![\"lakotahealthystart_0\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.shilohwalker.com\/website\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/lakotahealthystart_0-300x199.jpg?resize=300%2C199\")
<\/a><\/p>\nI posted about this a week ago and they were able to reopen the fundraiser. Many people are unaware of the fact that the Pine Ridge Reservation<\/a> is pretty much one of the poorest areas in the country. The infant mortality rate<\/a> (how many children who will die before age 1) is 300% higher than anywhere else in the country. \u00a0That figure absolutely staggers me. \u00a0It sickens me. \u00a0And what really hurts is the fact that many of these deaths are preventable.<\/p>\n They are working to build a new home for Healthy Start, where they can provide better care for babies and at-risk moms so these children can have a better start at life. These programs DO work… but they need help.<\/p>\n In December 2011, the program lost its first office due to high levels of asbestos. Then it was placed in a mold-infested trailer with holes. When that situation proved unacceptable, the program moved into the storage room behind a video store. Recently, the Indian Health Service deemed the room unfit due to the threat of the Hanta Virus.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is what they face… can you imagine the only option for health care for your child being a trailer with holes in the walls? \u00a0A storage room?<\/p>\n They’re working to raise funds to build a new home, but they need help. \u00a0The government isn’t going to do it…they’ve broken endless promises to the Natives of this land and these kids shouldn’t have to wait for a safe place to get health care.<\/p>\n The fundraiser at Indiegogo was re-opened with the deadline extended another 21 days. Even $5-$10 can help give a child a better shot at life… can help ensure a child will HAVE a life. Help if you can… spread the word. Thank you.<\/p>\n Lakota Healthy Start<\/a>\u00a0<–link to donate<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n