FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Relations
The U.S. saw more COVID-19-related deaths than any other country in the world. Many of those deaths were found in vulnerable populations, especially among communities of color. A new supplement, Protecting Vulnerable Populations against COVID-19, published in the American Journal of Public Health with the Morehouse School of Medicine reiterates the need for the public health community to better prepare for future novel respiratory viral disease outbreaks and pandemics.
Improved strategies to protect the nation’s most vulnerable are vital to strengthen response plans to future public health crises and provide a learning opportunity for improving the health of all. Studies featured in this supplement focused on pregnant women, African Americans and other minorities, and those experiencing economic hardship. Some of the suggested strategies discussed are:
- Ensuring all have an equal opportunity to access health care in those communities that provide vaccinations and reliable testing.
- Effectively communicate evidence-based health interventions from trusted and credible individuals and organizations.
Continuing to find ways to partner with members of the community can help build that trust. Examples like the role of Black churches in the African American community, Historically Black Medical Schools and Colleges, and the Black Coalition Against COVID-19 underscore the need for partnerships with highly regarded organizations and leaders to better prepare communities before a pandemic occurs.
Dr. Sonja Hutchins, Professor and Director of the Public Health and Preventive Medicine Residency at the Morehouse School of Medicine points out the lessons learned from the COVID-19 public health crisis, “Articles in this supplement describe the successes and opportunities among African Americans and other racial/ethnic minoritized populations and their communities during the crisis. These findings have implications for creating and sustaining healthy communities among least-resourced and minoritized populations, for eliminating health inequities, and for achieving optimal health of populations across life spans before pandemics occur.”
These lessons can help public health officials, medical professionals and local communities better protect vulnerable populations when faced with another novel respiratory virus or other emerging health risks. To be truly effective, the nation needs to prepare for widespread collaboration to develop stronger communities that support the health of all.
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About Morehouse School of Medicine
Founded in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians, biomedical scientists and public health professionals. An independent and private historically Black medical school, MSM was recognized by the Annals of Internal Medicine as the nation’s number one medical school in fulfilling a social mission – leading the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice. MSM faculty and alumni are noted for excellence in teaching, research and public policy, as well as exceptional patient care. MSM is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctoral and master’s degrees. To learn more about programs and donate today, please visit MSM.edu or call 404-752-1500.
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The American Public Health Association champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.