Should racism be declared a public health crisis?

R

acial health disparities in the US have been linked to racism. In particular, state and local governments have created legislation, resolutions, and declarations that have discriminated against people of color.

There is ample evidence of racial disparities in well-being and health. For instance, there are persistent racial disparities in chronic illness (such as diabetes and hypertension), COVID-19 instances, hospitalizations and deaths (1-6), maternal and infant health (such as maternal mortality and preterm delivery), and chronic disease. These racial injustices are a product of subjugation throughout history and the present.

WHY ARE THESE DECLARATIONS IMPORTANT?

Declaring racism to be a public health crisis can advance effective anti-racist legislation and repair long-standing rifts between decision-makers, community organizers, healers, and public health professionals, according to Frontier.

The active involvement of organizations and groups led by Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) is essential to holding governmental institutions accountable for making statements.

Last year, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky declared racism “a serious public health threat” highlighting new CDC efforts “to accelerate its work to address racism as a fundamental driver of racial and ethnic health inequities in the United States.” These partnerships make sure that declarations fight for change from the perspective of those most impacted and authentically connect with the demands of communities and their legacies by sharing power, focusing their voices, and working together.

WHAT IMPACT WILL THESE DECLARATIONS MAKE?

To eliminate oppressive institutions and behaviors that not only impede health and well-being but also contribute to racial health disparities, racism must be acknowledged and recognized as a public health concern. Other critical health systems, such as education, food systems, housing, and employment, may be impacted by racism’s identification as a public health concern.

By providing politicians unwarranted publicity and impeding the achievement

of health equity, the announcements kill or inhibit popular enthusiasm for antiracism structural reform. The tool of declaring racism a public health emergency must be used with caution and precision.

IN CALIFORNIA

Last year, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky declared racism “a serious public health threat” highlighting new CDC efforts “to accelerate its work to address racism as a fundamental driver of racial and ethnic health inequities in the United States.”

In California, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Mono, and Ventura counties have made such a declaration. And recently Oakland made this bold move. To check what steps your government has taken in declaring racism as a health crisis go here.