Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities of color in Michigan. African Americans represent nearly 14 percent of the state’s population, yet they represent 40 percent of the deaths from coronavirus. The task force was created per Executive Order 2020-55, and will act in an advisory capacity to the Governor. It will study the causes of racial disparities and recommend actions to address the historical and systemic inequities.
The task force will suggest ways to:
Increase transparency in reporting data regarding the racial and ethnic impact of COVID-19.
Remove barriers to accessing physical and mental health care.
Reduce the impact of medical bias in testing and treatment.
Mitigate environmental and infrastructure factors contributing to increased exposure during pandemics resulting in mortality.
Develop and improve systems for supporting long-term economic recovery and physical and mental health care following a pandemic.
The task force will collaborate with community action stakeholders as well as identify avenues of funding for combatting racial disparities. The task force will continue its work until 90 days after the termination of the declared states of emergency and disaster, or such other time as identified by the Governor.
Read more on Michigan.gov>