Racism as a Public Health Crisis

This program aired Thursday, July 9th, 2020 @ 12 EST

Framing racism as a social determinant of public health is not a new idea, however, it has gained support as subsequent protests emerge around the country in response to police killings and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color has become clear. In response, an increasing number of cities and counties have declared racism a public health crisis.

Join The Center for a discussion with Commissioner Donna Miller of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Jairo Cruz, Medical Director of Transitional Care at Franciscan Health – Olympia Fields, and Professor Jessica Simes, Associate Director for Research at the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research. Panelists discussed the long-standing systemic health and social inequities that have put communities of color at increased risk of getting COVID-19 and experiencing police brutality and the importance of framing racism as a public health crisis.