Racism is a Public Health Crisis
Systemic racism impacts the health of every person of color in the U.S. but especially more so for Black Americans. Racism kills, and it is an undeniable public health crisis across our nation, affecting everything from infant mortality to life expectancy. The COVID-19 pandemic only made these health disparities more visible and harder to ignore. Black Americans have been experiencing a mortality rate at about 2.4 times the rate of white Americans. While some progress has occurred in selected areas, many glaring disparities continue to persist and even grow.
None of this is new as health disparities have been researched and reported on for decades now. The imperative before us, as a nation and each of us individually, is to seize this time in our history and move beyond the headlines and partisan struggles to a place where we all agree that we are facing a public health crisis, one that is a direct result of structural racism, and that it must end now.
Racism as a public health crisis equates to Black Americans that die from cancer at a rate higher than white people. Or, are more likely to suffer from diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and depression.
That toll is tragic, but it doesn’t end with chronic disease factors. Consider too that Black Americans also more likely than white people to live with serious food insecurity issues. Blacks are less likely to have access to green spaces and more prone to live in substandard housing units, many with unhealthy water and dirty air.
Citing statistics is not enough however if all it leads to a continuation of the inaction and ineffective policies of the past. We must be moved to outrage and compel ourselves to answer the questions of why and how this has happened — and why should it continue?
Dr. Martin Luther King once said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This public health crisis is unjust, and it is everywhere and affects all of us. We need to act decisively and with urgency.
I share these examples because, as we continue to fight for equality in the justice system, it’s equally important that we fight for health equity for at-risk communities.
This is why Community Health Charities (CHC) is working tirelessly to address social determinants of health. Whether it’s through partnerships with companies and organizations directly impacting at-risk communities, hosting health convenings across the country and bringing together community and corporate leaders to discuss and address these issues, or providing resources to empower individuals to take action and improve their health.
Although our Board and staff are working diligently to raise awareness and address these issues, there is much work still to be done. It starts with each of us individually and here are some steps that will help us understand that health inequity, just like social justice, is an issue.
Acknowledge the issue. Start by being honest and recognizing how at-risk neighborhoods vs. affluent ones are severely impacted by the lack of access to healthcare, quality education and higher levels of unemployment. These disparities can lead to violence, major health issues and unemployment. Stop trying to point the blame or figure out who’s at fault. Focus on the issue at hand and how to make a difference.
Educate yourself. The more knowledgeable you are about these issues, the greater your impact. Research community health resources and learn how social determinants of health influence communities for better or worse, depending on your community. If you have the time, take it a step further and attend events such as our health convenings or other health equity events and town halls in your community.
Support health inequity causes. These are difficult times for everyone but even more so for those directly affected and those in at-risk communities. Whether you use your voice, social platforms, your donation through your employer or a fundraiser, or vote, just do something.
Find a worthy nonprofit with a proven track record of addressing injustice and health disparities. CHC can point you in the right direction as we only partner with nonprofits that are heavily vetted for effectiveness and financial transparency. Talk to your employer and see if they would support you. Many companies are starting to address these systemic issues, so ask if your company would be interested in allocating some of those funds to health inequity causes as well. If you want to take it a step further, volunteer. Many states are starting to lift restriction but if you feel uncomfortable, then check out virtual volunteering opportunities.
Embrace diversity and inclusion.
Embracing diversity means more than just accepting differences in others. It requires us to understand the nature of those difference and why they matter. It means going beyond social media platitudes or partisan monologues. It requires us to stand up to intolerance and discrimination and to reject the bigotry that feeds and sustains systematic racism. I have learned from various leaders on my Board that diversity is an action but inclusivity emanates from the willingness to build and foster an environment within our homes, workplaces and communities to make others feel comfortable, accepted, and like they belong. That can only be accomplished when we are willing to learn, expand our understanding, and intentionally release some of our long-held perceptions and biases.
Final Thought
There is no single solution to systematic racism and the health disparities that are the bitter fruit it produces. The outrage I spoke about earlier is not to be aimed at each other, but at the systems we allow by our silence and inaction to remain in place that guarantee nothing will change for the better. This is not “us versus them,” or more pointedly about black versus white. It is about justice and equality in all things versus bigotry and oppression.
