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Health officials announce coronavirus testing, outreach effort in African American communities

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice and state health officials on Wednesday announced a new task force for conducting coronavirus tests and outreach in African American communities.

The state Department of Health and Human Resources will preside over the COVID-19 Advisory Commission on African American Disparities, which officials say is needed as data shows racial minorities have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs will assist the task force in coordinating outreach and testing.

Bill Crouch, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Resources, said during the daily coronavirus briefing state Health Officer Dr. Cathy Slemp has been compiling data for increasing testing.

Efforts will be initially focused in Berkeley, Jefferson, Marion, Monongalia and Raleigh counties. The West Virginia National Guard and county health departments will assist with testing.





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