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2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This guide provides resources that will help you become better informed about COVID-19.

Washington University's Brown School of Social Work, in cooperation with the Clark-Fox Policy Institute, organized a series designed to bring greater awareness and attention to the devastating impact that the pandemic is having on communities of color.  All three parts are available for viewing online below.

COVID-19 and Race: The Disproportionate Impact on the Health of Communities of Color

Part 1: COVID-19 and Race: The Disproportionate Impact on the Health of Communities of Color

The Coronavirus pandemic has exposed glaring health and economic disparities among communities of color, and has been particularly dangerous for African Americans. According to CDC data, one third of people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19 are African American, yet, African Americans only account for 13% of the U.S. population. At the root of this distressing disparity is not just underlying health conditions that put black Americans at elevated risk – diabetes, hypertension, obesity and asthma – but a host of factors tied to structural racism, including poverty, lack of access to healthcare, low-wage employment and chronic stress.

Featured Panelists: Angela Fleming Brown Chief Executive Officer, St. Louis Regional Health Commission David Dwight IV Executive Director & Lead Strategy Catalyst, Forward Through Ferguson Sean Joe Benjamin E. Youngdahl Professor of Social Development; Associate Dean for Faculty and Research, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis; Director, HomeGrown STL Jason Purnell Associate Professor, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis; Director, Health Equity Works

Moderated by: Cynthia Williams Assistant Dean for Community Partnerships, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, Atia Thurman Associate Director, Clark-Fox Policy Institute, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis

This event is sponsored by the Brown School, Clark-Fox Policy Institute, Forward Through Ferguson, HomeGrown STL, Health Equity Works, and the Social Policy Institute.

COVID-19 and Race: Devastating Loss and Emotional and Mental Health

Part 2: COVID-19 and Race: Devastating Loss and Emotional and Mental Health

This panel features a powerful conversation between Rebeccah Bennett, Bethany Johnson-Javois, Dr. Heidi B. Miller, and Prof. Vetta Sanders-Thompson, PhD as they discuss the mental health and emotional well-being of the Black community in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Conversation includes supporting the recovery and health of our community and insights for advancing racial and health equity in the region. This program was offered in partnership with the Clark-Fox Policy Institute.

COVID-19 and Race: Political Action and Power in the Face of Adversity

Part 3: COVID-19 and Race: Political Action and Power in the Face of Adversity

A discussion of how the Black community is taking action to uproot policies influenced by racism that have made it more vulnerable to public health and economic crises. We are joined by scientists, activists and advocates who are engaged in the immediate response to COVID-19 and who are mobilizing for sustained change for the future.  We are also in the process of developing several additional parts of the series,  including a deeper look at the impact on Latinx and indigenous populations.