HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Members of the Marshall University community participated in a virtual forum Monday on the coronavirus pandemic and the increased risks for the Black community.
The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Office of Equity Programs and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity’s Huntington Alumni chapter organized the event, in which institution faculty spoke about how the pandemic affects people of color.
“The African American community has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19,” said Dr. Leonard White, the School of Medicine’s associate dean for diversity.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21% of positive coronavirus cases are of Black people. The U.S. Census Bureau notes 12.7% of the population is black.
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources reports 7.2% of confirmed cases are of Black people, in which the state’s Black population is 3.6% of the statewide total.
“We know that COVID-19 is deadlier for people with pre-existing health care conditions such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, COPD and congestive heart failure, and these conditions are well-publicized as being prevalent in the Black community,” White said.
White also noted “structural inequities,” including living conditions of Black communities, poor working conditions and health conditions.
“African Americans are paired with lower rates of being insured and lower median household incomes compared to whites, which can limit access to health care,” he said.
Debra Hart, Marshall University’s Title IX coordinator and director of equity programs, said there are also concerns in the Black community about speaking to medical professionals, which could discourage people from getting tested.
“We’re looking at things that people who may be racially illiterate may not understand,” she said.
Free testing will continue around the state this week; A testing site will be open at the A.D. Lewis Community Center in Huntington on Friday between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.