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Social and Racial Justice

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What about COVID-19 and other safety risks associated with protests and marches?

Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe

Q: My loved one has been out marching over the past few days. What about COVID-19 and other safety risks associated with protests and marches? A: We at Dear Pandemic are committed to helping you reduce the risks associated with every activity. We also believe that law enforcement agencies and local/state government have a large Read more…

What role does the healthcare system play in contributing to worse outcomes for communities of color?

Social and Racial Justice

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…

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?

Social and Racial Justice

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…

Why are we seeing such disparities in COVID cases and deaths?

Social and Racial Justice

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…

What are some factors underlying racial and social health disparities in COVID-19 and overall health?

Social and Racial Justice

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…

How is COVID-19 related to the current protests, riots, and violence in American cities?

Social and Racial Justice

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…

What is the effect of COVID-19 on people who live in slums?

Social and Racial Justice

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…

Where can I direct my energy to safely help my community at this challenging time?

Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe

A: Each of us has something valuable to contribute to our communities. In this time of great uncertainty, volunteering can build unity for a common cause and provide a helpful outlet for the mixed bag of emotions. The Corporation for National and Community Service has compiled a thoughtful list of volunteer opportunities to keep you Read more…

Are racial and ethnic minorities at a higher risk of dying from COVID-19?

Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice

A: Unfortunately, from the available data, African Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately represented among COVID-19 deaths in the US. At present, most states are not reporting on the racial and ethnic patterns. There are many pathways through which minorities may have worse outcomes including social, socioeconomic and living circumstances increasing susceptibility to infection, in addition Read more…