Day 21, May 11: Racism as a Public Health Crisis
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), racism, both interpersonal and structural, negatively affects the mental and physical health of millions of people, preventing them from attaining their highest level of health.

Racism is a public health issue in the U.S. and this has been starkly evident in the pandemic.

  • Article: In this Scientific American piece, public health specialist and physician Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones talks about how jobs, communities and health care leave Black Americans more exposed to and less protected from Covid-19.

  • Video: The people most likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19 are those who have long suffered the impacts of pollution and climate injustice in America. This short video explains.

  • Spotlight: To tackle issues of racial and health inequities surrounding COVID-19, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot convened the Racial Equity Rapid Response Team. Read this illuminating interview with two members of the team.

  • More: Ready to deepen your understanding and sharpen your skills? Our Equity Summit is May 13 and 14. You can learn more and register here. Even if you can't attend all of the virtual sessions, registration ensures that you'll have access to the complete Equity Summit online for three months!

Download and print our 21-Day Reflection Journal and capture your reflections after each challenge.

Want to see previous emails from the 21-Day Challenge? You'll find them here.
Equity Institute
YWCA Evanston/North Shore
1215 Church Street
Evanston, IL 60201