Gov. Cooper Announces Task Force to Address Racial Inequities in Health Care

A discrepancy between races of COVID-19 patients has been evident since the early days of the ongoing pandemic in North Carolina.

While African Americans make up just 22 percent of the state’s population, more than 30 percent of confirmed coronavirus cases at the start of the month were black residents. In addition, 34 percent of deaths caused by COVID-19 are also African Americans, when race can be determined. Similarly, the Latinx community makes up about 10 percent of the state’s population but makes up 39 percent of the North Carolina coronavirus cases.

On Thursday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed a new executive order aiming to help both in the short-term and long-term.

Cooper revealed the new Andrea Harris Social, Economic, Environmental, and Health Equity Task Force to further address these disproportionate counts of coronavirus cases. Named after a late business pioneer from Durham, the group will focus on eliminating health disparities by addressing systemic issues throughout the state.

“Today, we’re taking steps to reverse the longstanding inequality made worse by this pandemic,” said Cooper. “My administration is committed to helping eliminate these disparities. We will keep listening and we will continue to work with communities all across our state to address systemic injustice.”

According to a release from the governor’s office, the task force will specifically work to identify best practices to create economic stability, eliminate health disparities, and achieve environmental justice.

The order comes after more than a week of unrest across the U.S. over racial injustice and systemic racism, sparked by the death of George Floyd.

Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders will chair the task force. On Thursday, she said she will lead the charge of providing evidence-based and data-driven recommendations to the state.

“We are not all faced with the same challenges,” Sanders said. “We must look to provide alternative solutions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and other economic, health and equity issues on vulnerable populations.”

The new executive order also takes steps to provide short-term aid to minority communities during the pandemic. Cooper said his order will aim to ensure equitable distribution of resources to local businesses.

“We know that black and minority-owned businesses are often overlooked and under-resourced,” he said. “Too many of these businesses have been excluded from COVID-19 funds. My order directs the North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office to ensure that COVID-19 relief funds are fairly distributed. It also expands the capacity of our North Carolina Historically Underutilized Business Office to provide those businesses access to opportunities and resources.”

In addition, state health officials announced two new online tools to help residents determine whether they need to be tested and find a nearby testing center.

The governor said the Andrea Harris Social, Economic, Environmental, and Health Equity Task Force will be announcing experts and state officials to serve on it in the coming weeks.

Photo via North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

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Gov. Cooper Announces Task Force to Address Racial Inequities in Health Care

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