Serve communities

The Gender Equity Commission’s 2019 report illustrated the links between racism and poor health outcomes for Pittsburgh’s black community. The COVID-19 crisis has further exposed how our systems are failing poor and marginalized communities.

Experts say ample testing is key for safely reopening our communities. However, according to a ProPublica report updated June 9, Pennsylvania is one of eight states (of the 47 states reporting data) not meeting the minimum recommended testing requirements.

While UPMC touts its role as a leader in the fight against the virus, it refuses to lead in testing. With UPMC insurance, outpatient testing still requires “permission” from a doctor and a trip to its single testing site in Allegheny County. In contrast, a chief competitor, Allegheny Health Network, has established multiple locations for screening and serves economically disadvantaged neighborhoods with its mobile testing unit.

UPMC’s miserly approach to screening is a nuisance my family can manage. For patients with less agency, this stance is yet another roadblock to basic care. It’s also another signal that some communities matter more than others.

It is understandable that the state partnered with its medical institutions to quickly expand testing capability. It is disturbing, though, that our politicians subsequently conceded so much power to these institutions, essentially allowing them to set policy by controlling access. We citizens had no say in granting this degree of authority to unelected, profit-driven entities.

It’s time to insist that all of our “leaders” do better by all of the communities they “serve.” HOLLY STERN

Mt. Lebanon