Health Inequities Show True Colors in Unprecedented Times

“Find the Helpers

- Mr. Rogers”

As March 2020 comes to a close, the world is experiencing unprecedented times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 does not discriminate and people of all color, races, gender, income, celebrity status, religion, geographic locations are being impacted worldwide. However, what does discriminate and is showing its true colors, is health inequity.

It is hard to listen to the endless stream of news coverage about COVID-19 and not hear about its impact on traditionally marginalized populations, including health, employment, and housing impacts. For example, homeless service providers in Atlanta prepare for the spread of COVID-19 in homeless populations vulnerable to respiratory illness or struggle of food banks across the United States struggle to meet the demand food insecure populations, including newly unemployed people (Stokes, 2020; Luhby, 2020).

The world is learning that underinsured, COVID-19 is significantly impacting under-resourced and vulnerable populations. Social distancing and sheltering in place are key science-based strategies much of the world is participating to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve as well as reduce stress on health-care systems and providers. The challenge with enforcing essential public health strategies is to mitigate the effects on traditionally marginalized populations (Benfer & Wiley, 2020).

As we learn more about COVID-19, there continues to be more a growing body of literature that highlights the impact COVID-19 has on vulnerable populations and strategies to combat its impact. Some that resonate with me and worth a read include:

Long-term strategies to address the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations will require sustained investment in public health and policy, systems, environment change to address inequities. However, short-term strategies where impact can be made can come from individuals giving back financially, physically, or emotionally to organizations who support vulnerable populations, such as Feeding America, Salvation Army, Humane Society, Meals on Wheels, Homeless Shelters, Boys & Girls Clubs, and local non-profits that served vulnerable populations. Reach out to local charities and ask how you can help and use social media to use your voice to advocate for vulnerable populations that need help (Martyn, n.d.).  

I am working to do my part to live up to the definition of my name, “helper of mankind”. In these uncertain times, if you are not sure what to do, I encourage you to show your true colors and find ways you can be a helper to support our vulnerable neighbors.  

References

Benfer, E. & Wiley, L. (2020, March 19). Health Justice Strategies To Combat COVID-19: Protecting Vulnerable Communities During A Pandemic. Health Affairs Blog. https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20200319.757883/full/

Luhby, T. (2020, March 31). Food banks struggle as demand explodes thanks to coronavirus layoffs. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/31/politics/food-banks-supplies-groceries-coronavirus/index.html

Martyn, E. (n.d.). Three ways you can help during the COVID-19 pandemic. FIDELITY Charitable. https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/articles/three-ways-you-can-help-during-the-covid-19-pandemic.html

Stokes, S. (2020, March 11). In Atlanta, Homeless Service Providers Prepare For Coronavirus Spread. NPR. https://www.wabe.org/in-atlanta-homeless-service-providers-prepare-for-coronavirus-spread/