Friends -
The coronavirus pandemic is exposing and exacerbating the racism and injustice embedded in our economy and our health care system.
That's why I joined Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Ayanna Pressley to introduce legislation to force the Department of Health and Human Services to release racial and other demographic data on coronavirus patients.
Years of systemic discrimination mean communities of color are being disproportionately impacted by this virus.
It is critical that we use all the tools and information at our disposal to correct this injustice.
We know COVID-19 is disproportionately harming communities of color. Black Americans represent a third of all deaths from COVID-19 but account for only 13% of the national population.
And here in Massachusetts, Chelsea is at the heart of the coronavirus crisis.
Chelsea, a largely immigrant city, recently reported the highest rate of infection at about 3841 cases per 100,000 residents — more than six times the statewide rate of about 616 cases per 100,000 residents.
We need this data to help us better understand the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color and get our country through this pandemic together.
This is critical to making sure we address the health disparities and begin rectifying generations of injustice and hate.
We must make all available data public immediately. We cannot understand the full scope and scale of this pandemic without it. This data will help us save lives and protect the most vulnerable communities in our society.
Thank you for making your voice heard on this important issue. Stay safe, and we will get through this together.
- Ed Markey
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