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OMAHA STAR
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Nebraska’s Only Black Owned Newspaper Vol. 82 - No. 8 Omaha, Nebraska
Friday, April 17, 2020
75 cents
We Must Stay Informed
By Kenny McMorris MPA, FACHE, CHCEF Chief Executive Officer Charles Drew Health Center Inc.
We have long known that when it comes to health outcomes in America, inequalities have persisted along racial lines. The recent coronavirus pandemic has shined an ugly light on these disparities as severe cases of COVID 19, the illness caused by the virus, are disproportionately affecting African American communities at a higher rate. Why is this? Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. African-Americans, in particular, are much more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure – and these underlying conditions place us at a much higher risk of requiring hospitalization, or dying, from COVID-19. Data from cities with large African American populations, such as New Orleans, Detroit, and Milwaukee, continue to show much higher mortality rates among black and brown
patients from COVID-19 than their white counterparts. In Chicago, where black residents make up approximately 29% of the city’s population, they account for 72% of the city’s COVID-19 deaths. While much is still unknown about the virus, it has become increasingly clear that it is impacting many vulnerable segments of our society. However, in America, that vulnerability is highly intersected with race and poverty. Recently Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health stated that African Americans do not appear to be at greater risk of becoming infected. However, structural inequalities often place us in the middle of the virus’ crosshairs. While many Americans have the privilege of working remotely throughout the crisis, African Americans are more likely to be designated “essential workers”, reporting for work day after day at lower wage jobs that often require a large degree of human interaction, placing us at a higher risk of coming into contact with someone who may be carrying the virus even if they may not be showing symptoms. In a recent report published by the Economic Policy Institute “less than one in five Black workers and roughly one in six Hispanic workers are able to work from home.” So what steps should we take to stay safe and avoid further spread of the virus? The following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following
North Omaha Coronavirus Emergency Plan Stay Home! Stay Safe! 1. Stay Home – Only leave home to shop for groceries, work or emergencies. 2. Keep personal distance. Stay six feet apart. 3. Wear a cloth face covering or mask. 4. Call to get tested if you believe you have been exposed or have symptoms. 5. Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. Cover your cough and sneeze with tissue/covered elbow. Wash your hands afterwards. 6. Don’t touch eyes, nose or mouth. Don’t shake hands. 7. Get accurate information and stay informed. Reduce stigma. 8. Clean your food after purchasing from store. 9. Vote by mail and complete the census. 10. Support black businesses and businesses in North Omaha including community media.
steps: Know How It Spreads The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within six feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Clean Your Hands Often Wash often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid Close Contact Avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home as much as possible and avoid large groups, and put distance between yourself and other people. Cover Your Mouth and Nose Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Everyone should wear a face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask
without assistance. Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing. Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. While this may be a time of high anxiety, we are here to serve you. I am confident that we will get through this together and emerge stronger as a community. Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. has always been committed to the ongoing health and well-being of our patients, employees, and the community we serve. In addition to following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and maintaining standard infection control best practices, we are working proactively with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Douglas County Health Department, and countless partner organizations to monitor, stay informed and keep our community safe and healthy. If you believe you may be suffering from symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please call us at 402451-3553.
From the iPublisher’s Pen By Terri D. Sanders
photo credit: StableGray
This issue represents a special recognition of one of our city’s residents. Ruth Patrick Thomas is celebrating her 100th birthday. HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY Mrs. Thomas. While her celebration party had to be postponed due to
the Coronavirus, we here at the Omaha Star want to celebrate her with her family and friends with a pictorial tribute. I have not personally known many persons who have held the title CENTENERIAN, I know her! The Omaha Star is known for good news and this is good news. Thank you to Janet, Judy and Jimmy for the pictures and the article about their Mother. Mrs. Thomas is my kind of lady. Her mother remarked about her: “Ruth just did whatever she wanted to do.” We are not going to let the Covid19 headlines overshadow the good news in our community. Our governor has not required that we stay at home, but he has closed nonessential services in the state of Nebraska. The CEO of the Charles Drew Medical Center has shared information in this issue. We have also featured recommendations from the Empowerment Network Focus group on tips we should follow for good health during
Covid19. We salute our Family of the Week, The Whitteds. A young professional couple that believes that Omaha is a GOOD place for professionals to establish themselves. Yes, I did another porch photo, social distancing, I am following the rules.. In the Village which normally shares events in the community is now sharing Community Resources that we can use to be more informed. Wear your masks, drink lots of water, take your vitamins, eat well, wash your hands often, maintain social distancing, virtual meetings, virtual family gatherings and more represent a change in our lifestyles. Hug those you love because you do not know when it will be the last time. Remember joy comes in the morning. Just for now, let’s celebrate our local Centenarian, Mrs. Ruth Lorraine Patrick Thomas, Happiest Birthday to YOU!
WCA Celebrates Women’s Center for Advancement, WCA, is celebrating their two year anniversary at the new building! Even though, WCA is not physically in our building due to COVID-19 we are still celebrating and still serving! For over 100 years, WCA has been the experts, the listening ear, and the safe place for survivors and their children. The past two years were no different - they have seen a great deal of change and growth for the Women’s Center for Advancement. Altogether, the WCA provided over 73,000 direct services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and stalking. Behind these numbers, are thousands of stories from clients overcoming challenges, healing trauma, and finding empowerment. “Thank you for being here. This facility and your staff are amazing. I never knew this existed until my ER visit. Thank you for your organization.” WCA, 3801 Harney St.
Rides to the Polls Cancelled: Vote By Mail. Apply by May 1. Need Help? 402-905-9305
Next Issue: May 1, 2020 Submissions to paper by April 23, 2020
We Celebrate Omaha’s Centenarian: Ruth Patrick Thomas