MINORITY HEALTH INSTITUTE VIRTUAL TOWN HALL COVID-19: THE BATTLE TO SAVE BLACK LIVES( Continued)
MINORITY HEALTH INSTITUTE VIRTUAL TOWN HALL COVID-19: THE BATTLE TO SAVE BLACK LIVES( Continued)
the community about how COVAD-19 is uniquely affecting people of color.
Then there is the so-called privilege gap. That sense of entitlement covers previously taboo topics such as whether the most vulnerable community residents, be they elderly, poor, of color, or homeless, are expendable. The new time pandemic-based social Darwinism narrative put forth in some corners.
As Dr. Mays observed, this privilege gap leaves African American communities with few choices. For example, there is the implicit stigma of wearing masks – which historically characterized young black men as strong-arm robbers and thieves, and has most recently generated pointed commentary by black men themselves on their reception while going about their normal business. A black man wearing a mask, with its implicit preconception, offers the choice of death by police or death by disease, stated Dr. Mays. She closed with the prediction that a substance abuse epidemic will soon be running astride the pandemic.
AMA President Dr. Harris, a psychiatrist, stressed the importance of leadership in recognizing solutions to the pandemic. Taking action, uncovering knowledge gaps, and recognizing that the mental health infrastructure is broken and inadequate, are important considerations. She too cited the privilege gap, with its underlying assumption in mainstream communities of the ready availability of a doctor, transportation access, and insurance.
But science, evidence gathering, and data collection about gender, race, and age should guide the discussion. Effective leadership is trust-building. Providing accurate information that emphasizes a point of view supporting equitable health for all will spur individual actions that ultimately build trust.
Dr. Oliver Brooks, CMO at the Watts Health Foundation and NMA President was next. He introduced NMA is a member organization of 50,000 black physicians steeped in policy analysis and development, data collection and analysis, and patient advocacy. He cited three critical areas germane to the day’ s discussion.
African-Americans are dying earlier at a rate 2 ½ times higher than the rest of the population. With respect to pre-existing
conditions, there is a 40 % higher incidence of hypertension, 30 % higher incidence of obesity, and an unchecked incidence of diabetes. The wealth / health gap is striking. Annual white family incomes are at $ 171,000 on average and black family incomes at one tenth of that total.
Dr. Muntu Davis offered the view that health disparities are reflected in death statistics.“ Your zip code is more important than your genetic code,” was a telling statement. Living in a healthy environment is at the core of health equity. Community organizations are trusted voices and the information they impart is vital to maintaining such an environment.
He lauded LA County’ s push to open testing sites to undiagnosed persons. He reminded his audience to observe the basic rules of protection, including frequent hand washing, social distancing, masking, and social isolation. The message had the effect of continually validating the practiced methods for staying safe.
CDU’ s Dr. Barkley offered the family physician viewpoint. Exercise, diet control, and maintaining healthy habits are paramount, especially at this time. Practicing mindfulness, safe breathing, gardening; participation in any activity that helps you feel better in stressful times were her recommendations.
She also reminded the audience that television watching was a natural byproduct of an increased sedentary lifestyle. That activity should be measured and not done to excess. Most important to good health is the need to stay active and keep your body moving. Healthy nutrition and 6-8 hours sleep per night are key. If stress becomes a factor, or the constant, close proximity of family members becomes an issue, she advised that persons should alter their environment and vary their daily stay at home routine whenever possible.
CDU COLLEGE OF MEDICINE | PG. 19