BLACK SCIENTISTS' TASK FORCE ON VACCINE EQUITY
HEALTH
PROFESSIONALS'
RISK & RESILIENCY
Across the United States of America, Canada and the UK, Black and racialized front-line workers, especially health care workers, have COVID 19 positivity risks that ranged from two to five times that of the general public. Working in health care settings and nursing homes with direct patient contact is a huge risk factor. Limited access to personal protective equipment has also been a critical factor in these patterns of racial inequities. The risks are both racialized and gendered because of the precarious nature of certain service roles, the lack of sick days and the low wages that are often paid to the workers.
All indicators are that more than 80% of known COVID cases and hospitalized individuals involve members of racialized communities. A disproportionate share of the health professional deaths has been visibly racialized. Providers of direct patient care need to be fully aware of all measures to protect their health and safety; as well as those of their colleagues and loved ones.
The reality is that the nature of health care work done by a significant proportion of Black and racialized workers rarely allows them to work from home. Not only can’t they work from home, they have to use public transit to get to work. Risks of contact with the virus are thus increased for such personnel. These higher levels of risks also impinge disproportionately on the health of Black and racialized individuals that are also more likely to work in transportation and service industries.
THE EVIDENCE BASE IS GROWING
IN ONE DIRECTION.
HIGHER LEVELS
OF RISK FOR
BLACK /
RACIALIZED
WORKERS
The levels of racialized risks are higher because of the interaction of the negative social determinants of health with systemic racism, which increase the health burden of Black people living in low income, high density settings. Other key factors which contribute to higher risks include pre-existing co-morbidities, vitamin D deficiencies and lack of access to essential personal protective equipment.
COVID RESOURCES
FOR FRONTLINE
WORKERS
Frontline workers need to do everything they can to protect themselves from COVID 19 as well as to maintain their mental health and well-being. Early reports indicate increased rates of anxiety, depression and substance abuse as a results of the increased exposure and risk. The Task Force members have recommended mindfulness meditation, daily exercise and deliberate activities to stay connected with friends and relatives through the internet. They have also urged community members to reach out for help from friends and relatives as well as on-line service providers.
A kit of resources is being developed for Black and racialized front line workers to support them through this period of amplified risks.
WE'RE
BUILDING
A KIT OF RESOURCES
LEVEL OF
'RACIALIZED' RISK