Dear John,
Below is Color Of Change’s “Black Patients’ Guide to COVID-19”. We created
this guide with the expertise of Dr. Ruth Arumala to provide tools to help
our people fight medical racism and survive COVID-19. In the guide we
cover questions to ask your doctor if you think you've been infected and
helpful ways to push back if you think you're not getting the right level
of care. Now, we're trying to place this helpful information as an ad in
newspapers to reach Black communities across America. [ [link removed] ]Will you donate
$5 today to help us get this life-saving guide to as many people as
possible? We hope you and your family are staying safe in this time.
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The Black Patients' Guide to COVID-19
By Dr. Ruth Arumala, in partnership with Color Of Change
On constant loops on every news outlet and social media feed is the
looming risk of contracting the novel “Coronavirus” and the developing
life-threatening COVID-19 disease. With no available vaccination and only
experimental disease-fighting drugs available, the highly contagious virus
has produced an unprecedented worldwide pandemic.
Unfortunately, in the United States there are recent reports from various
metropolitan areas such as New Orleans and Chicago that the virus
disproportionately results in severe disease and mortality in Black
people. In order to adequately combat this disparity, Black Americans must
be armed with accurate knowledge about the viral illness and ways to
navigate the current healthcare environment.
MYTHS VS. FACTS
MYTH: The Coronavirus does not affect Black People.
FACT: False. The Coronavirus is impacting Black Americans at higher rates
and resulting in more severe disease. In Louisiana for example, Black
Americans make up 32% of the population, yet comprise 70% of Coronavirus
deaths. In Chicago, Black people are dying at six times the rate that of
white people. Similar disparities are occurring all over the country.^1
MYTH: The Coronavirus only affects older, sick individuals.
FACT: False. There have been reports of infants as young as four months
old with severe symptoms of COVID-19. And one of the most heartbreaking
U.S. deaths occurred when five year old, Skylar Herbert passed away in
Detroit.^2
MYTH: If I wear a mask, I do not have to practice social distancing.
FACT: False. In order to adequately protect yourself and others from the
Coronavirus, you should continue to practice social distancing, while also
adhering to the new CDC recommendations to wear masks that cover your
mouth and nose.
BEST PRACTICES WHEN YOU SUSPECT YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE HAS COVID-19:
The known symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, chills, muscle aches,
difficulty breathing, loss of taste and or smell, nausea, vomiting, and a
change in bowel movements--particularly diarrhea. Although these can also
be symptoms of the common cold, influenza infection or seasonal allergies,
we need to proceed with caution during the peak or near peak of the
coronavirus pandemic.
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If you are experiencing these symptoms:
* Call your health provider.
* Be very specific about your symptoms.
* If there are any known contacts that have tested positive for the
Coronavirus, immediately disclose that information to your provider.
* Include any underlying health conditions and what you do for a
living--especially if you are public-facing, an essential worker, or
have not been able to “shelter in place.”
* If you are experiencing persistent fevers and sustained shortness of
breath, please present to the nearest emergency department. This
indicates severe disease.
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If you are sent to an emergency room or urgent care, be sure to include
the following inquires about your care
* Specifically ask to be tested for COVID-19 and indicate any underlying
health conditions.
* If you are given an alternative diagnosis, ask if you should
self-quarantine, as well as the specific amount of time you should
remain in self-quarantine.
* Ask your provider if you should replace personal hygiene items like
toothbrushes or pillow cases.
* Ask your ER provider if a chest X-Ray is indicated.
* Set a follow-up appointment with your provider with a specific date
which can be done via telemedicine. As a general rule, everyone seen
in the hospital should follow up with a provider in 7-14 days.
* Do not leave the emergency room without having all of your questions
answered and having a good sense of the severity of your symptoms.
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If you feel that your symptoms are not being taken seriously:
* Be persistent. Reiterate your symptoms and any underlying health
conditions in a calm manner.
* Share your fear, anxiety and mental anguish about contracting the
virus and developing the disease.
* Ask for denial of a test to be noted in your chart.
* Ask the provider if they have access to tests. If they do not, ask for
the closest testing location.
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Although the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic can produce
significant anxiety and trepidation, there are ways to successfully
prevent and navigate this disease. Please do your part to stay at home,
wash your hands frequently, clean hard surfaces several times per day,
wear face coverings when in public, and maintain social distancing (> 6
feet from others) when in public.
Until justice is real,
Jade, Rashad, Arisha, Brandi, Johnny, Evan, Amanda, Eesha, Samantha,
Marcus, FolaSade, Jennette, Ciera and the rest of the Color Of Change team
References
1. “The coronavirus is affecting and killing black Americans at alarming
rates,” Washington Post, 7 April 2020.
[link removed]
2. “5-year-old daughter of Detroit first responders dies after being
diagnosed with coronavirus,” CNN, 21 April 2020.
[link removed]
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[ [link removed] ]Color Of Change is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black
folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. [ [link removed] ]Help
keep our movement strong.
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