JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. — Camp Atterbury is still accepting Afghan refugees and to-date is housing more than 6,600. That has more than doubled the population of Edinburgh, which sits at 4,792. The Department of Homeland Security anticipates more refugees will come to Camp Atterbury in coming days or weeks.
Of the 6,600-plus refugees, almost half (47.4%) are children. DHS also reports a baby was born Sept. 9.
Looking at gender, 57.6% of the refugees are male with 42.4% being female.
The base is currently using six guest neighborhoods to house all the refugees on site. That includes 82 lodging buildings and three community centers. More than 162,000 meals have been served as of Sept. 14.
Twenty-five people (citizens, green card holders and spouses) were allowed to leave Camp Atterbury after completing the intake process. It is not yet clear if they have been resettled. Data from the White House released Sept. 15 shows at least 490 refugees of the first 37,000 brought to the U.S. will resettle in Indiana.
Rumors of refugees escaping from Camp Atterbury are categorically denied by DHS.
In terms of medical care, 11,602 vaccinations have been given. The vaccinations include for measles, polio and COVID-19.
There have been 13 cases of COVID-19 among the refugees at Camp Atterbury and zero cases of measles. The concern with measles is that there have been some cases among refugees at other locations around the U.S.
There have been some refugees that have required off-site hospitalizations, but DHS said that was fewer than 1%.
More than 260,000 donated items have been distributed to the refugees. Donors can call 317-247-3559 and give their information and receive instructions on how to donate.
How you can help
- Team Rubicon
- Trafalgar Christian Church, 300 W. Pearl Street, Trafalgar, IN (Call Pastor Kyrmen Rea first at 317-408-9782)
- Union Christian Church, 1331 E. CR 300 South, Franklin, IN (Call Rev. Mark Parkinson first at 317-736-4077)
What other people are reading:
- Hundreds hold vigil in memory of 7-year-old Indianapolis girl killed near school
- 'I had COVID... lost my job': A look inside Lawrence Township eviction court
- Parents demand change at intersection where 7-year-old girl was killed
- Car dealers are asking thousands over sticker price, here's how you can save some money
- Now hiring: These are some companies in central Indiana hiring thousands of workers
- Pfizer says COVID booster shot warranted after 6 months