Focus on coronavirus impact on African Americans
The coronavirus pandemic is a rollercoaster — and the ride is far from over. It has tested Americans as never before, yet I still feel optimistic that what we do today will contribute to making tomorrow a better one.
A message to the media:
Please stop focusing on the many deaths from coronavirus. Every local and national news broadcast leads by blaring the sobering numbers. But the fact is that there are far more people recovering than dying. How about a little more balance in covering the outbreak — it could give us a sense of hope and faith in our resilience. Even as we understand people are dying, we must hold on to the possibilities of survival, knowing that those numbers are greater.
Minority deaths undercounted: The disproportionate number of African American deaths from coronavirus should be of special concern to everyone. Currently the Centers for Disease Control does not publicly disclose data on coronavirus infections and death by race, although the CDC’s COVID-19 case report form includes a section to indicate race. Knowing those numbers not only helps in advancing health equity and the allocation of resources, but in identifying vulnerable populations. Data shows that African Americans are more likely to have underlying conditions like asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure that would make them them more vulnerable to the virus. Of the 307 deaths in Chicago, 70% were African American. In Michigan, African Americans make up 14% of the population, but they account for 41% of deaths from coronavirus. I have no doubt that this trend is reflected around the country. It deserves the utmost attention if we are to be true to our goal of stopping the virus, especially among this very vulnerable population.
Everyone should be tested: I agree with the singer Pink, who with her 3-year-old son Jameson was diagnosed with COVID-19 and proclaimed, “In the United States, as great as we are, everyone should be tested.” I know that’s a daunting task but it is better than having people attempt to self-diagnose themselves, especially when there is significant data that shows many are asymptomatic.
Priority testing must include African Americans and those who live and work in “confined” spaces throughout the state — among them nursing homes, all VA hospitals, assisted living centers, group homes, rehab facilities, senior homes and, yes, our prisons. The number of veterans and seniors who have succumbed is heartbreaking.
Find the treatment: There are trials and tests underway, and our state is at the forefront. The Abbott ID NOW 15-minute test for coronavirus drive through geared up Tuesday in Lowell, and our best-in the-nation hospitals like Mass General and Beth Israel among others, as well as a number of private labs, are at work on antibody testing that could be a real game-changer.
Count our blessings: We have many. Times are trying for everyone and sometimes you just want to snap. But dial down the nastiness. Instead we need to count our blessings because we will need to build on them to fortify us for the fight ahead.
To even have a chance to beat this virus, an essential component is supporting the heroes in our midst — starting with ourselves. We have been the heroes we’ve been looking for, with practices like safe distancing for the good of the community, going our of our way to help others, supporting our first responders and fighting for fairness and equity. We have a lot to be thankful for here in the Bay State — most of all we have a unique and enviable spirit that makes Boston and Massachusetts strong.