The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has produced another painful reckoning for America with racism. Communities of color rightly live in fear that they will not receive equal justice.
As an organization focused on health, we know that race matters. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on people of color. Death rates and hospitalization rates in New York City are more than twice as high for black residents as for their white counterparts. Health disparities by race and ethnicity are pervasive and persistent. African Americans and Hispanics are less likely to have health insurance and adequate access to care, and they are more likely to experience chronic health conditions and premature death.
We share the pain and sadness being felt with our fellow New Yorkers. We hope the anguish of the moment creates lasting change for the better. We are proud of our grantees and partners working to create a more equitable health system for all. We will continue to listen to, learn from, and support the people and organizations leading the way forward.
David Sandman, Ph.D.
President and CEO
New York Health Foundation
