COVID-19
Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 has killed Black Americans at far higher rates than White Americans.
Due to a lack of adequate data on race and COVID-19 mortality, we are not yet able to see the full extent of minority communities’ suffering; however, in the past year and a half we have seen the horrible impact the pandemic has had on communities of color.
People of color are more likely to
WORK ON THE FRONTLINES AS ESSENTIAL WORKERS
putting us at worse exposure to the virus
say their household lost a job or income as a result of the pandemic
Because of our country’s long history with racism and health inequities, black Americans are faced with an increased risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, and asthma. These underlying conditions put individuals at greater risk of fatal complications from COVID-19 and are further exacerbated by poor quality care or an inability to financially cover a long-term hospital stay. On top of that, the hospitals in our communities are barely able to stay afloat because of rising costs and overcrowded rooms.