The Meskwaki Nation’s Health Clinic has received the “Heroes in Health Award” for its COVID-19 vaccination efforts. The Award is the highest honor given out by the  National Indian Health Board. Meskwaki Health Clinic director Rudy Papakee says they also offered gift cards as incentives for tribal employees and local Native Americans to get the shot.

Papakee estimates just under 90 percent of the settlement’s eligible population is now fully vaccinated.  The Centers for Disease Control says Iowa’s statewide vaccination rate is 63 percent.