Thursday, September 10, 2020

Kaiser Family Foundation Issues Report on Racial Disparities and COVID-19

 

A recent Kaiser Family Foundation Issue Brief reviewing data and analysis of COVID-19 infections, highlights the disparate impact of infection for people of color. 

The Issue Brief, Racial Disparities in COVID-19: Key Findings from Available Data and Analysis, includes the following key findings:

  • From March through July 18, 2020, age-adjusted hospitalization rates due to COVID-19 for Black, Hispanic, and American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) people were roughly five times higher than that of White people.
  • People of color make up a disproportionate share of COVID-19 hospitalizations relative to their share of the population or total hospital visits.
  • Nursing homes where a higher share of residents are people of color are more likely to report a COVID-19 case.
  • Testing sites in and near predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods are likely to face greater demand than those near predominantly White areas, which could contribute to longer wait times, and the share of people of color in an area is associated with an increase in travel time to a testing site.

The report concludes, “Overall, the findings highlight the importance of considering how COVID-19 relief and response efforts will address inequities, including in decisions related to distribution of treatments and vaccines once they become available. Prioritizing equity will be key for addressing the current gaps in COVID-19 and health care more broadly and preventing widening of disparities in the future.”

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