RACIAL DISPARITIES

When it comes to catching breast cancer before it takes hold, genetic testing is an important tool to help identify people who are at a high risk for hereditary breast cancer.

The final report from a Michigan coronavirus task force examining racial disparities finds that the disproportional impact the pandemic has had on people of color has improved.

A study commissioned by Michigan State Police found racial and ethnic disparities in the outcomes of traffic stops conducted by troopers in 2020.

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist released details about Michigan’s Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities’ new plan to reduce hesitancy about getting vaccinated.

DETROIT – A hospital in Indiana is promising a full review of the treatment of a Black doctor who died from coronavirus days before Christmas. READ: Black doctor who grew up in Michigan dies of COVID after racist treatment complaintsMoore got her medical degree from the University of Michigan in 2002 and studied engineering at Kettering University in Flint. Moore was admitted to Indiana University Health North Hospital after testing positive for COVID-19. Dennis Murphy, President and CEO of Indiana University HealthThe coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately impacted Black men and women. In response, the state of Michigan started the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities and required implicit bias training for health professionals.

A Michigan task force has been conducting research and implementing new protocols to help improve conditions for minority communities who have been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic -- and they have seen some notable progress so far. Gretchen Whitmer established the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities to address issues leading to the disproportionate havoc the pandemic has wreaked on communities of color compared to white communities. Since the task force was created, more than 20 “Neighborhood Testing sites” have been established in previously-underserved communities throughout Michigan, the state reports. Moving forward, the group intends to close the “digital divide” by ensuring minority communities have better access to internet, telehealth services and virtual learning. “It’s clear that the work of this task force ... has made significant progress in protecting families, frontline workers, and small businesses in communities of color,” said Celeste Sanchez Lloyd, task force member and community program manager for Strong Beginnings at Spectrum Health.

DETROIT – When the COVID-19 outbreak began, the virus hit Black and Brown communities hard with unspeakable losses. Since April, the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities has been working to eliminate the impact COVID-19 has had on communities of color. READ: What role are Michigan schools playing in spread of COVID-19? They’ve made progress by making testing more accessible for communities of color, including drive-thru, walk-up and mobile testing sites. We just funded another 20 million pounds with the projects called Rapid Response Initiatives.”The task force also recommended that Michigan Gov.

ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities has awarded four local organizations Rapid Response Initiative Grants. United Way of Washtenaw County, Food Gatherers, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels and the Washtenaw County Health Department received over $1,000,000 in funds to continue to respond to the needs of communities of color that have been impacted by COVID-19. “The funding ultimately means reducing cases across our county and among our most vulnerable populations, ensuring our response to the pandemic centers equity. And at the state level and locally, that is and has always been the goal," Alize Asberry Payne, Washtenaw County Racial Equity Officer and a member of the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities Community Action Team, said in a statement. Here’s how the funding breaks down:United Way of Washtenaw County: $500,000Washtenaw County Health Department: $248,000Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels: $144,600Food Gatherers: $150,000✉ Like what you’re reading?

LANSING, Mich. – The Ingham County Health Department Tuesday declared racism a public health crisis amid statewide and national unrest over the killing of Black Minneapolis man George Floyd. The Ingham County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution to declare the public health crisis and establish an advisory board to offer solutions that address racial injustice, officials said. “Racism is rampant across the country and Ingham County needs to be on the forefront in anti-racist action,” said Bryan Crenshaw, Chair of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners. MORE: Town hall addresses impact of COVID-19 on black community in Michigan“People of color are disproportionately affected by infant mortality, maternal mortality, diabetes, asthma, hypertension and even COVID-19,” said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail. Health disparities are the effect of a lifetime spent enduring racism in all of its forms, which compounds as it spans generations.