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The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 in Minority Communities.
General Information
Title
The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 in Minority Communities.
Author
Erick López, Erika Marquez and Amanda Haboush-Deloye
Publication Type
Journal paper
Outlet
Nevada Journal of Public Health
Year
2021
Abstract
COVID-19 has profoundly and disproportionately impacted minority populations in Nevada as evidenced by disparities in hospitalizations and deaths. Unless public health professionaly actively work to account for risk factors and adjust to meet the needs of minority populations, then COVID-19 health disparities will continue to grow. Minority communities face numerous risk factors that lead to poorer COVID-19 health outcomes such as pre-existing conditions, essential work occupations, inadequate access to PPE, higher household density, lower access to medical care, and insufficient health communications. Many of the factors are directly impacted by existing social inequities. These factors have worked in tandem with the COVID-19 virus to amplify social and health inequities. Critical strategies to reduce social and health inequities include improving surveillance, building trusting in the healthcare system through equitable care, increasing community engagement and outreach, reducing social stigma, and taking account of exceptionally vulnerable members early on.