coronavirus and race
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Democratic Lawmakers Ask HHS to Allocate Portion of COVID-19 Relief Funds to Grassroots Groups in Communities of Color
In the midst of a vaccine rollout plagued by slowdowns as well as lingering suspicions from Black Americans and others about trusting the government’s response, Democrats are calling on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to direct funds from the recently passed $900 billion COVID relief bill to grassroots organizations in communities of…
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Indiana University Health Responds to Black Doctor's Video of COVID Treatment: Nursing Team 'May Have Been Intimidated'
Dr. Susan Moore died days before Christmas at 52, after a protracted battle to get racially equitable treatment at Indiana University Health North Hospital (IU), according to videos she posted on social media about her experience. The head of that hospital system, Dennis Murphy, has since issued a statement in response to Dr. Moore’s video…
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Next Round of Covid Vaccines to be Distributed to Senior Citizens and Essential Workers
Following a recommendation from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory committee, the next batch of COVID-19 vaccines will be distributed to senior citizens and certain essential workers. According to NBC News, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted in favor of the recommendation on Sunday, with the CDC set to give…
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Black Doctors Release Letter Encouraging Black Families to Take COVID-19 Vaccine When It’s Safe, Avoid Gatherings During the Holidays
Last week, when discussing my hopes and goals for the next year with my mom, the necessity of a vaccine obviously came up. “Uh, I’m not taking it at first, and neither are you,” she told me. “We’re going to let them take it and see what happens”— “them” obviously meaning white folks. This attitude…
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Coronavirus Vaccine Won't Be Ready Until at Least Spring, Moderna CEO Says
At a health conference on Wednesday, Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said the company’s coronavirus vaccine won’t be ready until spring of next year. CBS News reports that Bancel added Moderna won’t seek emergency authorization for the vaccine to be used by healthcare workers and at-risk individuals until Nov. 25, at the earliest. The company won’t…
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Black Physicians to Independently Test the Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines
The oldest organization of Black physicians has vowed to independently vet the safety and effectiveness of any potential COVID-19 vaccine. According to CBS News, the National Medical Association (NMA) is tracking the data due to fears that political motivations could outweigh safety concerns when it comes to a vaccine. “This is about ensuring safety for…
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American Express Launches 'Coalition to Back Black Businesses,' Applications for First Round of $5,000 Grants Now Open
The coronavirus pandemic has placed an extraordinary toll on the Black community. The virus has become the third-leading cause of death for Black people and the economic fallout has had a disproportionate effect on Black people, as well. A program launched by American Express intends to alleviate some of the economic stress. Fast Company reports…
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Racist Letter With Coronavirus Misinformation Found Taped to Homes in Long Island
In recent months it’s felt like racists have been on a letter-writing campaign. If it’s not sending anonymous letters to families with Black Lives Matter signs in front of their homes, it’s spreading coronavirus misinformation. NBC News reports that multiple residents of the North Shore neighborhood in Long Island have reported finding letters taped to…
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Study Shows Black People Are Underrepresented in COVID-19 Vaccine Trials
A new study has revealed that despite being disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Black people are underrepresented in clinical trials for a vaccine. CBS News reports that while Black people make up 18 percent of the nation’s population, they only represent 11 percent and 16 percent of Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccine trials, respectively. Both…