Coronavirus has plagued the Black community in the United States. It has left mother’s without daughters and son’s without fathers. Black Americans are 3 times more likely than White Americans to contract the infection (Soucheray, 2020). They are twice as likely to die from the virus than White Americans (Soucheray,2020). According to Huffman (2020), in Michigan, Blacks make up 15% of the population, but 35% are infected with COVID-19. African Americans in Michigan account for 40% of deaths in Michigan comparing to 25%. Black Americans represent 70% of people who have died from the novel coronavirus.
Source: Patrick Record/The Ann Arbor News, via Associated Press
Social determinants, which are conditions where people work, live and learn that affect health and quality of life (CDC, 2020). Discrimination and healthcare access are social determinants that have prevented them from having fair opportunities (CDC,2020). The racial gap in the times of COVID-19 is stunning and as Americans we need to respond with vigor. The gap will continue to widen if we do not find viable solutions to narrow the gap. First, we need to understand ‘why’ there is a gap.
Source: Bebeto Matthews AP Photo
Structural Issues
Structurally speaking, Black neighborhoods lack of healthy food options, green spaces, recreational facilities, lighting and safety (Ray, 2020). These conditions are deeply rooted in the nation’s history of denying loans and other services because of racial characteristics of the applicant’s neighborhood. Isn’t that outrageous? How would you feel if you were rejected loans because of where you lived or because of the color your skin? How would you feel if you couldn’t provide a wholesome meal for your child because of lack of resources? Black Americans do not have access to equitable healthcare (Ray, 2020). The hospitals are farther away, and pharmacies are below standard, which may mean not receiving medications on time. Can you imagine not having your important medications when you need it? Let’s look at how we can bridge that gap.
Source: Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times
How to Bridge the Gap
As much as they are problems contributing to the large gap in infected and death, related to coronavirus in the Black community; there are possible solutions to these crises:
- Place testing and triage centers in Black neighborhoods This will provide efficient testing and treatment quicker.
- Provide pay leave for essential workers You shouldn’t have worry about how they will provide for their families while trying to recovery. Black people account for 30% of bus drivers and 20% in food service workers, janitors, and cashiers (Ray,2020).
- Provide access to universal healthcare: The U.S spends more than 25% on healthcare than any other country. However, equitable healthcare access coverage is not readily available for the Black community. Black Americans make up 25% of the poverty in America so having affordable, universal healthcare would be beneficial (Ray,2020).
Source: YES! Magazine
In conclusion, the racial gaps in diagnoses and deaths are ridiculous. We need to be more vigilant in thinking about all Americans during this on-going pandemic, but especially Black Americans with the current trends. It’s egregious to think how coronavirus has turned into the Black plague.
References
Huffman, B. (2020, April 4). Black people are 40% of COVID-19 deaths in MI. What does that mean? Michigan Radio. https://www.michiganradio.org/post/black-people-are-40-covid-19-deaths-m...
Ray, R. (2020, April 19). Why are Blacks dying at higher rates from COVID-19? Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2020/04/09/why-are-blacks-dying-at-higher-rates-from-covid-19/
Soucheray, S. (2020, August 14). US blacks 3 times more likely than whites to get COVID-19. CIDRAP. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/08/us-blacks-3-times-mo...