(WWJ) Over 40% of coronavirus-related deaths in Michigan are from black communities ... and the question is why?
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a number of executive orders aimed at protecting people in vulnerable communities. On Thursday, Whitmer created the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities in an effort to support communities most impacted by the spread of coronavirus.
The task force, chaired by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, will consist of leaders across state government as well as healthcare professionals from these communities. The task force will have its first meeting this week.
Only 14% of Michiganders are from black communities, making the disproportionate level of death mystifying. The new task force will work to address the disparities in coronavirus cases among these communities in the state.
"This virus is holding a mirror up to our society and reminding us of the deep inequities in this country," said Governor Whitmer. "From basic lack of access to health care, transportation, and protections in the workplace, these inequities hit people of color and vulnerable communities the hardest. This task force will help us start addressing these disparities right now as we work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan."
"We know that generations of racial disparities and inequality has a detrimental impact on the lives of people across the state," Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. "The coronavirus pandemic has shown this inequity to be particularly true, especially in the Black community, where the health of our friends and family has been disproportionately impacted. That's why we are taking immediate action to assemble some of the greatest minds to tackle this racial injustice now and in the future."
