Chief Michelle Mitchum: Strength and Leadership Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
About this story: This short video provides a glimpse into the actions of Chief Michelle Mitchum of the Pine Hill Indians. Chief Michelle is an emerging indigenous leader in South Carolina and throughout the southern region of what is now known as the United States of America. While small in stature, her leadership style is big . . . because she affects change through her actions, skill, tenacity, learning every day, and embodying a passion for indigenous communities everywhere. Chief Michelle surrounds herself with people who share a common vision and a heart for serving others.
Watch a video and read more about Chief Michelle’s story:
The COVID-19 Pandemic brought extra challenges to tribal communities in South Carolina. Chief Michelle’s own tribal community faced a second emergency on April 13, 2020 from a fatal tornado that killed two people and dislocated many of her tribal residents. Chief Michelle facilitated the acquisition and distribution of 50,000 face masks to tribal communities and groups from the South Carolina Coast to the Blue Ridge. During this incredibly challenging time, Chief Michelle ramped up food distribution services that provide nutrition boxes, including locally grown fruits and vegetables, to over 1,200 families on alternating weeks. Chief Michelle lost her father to COVID-19 and soon after lost her home to fire. She doesn’t stop because she finds strength in helping others.
This “snapshot” illustrates community-based activities that Chief Michelle’s guidance, strength, and determination drove to fruition. With support from the PHHN HOPE Together Food Bank Distribution Team, Chief Michelle’s leadership continues to help feed tribal communities in South Carolina during and after the initial COVID-19 Pandemic onslaught. When resources became even more scarce, Chief Michelle facilitated infusions of supplemental food donations, including fresh and local produce, in addition to ramping up community-based supports through the Pine Hill Health Network programs such as the Pine Hill Free Medical Clinic, Veggie Souper Kids Club, and the Diabetes Education Program.
As a response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Chief Michelle earned her credentials as a Community Healthcare Worker, certified phlebotomy technician and clinical medical assistant, and endeavors to develop, launch, and deploy a culturally- responsive tribal Community Healthcare Taskforce, specifically for reaching and serving the unique needs of South Carolina’s first citizens. Chief Michelle is heading up a collaborative effort with the SC Commission for Minority Affairs to develop an inaugural Tribal Community Health Profile for American Indians in South Carolina to supplement the Healthy People 2030 statewide initiative. Chief Michelle believes having a voice in this initiative will establish a presence for South Carolina’s indigenous population to be more effectively considered in health-related federal/state program development and policymaking post-pandemic and beyond.
