Rush Calls on Trump Administration to Address Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Cases

WASHINGTON — In light of the alarming racial disparities between white and black Americans regarding coronavirus deaths, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) called on the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that data, clinical trials, and access to vaccines and treatments include African-American communities.

“It is often said when America catches a cold, the black community catch pneumonia, and we are tragically seeing that play out before our eyes when it comes to the deadly coronavirus,” said Rep. Rush.  “As of April 4, out of the 86 recorded deaths from COVID-19 in Chicago, 61 were black residents. Less than 30 percent of Chicago’s population is black, and yet this population makes up a full 70 percent of those who have succumbed to this disease.

“That’s why I am calling on Health and Human Services Secretary Azar to ensure that the data, clinical trials, and access to vaccines and treatments include the communities that are the most likely to catch ‘pneumonia’ when this is all said and done. When vaccines and treatments do become available, the federal government must prioritize hot spots and medically underserved areas when determining distribution, as these areas will need access to tests and treatments as quickly as possible.”

A copy of Rep. Rush’s letter can be found here.