This resolution declares racism a public health crisis, committing to a national strategy to address health disparities, dismantle systemic racism, reform discriminatory policies, and promote health equity for all racial and ethnic minorities. It also calls on the people of the United States to ensure the country honors its moral purpose of advancing the truths that all people are created equal with unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Jahana Hayes
Representative
CT-5
This resolution declares racism a public health crisis, citing significant racial inequities in health outcomes and the impact of historical and contemporary racism. It supports local declarations of racism as a public health crisis and commits to establishing a national strategy to address health disparities, dismantle systemic racism, advance reforms for equitable health policies, and promote efforts to improve social determinants of health for all racial and ethnic minorities. The resolution calls on the nation to uphold the principle that all individuals are created equal with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Racism Declared a National Public Health Crisis: New Strategy Aims for Health Equity
In a landmark move, the U.S. officially declared racism a public health crisis. This isn't just symbolic; it's a commitment to a nationwide strategy aimed at tackling deep-rooted health disparities that disproportionately affect minority communities. The resolution acknowledges stark realities: Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native people have life expectancies 4 to 10 years lower than their White counterparts, and maternal mortality rates for Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women are 2 to 4 times higher. Infant mortality rates also show a grim picture, with Black, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, and Alaska Native infants facing mortality rates 2 to 3 times higher than White infants.
Root Causes and Real-World Impacts
The resolution doesn't shy away from history, citing slavery, broken treaties, and discriminatory laws as contributors to today's health inequities. It also calls out structural racism within healthcare itself – from historical segregation to the undertreatment of pain in Black patients due to implicit biases. Think about it: fewer healthcare facilities in minority neighborhoods, or even medical equipment designed with racial blind spots. For someone living in an underserved community, this could mean longer travel times for basic care, or misdiagnosis of conditions. The resolution also points out that Black people are 3 times more likely to be killed by police, and that hate crimes in general are ongoing issues. The resolution directly connects these disparities to real-world consequences for individuals and families.
Dismantling Systemic Barriers
Beyond acknowledging the problem, the resolution commits to action. It calls for dismantling "systemic practices and policies that perpetuate racism" and advancing reforms to address policies leading to poor health outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities. This includes promoting efforts to fix the "social determinants of health" – things like access to healthy food, safe housing, and quality education – for all racial and ethnic minority groups. For a family struggling with food insecurity or unsafe housing, this could be a game-changer. It acknowledges that where you live, and your access to basic resources has a direct impact on your health. It means that if you are a, for example, Native Hawaiian, you are 2.5 times more likely to die of diabetes-related causes.
Challenges and Long-Term Goals
While the resolution sets ambitious goals, the real test will be in the details and execution of the "nationwide strategy." The resolution itself uses broad language, like calling for the dismantling of "systemic practices." Ensuring this leads to tangible change, and not just another report gathering dust, will require consistent effort and funding. The long-term aim is clear: to create a system where everyone, regardless of their race or ethnicity, has a fair shot at a healthy life. The resolution charges the people of the United States to hold the country accountable to its promise of equality and the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is a big step, but it's just the beginning of what promises to be a long and complex process.