The Disproportionate Impacts of COVID-19
“The virus is an equal-opportunity crisis … but the impact and the burden of it is not going to be shared equally. Like most things in society, it's going to be regressive. It's going to be felt disproportionately by the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, and obviously that falls down in this country on communities of color.’’ |
― Dr. Ashwin Vasan, public health expert and assistant professor at Columbia University in New York City |
When COVID-19 first began to spread in the United States, Asian Americans were immediately targeted with racist attacks, including in our region. We know that pandemics have historically given rise to racism and xenophobia in this nation.
Along with hearing about these racist attacks, you’ve likely noted the daily headlines highlighting the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) as well as other marginalized communities in the United States. This news certainly underscores the historic trend of health-related disparities for BIPOC throughout the country. BIPOC are potentially at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and suffering from its more severe symptoms. This impact, in many cases, is the result of historic inequities experienced by marginalized communities including significantly reduced access to health care, the racism of health care providers, and environmental racism like situating health hazards in low-income neighborhoods populated with BIPOC. It should not come as a surprise then that we are seeing disproportionate infection and death among Black Americans and in Native American communities like the Navajo Nation.
Responses to the pandemic are rooted in privilege, as one of the most highly-touted solutions for flattening the curve – social distancing – is simply not an option for many individuals from marginalized groups. Right now, Americans are relying on some of our lowest paid workers, like cashiers and health care workers, to be on the job every day, often in conditions that don’t allow for social distancing. While many of us are working from home, a smaller percentage of Black and Brown workers do not enjoy the same privilege. Even the most recent recommendation to wear a mask in public is not a safe option for everyone, especially Black men who fear wearing a mask will result in racial profiling.
In response to the systemic racism and discrimination further highlighted by this pandemic, we are turning our attention to organizations that have historically supported marginalized populations in our community, and we are looking for ways to support them. Below you will find a list of community resources and ways you can help, as well as information about an event we are planning to highlight some of these organizations on April 23.
Continuing the Conversation
Join us on April 23 from 1-2 PM as we hear from local organizations fighting to make a difference in our community. We will hear from leaders of the United Way, Just Food, The Willow, and others about the impacts of COVID-19 on marginalized community members, how their organizations are responding, and how you can help. Check your Inbox for an Outlook invitation to attend this event.