Declaring Racism a Public Health Crisis in Connecticut
The senseless deaths and violence against people of color at the hands of police and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on people of color in Connecticut have laid bare the systemic and ever-present impact of racism. It’s time we recognize racism as the public health crisis it is. Health Equity Solutions (HES) calls on our leaders in the cities and towns throughout Connecticut to declare racism a public health crisis/emergency.
Declaring racism to be a public health crisis or emergency offers a clear path to intentionally acknowledging and addressing disparities and inequities. Adopting a resolution can catalyze and authorize data analysis, and policy analysis to prevent unintentional injustices.
How is racism a public health emergency?
As a result of the trauma inflicted by racism and the purposeful disinvestment in their social and economic well-being, people of color live with disproportionately higher cortisol levels, higher rates of chronic stress, higher rates of chronic disease, lower infant birth rates, higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death, and pay the ultimate price with their lives.
Interested in getting this started in your city or town? Contact Karen Siegel at ksiegel@hesct.org for more details. We are providing CT residents and leaders with support and the tools like template emails, talking points, guidance on reaching out to their elected officials, and next steps for towns and cities once the declaration has been made.
February 2021 two-part webinar series on Declaring Racism a Public Health Crisis in Connecticut:
HES Templates:
- Sample resolution language. Click here.
- Email your Town Council/Selectmen/Alders to request they add a resolution to the next meeting’s agenda. Click here.
- Email your Town Council/Selectmen/Alders to request they vote in favor of your town/city declaring racism a public health crisis by passing the resolution. Click here.
- Does your town have the resolution on their agenda? Click here for talking points.