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