Crisis

A Crisis Within a Crisis for African Americans Op-ed by Dr. Johnnie Johnson

According to the CDC, about 1 in 3 people who become sick enough to be hospitalized today from the coronavirus are African Americans.

Hospitalizations are highest in the 65 year and older population and 54% of the patients are men. The patients who are hospitalized and have complications with the virus have a wide range of underlying health conditions; including high blood pressure, obesity, lung/respiratory problems, diabetes and heart disease.

The White House denies that there is a health care disparity or a racial divide with the coronavirus pandemic (hoax).

However, the White House Task Force thinks that the underlying medical problems or conditions like diabetes, hypertension, obesity and asthma make it more likely that people of color are admitted to the ICU and can die from the complications of the virus. This type of information to the people of color in this country is confusing because we have two different opinions from our government. We need to seriously, as a country and a society, address the fundamental question on health care disparities that exist in this country.

This country and the health care systems have been exposed for the injustices and racism that exist for our minority populations have underscored the importance for better preventive and social measures to protect the people at risk. This is a conversion that can’t be saved for another day. The Band-Aid has been ripped off! We must continue to push special interest groups in medicine, insurance companies, politics and government out of their comfort zone. They must recognize the need to make changes to the current healthcare system.

So for now, continue social distancing, practice respiratory hygiene (cover your mouth when you cough), wear facial mask and gloves, especially when you are outside your home. Don’t make unnecessary trips and definitely stay away from people who don’t take this virus seriously. Be your own best patient advocate.

The coronavirus is basically a symptom and the real disease in the healthcare system are all the structural determinants and bias’s we have in our society that we had not addressed.

Let us face reality with the COVID-19. This virus is for real and yes it is disproportionally impacting Black communities. And we need to heighten our awareness of all the healthcare challenges that have come about during this pandemic. Let us now use our collective voices as we continue to fight for our families and our communities, especially those of color.

Stay home, stay save, and wear your masks..

See us for all your banking needs. · Checking Accounts · Savings Accounts · Online and Mobile Banking · Mortgages · Business Services · And Much More!

Visit us online or at any convenient location. Shannon Jones Market President 303.696.2902 Shannon.Jones@efirstbank.com NMLS ID # 566143

Washington Leadership Continued from page 4

By the time the state received new kits on February 27, the virus had already taking its toll and begun wreaking havoc across the region.

Thus far, residents and law makers alike are giving Governor Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock a good deal of praise for their handling of the crisis in the city and state.

The March 16 decision by Polis to shutter businesses, bars/restaurants, close schools, cancel high profile events and order the population to shelter at home have indefinitely come with enormous, devastating consequences for the state and local economy—not to mention throwing hundreds of thousands of residents out of work with no end in sight.

The decision came hours after Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock made a similar decision in response to Covid-19.

Hancock’s order of wide sweeping stay at home measures on March 24 meant that all nonessential businesses would be closed through April 10—that order has since been extended to April 30.

With the state slated to open the week of April 27, according to Polis in a recent CNN interview, all eyes will be trained on how officials handle the much anticipated economic re-opening.

The number of infections statewide appears to be moving in the right direction according to information provided by the department of health and environment. As of April 24, there have been 13,441 reported cases of Covid-19 including 680 deaths. There have been zero reported deaths throughout the state since April 23, 2020. Communities of Color: Disproportionately Impacted

For communities of color the statistics reflect a disturbing pattern. African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans are impacted in greater numbers than their respective populations both nationwide and around the state of Colorado.

Nationally, African Americans comprise approximately 13% of the population yet represent 28% of all Covid-19 deaths. For Asian Americans the numbers are 4.7% and 5.7% respectively. Hispanic Americans make up about 16% of the U.S. population and make up 19% of the deaths caused by the Coronavirus.

Here is Colorado, a similar trend has been observed. Hispanics make up 21.7% of Colorado’s population but comprise 28.1% of Covid-19 cases and 17.7% of reported deaths. African Americans in Colorado represent 4% of the state’s population, 7% of Covid-19 cases and 6.8% of the deaths statewide. Asian Americans make up roughly 3.1% of the population of Colorado, 2.2% of Corona virus cases and 2.8% of the deaths reported from Covid-19. Native Americans account for .06% of the state’s residents, 0.5% of Covid-19 cases and make up 0.8% of the deaths reported thus far.

These communities are not only being devastated by the health toll of Covid-19. The impact extends well beyond medical considerations. The already struggling economies of communities of color will likely not survive this pandemic. In a recent DUS virtual meeting with community leaders, many explained in detail the impact of the virus on their specific areas of endeavor.

Concerns expressed from the leader of the Black Chamber of Commerce painted a dire picture of impending permanent business closures. Spiritual leaders foretold of the potential closure of many houses of worship throughout the community. Mental health professionals explained the long-term psychological ravages of Covid-19 with horrifying clarity and educational professionals voiced real apprehensions about minority students falling critically behind academically.

What has become clear is that no facet of our community will be spared the terrible after-effects of this awful disease that, in many instances, might have been avoided with effective national leadership..