CDC Declares Racism a
‘Serious Public Health Threat’.
On Thursday, CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky
spoke out about racism in America and the role
it has played during the COVID-19 pandemic. .
Dr. Walensky pointed out that the
pandemic has “illuminated” social and
structural inequities that already existed.
The impact of COVID-19 [is] felt, most severely,
in communities of color—communities that have
experienced disproportionate case counts and
deaths, and where the social impact of the
pandemic has been most extreme, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, via statement.
She then declared racism to be a
“serious public health threat” that
has been “unaddressed” for generations.
What we know is this: racism is a serious public
health threat that directly affects the well-being
of millions of Americans … Over generations,
these structural inequities have resulted in
stark racial and ethnic health disparities that
are severe, far-reaching and unacceptable, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, via statement.
Dr. Walensky’s statement
coincided with the launch
of the CDC’s agency-wide
‘Racism and Health’ initiative. .
The CDC has vowed to study and combat
health disparities caused by racism. .
It also plans to use COVID-19 funding to expand
investments in racial and ethnic minority communities and
establish “durable infrastructure” to improve health equity. .
Confronting the impact of racism will not be
easy. I know that we can meet this challenge.
I know that we can create an America where
all people have the opportunity to live a healthy
life when we each take responsibility and
work together. I am committed to this work.
I certainly hope you will lean in and join me, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, via statement
