This week, our state has made some of the biggest moves to starting reopening local businesses. May 26th signals the resuming of league competitions for non-contact sports (e.g. golf, racket sports, baseball, softball) with the potential kids' camps over the summer. This issue has not been as cut and dry since many of these activities require the use of school grounds. Now, while classroom education itself has been virtual for the last couple months, the question of whether school grounds would be accessible has remained up in the air for awhile, although it is now looking like some activities will be allowed with thorough oversight.
To that end, all safety protocols for any of the above-mentioned activities must be followed and they can be found on the Ohio State Department's website. Other facility types that are allowed to open with proof of safety measures include institutions such as gyms and rec centers, bowling alleys and batting cages, and skill training for student athletes based on each school district's discretion.
As has been stated before, weddings and funerals have always been exempt from restrictions for public gatherings, but receptions have been limited up to this point for the number of attendees allowed. Catering and banquet centers will be able to reopen under similar guidelines as restaurants starting June 1st. Group gatherings at home still are recommended to have less than ten people in attendance.
In reviewing the numbers for our state, Dr. Acton had the following information for the state of Ohio:
30,167 total state cases (up 731 from yesterday-which is a large uptick)
1,836 total state deaths (up 55 from yesterday)
297, 085 total COVID-19 tests have been performed in the state of Ohio
ICU and ventilator usage rates have remained flat, as have the 21 day trends
R naught is staying at the 1:1 level indicating a flattening of the curve (given that Ohio started at 2-3:1)
In his remarks, Gov. DeWine tackled an important demographic issue that many have felt uncomfortable bringing up. He quoted as saying,
"The coronavirus has pulled back the curtain on the racial disparities that exist in this country."
Understanding these racial inequalities exist is not new and has been widely known throughout this country’s history. This applies not only to the African American population or Latinx population, or even just people of color. That being said, African American infants die approximately 2.5-3 times more frequently than caucasian babies. African American women are 2.5 times more likely to die of pregnancy related complications. African American life expectancy is 4-5 years lower than that of caucasian people. African Americans are 2.5 times more likely to live in poverty compared to caucasian people and the number is EVEN HIGHER for children.
No. Just no. I cannot believe that I have to say I am glad that we can all agree slavery was not a good thing. Obviously. That is just nonsense that we have to even say that out loud. It is, however, a building block for the fact that racial inequality and systemic racism is running rampant, affecting and taking lives of people who had no idea when they opened their eyes the first time as a baby that they even had a skin color-or that it would determine so much about how they live. How society often "allows" them to live. It is cruel and absurd. In no way am I implying that we should treat racism with the broad stroke brush of "color-blindness." Why? Why would we do that? That implies that there is something wrong with one of the colors. People of every color, gender, age etc. are to be celebrated for who they are-every part of them. Not punished for a part that is visible to the public.
DeWine went on to say that African Americans make up 13-14% of the Ohio population and yet 26% of those people are testing positive. They also make up 31% of the hospitalizations to date and 17% of the total death count. Latinos are 3% of the population in our state and account for a full 6% of those who tested positive with coronavirus. These are also believed to be underestimates. If this does not throw the disproportionate effects of racism into stark relief, I do not know what does.
We have an obligation to be more mindful to those who are of higher risk based only on their zip code. Health care access needs to be available for all in some form or another.
Education, housing, transportation, food security also need to be available for all in some form or another. An interactive map now exists which shows county-by-county data of the coronavirus cases based on race, making data more accessible and actionable.
A second map has been created which shows census data in an Ohio Opportunity Index demonstrating which populations have the greatest need for improvement in the following areas: transportation, education, employment, housing, crime rate, etc. This data can be used by researchers and community activists in the effort to provide resources to those who need it most. The goal is to improve health outcomes for all Ohioans no matter where they live.
On his first day in office, Gov. DeWine formed a council on mental health and substance abuse which would be later be called "Recovery Ohio" and has been advising him on these matters. In addition, a "Minority Health Task Force" was also formed to provide culturally appropriate guidance to these disadvantaged populations.
Home visiting programs were expanded to provide healthcare to pregnant women and ensure successful births through the program called "Help Me Grow."
Again, I cannot even believe this is something that needs to be addressed, but lead paint in older homes represents another significant health risk disproportionately affecting minority populations-especially children. Earlier screenings and removal of lead paint in poorer communities represent two major initiatives to help these children in need.
Providing books in the home is another major initiative to help children grow and develop into healthy young people that has continued to grow in the last year, expanding far faster and further than the governor originally thought possible. This has been largely due to the amazing community response to helping with these initiatives. Ohio also instituted a wellness program through the General Assembly to provide funding to these communities for the construction of community based initiatives, therefore supporting the advocates.
For example, The Euler School in Cincinnati has used funds to provide behavior and health services to 96% of their students. They have drastically reduced prevalence of dental disease and mental illness in these communities by bringing the resources into the physical school building. More representation for minorities in health care fields is also essential to ensure that the needs of these communities are met. To address the threats, Gov. DeWine formed the Minority Health Strike Force--41 people all tied to the minority communities in Ohio. This group provides the statehouse guidance specific to minority communities which addresses issues of discrimination in access, lack of resources, and lack of representation in health care systems. It also recommends distributing and redistributing resources to those in the highest need areas.
Educating vulnerable populations has also been an essential mission of this strike force. Vice Mayor of Cincinnati, Christopher Smitherman spoke on several of the issues of race as they relate to the coronavirus pandemic. He thanked Gov. DeWine for bringing the issue of race disparity to the forefront and emphasized that there were four main areas he wanted to cover in helping the community understand current needs. The four areas are: Messaging, Testing, Accessibility, and Collaboration.
In regards to messaging, the Vice Mayor spoke to the need for community leaders to pass on messages about COVID-19 within minority communities. They can encourage people to wear masks and socially distance, but it is also a frightening thing to do when POC are so often injured or killed just because of the color of their skin, let alone wearing a mask at the same time. Therefore it is essential that this messaging comes in methods that are accessible for these communities. Preferably, this message would come from people who look like members of these communities
Secondly, testing is crucial. Governor DeWine needs to make sure that as testing capacity increases, tests are provided to minority communities who are at the highest risk of both contracting the virus, and having complications from it. Testing in an equitable way is an essential way to protect minorities. Once a vaccine is available, POC must be educated on the importance of getting this lifesaving information and have accessibility to to it, as well.
Third, accessibility. Although much of what has already been said has focused on accessibility, it really needs to be clear that there are so many barriers to POC getting what they need right now. We need to change the narrative. It is crucial that we make sure that these communities can get the testing they need and that health care is able to be delivered to those who really need it
Last, collaboration is going to be the thing that helps us win, together. We need to make sure these recommendations and initiatives receive adequate funding and support for their efforts. The Vice Mayor encouraged Gov. DeWine to provide that funding. As such, the data must be what drives the reopening of Ohio and the safety of minority communities during this reopening. POC cannot be the first wave of people allowed outside, only to be hit full-force by this virus that still does not have a cure or a prescribed treatment plan.
This is a statewide issue not just a minority community issue. It should be unacceptable to any Ohioan that zip code should determine life expectancy and quality of life for any person.
Period.
This campaign is focused on taking action and staying informed. The health department is partnering with communities to increase testing in minority communities through health centers throughout the state. This will help bring health care and testing to underserved and poverty stricken communities that might not otherwise have access to the care they need.
Typically, local communities trust their community health centers to provide quality primary and preventative care in their area regardless of their ability to pay, which is huge.
Those who wish to be tested should contact their local testing centers to receive the help they need. ANyone experiencing an issue is encouraged to call the ODH to find the location that can serve them. COVID-19 resource kits (including items such as soap, masks, and hand sanitizer) will be distributed to community health centers around the state.
Approximately 1800 health workers are being hired at the state and local level to handle this crisis-within-a-crisis right now.
The hiring process is designed to reflect the diversity of each community and people are being considered who would represent the interests of each community. Hopefully, this will allow communities to disrupt the chain of infection and trace the spread of the disease. People who will be hired are individuals who can provide physical and mental healthcare, contact tracers, and infectious disease investigators.
The minority strike force will release their full recommendations in June and started to roll their initial findings out late last week. These recommendations will encourage all Ohioans to thrive despite the challenges of the pandemic--emotionally, economically, and medically.
I am grateful to our leadership for providing so many resources to help us help our underserved communities. We got this, Ohio.
Prepare, don't panic.
-Allison
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