While figuring out how to curb COVID-19 is apparently complicated in this country, what’s not complicated is why our people make up the largest share of deaths from it.
Our communities are the most likely to suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma, chronic conditions that put us at higher risk for death from COVID-19. The reasons for these trends were understood long before the current pandemic. What are they?
It’s simple: we are the most likely to lack access to healthcare. We make up the largest share of low-paying job sectors that are now “essential.” And many of us cannot stay at home to avoid contact with infected individuals unless we’re willing to lose our incomes.
Essentially, COVID-19 deaths all boil down to one issue for us.
It’s RACISM. The discrimination we have faced for centuries shows up in all aspects of our lives. This means our symptoms get ignored by doctors and we get sent home to die. Racism is driving this crisis. Period.
If the communities suffering from racism received priority in resources, COVID-19 deaths could be curbed immediately. We must advocate for reform that treats racism as the danger it is to our communities. Our lives depend on it!