COVID-19 in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
What can be done
History shows that severe illness and death rates tend to be higher for racial
and ethnic minority groups during public health emergencies.12 Addressing the
needs of vulnerable populations in emergencies includes improving day-to-day
life and harnessing the strengths of these groups. Shared faith, family, and
cultural institutions are common sources of social support. These institutions
can empower and encourage individuals and communities to take actions to
prevent the spread of COVID-19, care for those who become sick, and help
community members cope with
stress. For example, families,
churches and other groups in affected populations can help their communities
face an epidemic by consulting CDC guidance documents for their organization
type.
The federal government is undertaking the following:

Collecting data to monitor and track disparities among racial and ethnic groups in the number of COVID-19 cases, complications, and deaths to share broadly and inform decisions on how to effectively address observed disparities. These data will be translated into information to improve the clinical management of patients, allocation of resources, and targeted public health information. Supporting partnerships between scientific researchers, professional organizations, community organizations, and community members to address their need for information to prevent COVID-19 in racial and ethnic minority communities.
Providing clinical guidance and guidance to support actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 in schools, workplaces and community settings, including those serving racial and ethnic minorities.

Public health professionals can do the following:

Ensure that communications about COVID-19 and its impact on different population groups is frequent, clear, transparent, and credible.
Work with other sectors , such as faith and community education, business, transportation, and housing organizations, to share information and implement strategies to address social and economic barriers to implementing steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Link more people among racial and ethnic minority groups to healthcare services for serious underlying medical conditions — for example, services to help them obtain necessary medications, follow treatment plans, or get testing and treatment if they have COVID-19 symptoms.
Provide information forhealthcare professionals and health systems to understand cultural differences among patients and how patients interact with providers and the healthcare system. The National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (The National CLAS Standards) aim to improve health care quality and advance health equity by establishing a framework for organizations to serve the nation’s increasingly diverse communities.
Use evidence-based strategies to reduce health disparities. Those most vulnerable before an emergency are also the most vulnerable during and after an emergency.

Community organizations can do the following:

Prepare community health workers in underserved racial and ethnic minority communities to educate and link people to free or low-cost services.
Prioritize resources for clinics, private practices, and other organizations that serve minority populations.
Leverage effective health promotion programs in community, work, school, and home settings to disseminate recommendations and information about COVID-19.
Work across sectors to connect people with services, such as grocery delivery or temporary housing, that help them practice social distancing. Connect people to healthcare providers and resources to help them get medications they may need.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, promote precautions to protect individuals in your community, including the correct use of cloth face coverings and equip communities with supplies to make them.
Help combat the spread of rumors and misinformation by providing credible information from official sources.

Learn more about what community organizations
can do.
Healthcare systems and healthcare providers can do the following:


Implement standardized protocols in accordance with CDC guidance and quality improvement initiatives, especially in facilities that serve large minority populations.


Identify and address implicit bias that could hinder patient-provider interactions and communication.11


Provide medical interpretation services for patients who need them.

Work with communities and healthcare professional organizations to reduce cultural barriers to care.
Connect patients with community resources that can help older adults and people with underlying conditions adhere to their care plans, including help getting extra supplies and medications they need and reminders for them to take their medicines.
Learn about social and economic conditions that may put some patients at higher risk for getting sick with COVID-19 than others — for example, conditions that make it harder for some people to take steps to prevent infection.
Promote a trusting relationship by encouraging patients to call and ask questions.