Virus’ effects on blacks panel’s topic

Disproportionate numbers tied to health care disparities

FAYETTEVILLE — Health care providers discussed the covid-19 pandemic, particularly its effects on the African American community, Saturday evening during a virtual town hall hosted by the Black Cultural Action Committee of Compassion Fayetteville and the OMNI Center.

As of Saturday, at least 29% of the 1,739 people in Arkansas with coronavirus were black, and about 36% of Arkansans who had died of the virus were black, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates about 15% of Arkansans are black.

“The biggest elephant in the room is health care disparities,” said Dr. Emmanuel Obi of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest in Fayetteville.

Likewise, state Rep. Denise Garner, D-Fayetteville, said during the town hall that African Americans are disproportionately affected by covid-19 because of systematic reasons such as where they are more likely to live, the jobs they are more likely to have, underlying health conditions and a lack of access to health care. Garner is a nurse.

Controlling chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure is important to staying healthy, Obi said. This is also an especially good time to stop smoking.

“Obesity is another illness that can affect your immune system. It basically worsens all your chronic conditions,” Obi said.

“The biggest elephant in the room is health care disparities.” — Dr. Emmanuel Obi

Dr. Kamra Mays, a psychologist, discussed the emotional and mental health challenges brought on by the pandemic. The public health emergency has contributed to loneliness, depression, stress, fear and anxiety, she said.

“Our brains are not meant to have to deal with this kind of threat 24/7,” she said.

Mays also noted there is a stigma surrounding seeking mental health services in African American communities, but more therapists are conducting sessions via video and phone in light of covid-19.

She recommended people take care of themselves by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising, staying busy and trying to maintain a routine. She also said people can combat isolation by staying in contact with others through video or phone.

Mays discouraged eating junk food, drinking alcohol, smoking or using drugs.

Shawndra Washington, a pharmacist, stressed there is no known cure for covid-19 but there are several effective ways to prevent spreading the virus. She said people should stay home as much as possible, avoid contact with other people and remember to disinfect things people often touch such as doorknobs or phones.

People with covid-19 may not necessarily show symptoms, so a good rule of thumb is for people to interact with others as if they themselves have the virus and others have the virus, she said.