covid-19 and Vaccine outreach videos by Rin Fareway, Pastor Paul Swington, Dr. Sheldon Riklon, and Pastor Tiree Mangang (Kiribati). See additional videos HERE!
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#ThisIsARShot!
RMI Consul General Eldon Alik
Marshallese community members across the United States have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19.
We are especially vulnerable to coronavirus because our community has one of the highest diabetes rates in the world, due in part, to the legacy of nuclear testing. Having relocated to the United States since the 1980s as Compact of Free Association migrants, we often work in jobs considered essential services and live in multigenerational households.
In response to this pandemic, MEI has delivered healthy foods to families in quarantine and assisted families with funeral expenses. MEI continues to provide educational materials through video PSA's and literature, rental and utility assistance, and cleaning supplies/PPE through various government grants and from the support of generous corporate and private funders.
Visit MEI's COVID-19 PSA showcase!
MEI's Covid-19 educational videos in Marshallese (Kiribati other PI languages to come) have been supported, in part, by grants from Made to Save/Ark Community Foundation (current) and the University of Oklahoma/CDC Foundation, CARES Act funding, Tyson Foods, and private donations.
Vaccine information and experiences by community members and leaders.
Rental Assistance
Through an ESG-Covid-19 Grant through DHS, MEI is offering rental assistance for Marshallese and PI residents in Washington, Benton, Carroll, and Maddison Counties to prevent homelessness.
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Case Manager: Marcina Langrine
Call 479-365-7019
Requirements include an eviction notice from the landlord
Click here for a preliminary application.
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Washington Co ERA has been discontinued by Arkansas state officials.
Marshallese Covid-19 Survivors' Testimony
PPE and Cleaning Supplies
MEI is still accepting donations and has a limited supply of diapers, thermometers, oximeters, household cleaning supplies, Tylenol, and food.
Contact our office: 479-365-7019
I Wear A Mask PSA
Other Services:
Translation / Interpreter Services
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Educational Videos and PSA's
MEI provides video services in Marshallese and English.
Contact MEI for more information: info@mei.ngo
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FACT SHEETS by UAMS
Please get your information from trusted sources. Due to the amount of misinformation about COVID-19, we recommend getting your information from the CDC, WHO, and health professionals. We and our partners will keep you informed about information in Marshallese.
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Websites in English:
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Arkansas:
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Washington (state)
King County / Seattle, Public Health
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World:
Social Distancing
What is "social distancing"?
Symptoms of COVID-19
What is COVID-19? Prevention, What to do if you're sick (from UAMS, King County, WA)
Pregnancy/Bororo and/im COVID-19
