From words to action: Can local policies and declarations address racism as a public health issue?
In the early 2020s, increasing incidences of police brutality and the global COVID-19 pandemic renewed interest and attention for advancing health equity and justice. COVID-19 was particularly harmful for already at-risk communities, and many local governments responded by declaring racism a public health issue. We wanted to know: Were these declarations followed up with meaningful action?
In partnership with the Praxis Project, BMSG evaluated such declarations by assessing how they were received by local stakeholders, how they were covered by the media, and whether the declarations resulted in government action to dismantle inequities and promote health and well-being for all community members.
As an extension of this work, BMSG participated in a new collaborative dedicated to advancing anti-racism work. Learn more at https://herenow.org/.
Related resources
Championing public health amid legal and legislative threats: Framing and language recommendations
Talking about our recovery from COVID: How public health practitioners can emphasize equity
COVID-19: Addressing discrimination and racism: Local health department support guidance