The Sacramento County in the US has recently declared racism a public health crisis, its Board of Supervisors announced on November 17.
In a statement, Board Chair Phil Serna said the Board has unanimously approved a resolution that outlines ways to promote racial equity through policies and programs.
“Sacramento County is one of the nation’s most diverse communities, and as such, all its citizens should have the opportunity to live their lives free from systemic racism,” Serna said in a statement.
He added that the decision comes following the discrimination received by people of color amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African-American, Hispanic and Native American people infected with COVID-19 are about four times more likely to be hospitalized than others.
“Research has demonstrated that racism adversely impacts the physical and mental health of people of color. The resolution we passed today acknowledges Sacramento County’s commitment to face this crisis head-on through fair and just governance and service delivery,” he added.
Sacramento is among other states that have declared racism a public health crisis—alongside Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin, and local governments like Franklin County in Ohio.
