CDC Builds a Powerful Plan to Confront Racism and Health

May 12, 2021 by Alec Stone MA, MPA, Former ONS Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy

“Racism is not just the discrimination against one group based on the color of their skin or their race or ethnicity but the structural barriers that impact racial and ethnic groups differently to influence where a person lives, where they work, where their children play, and where they worship and gather in community,” Walensky said (https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0408-racism-health.html).

To address and further understand racism in health care, CDC vowed to (https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0408-racism-health.html):

“Confronting the impact of racism will not be easy,” Walensky said (https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0408-racism-health.html). “I know that we can meet this challenge. I know that we can create an America where all people have the opportunity to live a healthy life when we each take responsibility and work together. I am committed to this work. I certainly hope you will lean in and join me.”

ONS condemns racism (https://www.ons.org/ons-condemns-racism) and supports CDC’s recognition of the disparities ingrained in our society. Nurses also have a crucial role (https://voice.ons.org/stories/nurses-have-a-role-and-responsibility-in-ending-racism) in addressing racism and finding pathways (https://voice.ons.org/news-and-views/research-validates-tools-to-increase-screening-in-communities-of-color) to more inclusive public health. Educate yourself, talk to your patients and colleagues of color (https://voice.ons.org/stories/what-it-feels-like-to-be-a-nurse-of-color) to gain perspectives (https://voice.ons.org/news-and-views/onss-first-african-american-president-shares-insights-and-advice-in-honor-of-black), advocate (https://www.ons.org/make-difference/ons-center-advocacy-and-health-policy) for progress, and refuse to accept that discrimination has any place in health care.


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