Social and Racial Justice

A. Although the reasons for the disparities are numerous and complex, a few of our posts this week point to potential targets for intervention (e.g. segregation, healthcare system, and others). Clinicians and scientists have also offered data and policy solutions to address the high burden COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths that are disproportionately impacting minority Read more…

Q: I hear that communities of color are experiencing more severe illness and death from COVID-19. What role does the healthcare system play in contributing to worse outcomes? A. One way to think about the healthcare system is to imagine links in a chain. Researchers have used a framework like this (“cascades of care”) to Read more…

Q: Talk to me about history. What historical factors contributed to many U.S. cities becoming highly segregated, and how is this related to the racial inequities in COVID-19 we are seeing today? A: In the interview linked to below, Reggie Jackson, Head Griot of America’s Black Holocaust Museum, describes four discriminatory housing policies and practices Read more…

Today we welcome Dr. Bridgette M. Brawner as a guest Nerdy Girl to discuss racial disparities and COVID-19. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Find her on Twitter at @DrBMBrawner. A. One word: racism. In all of its forms (e.g., individual, institutional, structural). There is no genetic or Read more…

A: Our awesome Nerdy friend Dr. Tiffany Green, Assistant Professor in the Departments of Population Health Sciences and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison recently provided this timely interview about COVID-19 and race-related health disparities. In this interview, Professor Green covers race differences in occupational structures, health care infection control, access to care, Read more…

A: The disproportionate impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on communities of color together with the long arm of police brutality are causing fear, anger, loss, grief, and uncertainty. The Nerdy Girls want to reinforce the statement of the American Medical Association by reminding you that violence from law enforcement officers is a fundamental source Read more…

Q: I am so lucky to have my health and my job. Knowing that many others don’t enjoy the same good fortunate right now, I am eager to contribute. Are there evidence-based approaches to charitable giving? A: Absolutely. Here are three great options: (1) Donate $ to food banks; (2) Choose a charity vetted and Read more…

A: Over 1 billion people worldwide live in slums, characterized by dense living, lack of infrastructure (potable water, adequate sewerage), unstable homes, no land tenure, and widespread poverty. These conditions put slum residents at high risk of disease, especially COVID-19. While some countries are imposing lockdowns, other countries are doing nothing. While there are reports Read more…