By any definition, racism is a public health crisis: an emergency,  disaster, or catastrophic event that significantly impacts the health, physical safety, and economic survival of people and communities.  

Experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) tell us that inequities in housing, income, healthcare, education, and other social determinants of health have historically prevented people of color from having fair opportunities for economic, physical, and emotional health. These factors are interrelated, influence a wide range of health and quality-of-life outcomes and risks, and require immediate action. 

Over the last year, we’ve witnessed this over and over again:  People of color at increased risk of  getting sick and dying from COVID-19. Women of color bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 “shecession”. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and too many other people of color dying at the hands of police. People of color, specifically within the APPI community, harassed and targeted because of their race.

From health equity to economic security  to violence and harassment in interactions with police and community members, racism’s deep roots in America’s history have pervasive and even deadly impacts on the current-day health and well-being of people of color. 

That’s why addressing racism as a public health crisis is a step that our nation must finally take. Tell Your Members of Congress to Take a Stand: Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis

Just as the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters require a coordinated health response, so too does racism. 

To uproot systemic racial inequities, we must break down barriers and marshal resources to ensure  people of color can access safe and affordable housing, quality education, jobs with fair work environments, reliable transportation, healthy foods, and environments free of contamination - all essential elements of  health and well-being. 

By investing in marginalized communities, empowering people of color, and expanding public resources for historically underserved and under-resourced communities, we can challenge centuries of social, economic, and political inequity. Together, we can dismantle the barriers of racism and open pathways to health, well-being, and opportunity.

Each of us can take a stand against racism. Urge your Members of Congress to cosponsor a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis (S. Res. 172/H.R. 344) now!