Even as our curve flattens:

We’ve had more data re: the disproportionately high mortality rates in African-Americans.

I fear a flattening of the curve and emerging from the abyss will obscure the ongoing mortality we will see in our Black communities.

My thoughts
/1 https://twitter.com/sbowersmd/status/1247384139390750720

As our curve flattens, the public will be quick to stop paying attention once the risk to the general population is somewhat mitigated, and there may also be a further “back-turning” to critical issues when you aren’t as afraid for own life.
/2

We will need to resist the urge to stop paying attention and turn our backs on the communities that will continue to be at the most risk.

We must intentionally look for how we can help our African America communities and other marginalized populations even as the curve flattens

And it won’t just be from COVID19 infection. The aftermath of food insecurity/hunger, loss of jobs, mental health decline, lack of access to routine medical care, social isolation, will hit certain communities much harder, & these effects will COMPOUND even as the curve flattens.

We will be tempted to fall prey to the lull in chaos, and the people that are always forgotten about will experience the ongoing hurt in deep ways, even as the curve flattens.
/5

The inequities and disparities highlighted, no MAGNIFIED, by COVID19 will inflict longterm and compounded damage on our African American communities, communities of color and those living in poverty, even as the curve flattens.
/6

It will be critically important for us to hold steadfast through this time and reach out to these communities more than ever.

As our lives seem to take on a new form, navigating a flattened but still present curve, others may still be living through a steep slope of peril.
/7

I encourage anyone who is able to reach out to their community to see how you can engage in community outreach.

Some options:
food pantries and micropantries
school districts
neighborhood associations
local @NAACP, @BGCCAN, & @NatUrbanLeague chapters
churches

These are just a few options. There are several more (also @SalvationArmyUS) and you know your own community best.

Also, collaborate w/leaders in your community. Though they may not be in healthcare, they know the people best, & their guidance can and should inform your plans.

We are collaborating at SIU, through our Dept of IM DICE Council, @siusom Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and its Assoc Dean Dr. Wendi El-Amin, @mochamomma, @Rikeesha and @DrKemia for an Equity-driven Community COVID19 response that will be multifaceted in nature.
/10

There isn’t a roadmap for how to do any of this bc we’ve never had a pandemic before! But we are learning how motivated, compassionate and bright minds can come together to create innovative solutions to get people help, even when they aren’t sure exactly how to do it.
/11

So I challenge you to push yourself along with engaged and interested colleagues to collaborate on an equity-driven community #COVID19 response. You might be surprised at just how much you come up with!
/12

Now is the time to put aside fears or concerns of a lack of experience or leadership regarding these measures.
We all have to start somewhere and this is as important a time as any.

Most of this all new to me as well, so you’re not alone.
/13

Don’t be afraid, be bold, speak up! Each of those seemingly pipe-dream, lofty ideas have value and can come to fruition when we collaborate In multidisciplinary teams.

Our hurting communities need your idealistic goals and visions now. RIGHT NOW.
/14

With a team and a few resources, that idea may evolve quickly into a real world strategy that may save lives. So don’t hold back!

And the more we collaborate and discuss and share our ideas, the more effectively we can help the people that need and deserve the most support.
/15

Because even as our curve flattens, people will need us more than ever. And we have valuable help we can offer, but it does no good tucked away in our minds. 15/15
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