How Do You Stay Connected?

The Corona Virus’ Disproportionate Burden

I continue to think about the disparities of the Corona Virus’ effect on different racial groups.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s April 22 report says, “The effects of COVID-19 on the health of racial and ethnic minority groups is still emerging; however, current data suggest a disproportionate burden of illness and death among racial and ethnic minority groups.”

The report looks for the causes. It says, “economic and social conditions that are more common among some racial and ethnic minorities than whites” are factors. And it identifies some of these conditions.

“Members of racial and ethnic minorities may be more likely to live in densely populated areas because of institutional racism in the form of residential housing segregation,” and denser population means less social distancing and easier spread of the disease.

This same residential housing segregation also often means less access to healthcare facilities, good schools and grocery stores. These factors contribute to underlying health conditions.

Another of the social conditions is the higher rate of multi-generational households, more common among racial minorities than whites. The older people are more likely to have the underlying conditions and are more susceptible to the virus.

I recommend the report, even though reading it is disturbing. And it does make an attempt at recommendations in the sections under “What can be done.” 

This begins with what the federal government is doing, but goes on to what others can do. I’ll include a few of the recommendations.

Public health professionals can do the following:

• Ensure that communications about COVID-19 and its impact on different population groups is frequent, clear, transparent, and credible.
• Work with other sectors, such as faith and community education, business, transportation, and housing organizations, to share information and implement strategies to address social and economic barriers to implementing steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.
• Use evidence-based strategies to reduce health disparities. Those most vulnerable before an emergency are also the most vulnerable during and after an emergency.

Community organizations can do the following:

• Prepare community health workers in underserved racial and ethnic minority communities to educate and link people to free or low-cost services.
• Prioritize resources for clinics, private practices, and other organizations that serve minority populations.
• Work across sectors to connect people with services, such as grocery delivery or temporary housing, that help them practice social distancing. Connect people to healthcare providers and resources to help them get medications they may need.

Healthcare systems and healthcare providers can do the following:

• Identify and address implicit bias that could hinder patient-provider interactions and communication.
• Work with communities and healthcare professional organizations to reduce cultural barriers to care.
• Connect patients with community resources that can help older adults and people with underlying conditions adhere to their care plans, including help getting extra supplies and medications they need and reminders for them to take their medicines.

And the final section? What individuals can do

• If you or someone you care for is at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, take steps to protect them and you from getting sick.
• Cope with stress to make yourself, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
• Find ways to connect with your friends and family members and engage with your community while limiting face-to-face contact with others.

Finding Ways to Connect

Of course the last recommendations are important for all of us during this pandemic.

Now that I’m back home in Connecticut where I am alone, I do need to find ways to connect. This is one – I connect with you, my readers! Thank you and thank you for your comments!

Another happened today. I joined another 30 or 40 people for a surprise birthday “party.” Actually it was a drive-by parade, with balloons, signs, and noise-makers. We wore masks and kept our distance even though we got out of our cars to greet each other and the birthday friend.

Have you taken part in a drive-by or virtual birthday party?

Tomorrow morning at 11 am I’ll join the Zoom church service at The Unitarian Church in Westport. I’ve been joining on some Sundays even from Nigeria, though it was at 4 in the afternoon, an odd time for church!

The service will also be on our Facebook public page. You are welcome to join at 11:00 am or watch later.

Are you taking part in virtual religious services? Meetings? Book groups? What else are you doing to stay connected?