Faith-based organizations are important in the fight against the SARS Corona Virus Pandemic. Most strikingly, communities of color, already deep-seated in racism and injustice, continue to struggle the hardest to fight off the brutal attack of this virus and its extensive after-effects.
Whether it is other philanthropists, local or regional health centers, or state and federal officials, there is a desperate need for creative solutions to getting more people screened and saving more lives. Smith’s initiative is an innovative approach, but there are other ways to spread awareness and boost screenings in the Black community.
Multiple organizations receive funding to help health workers in communities hard hit by COVID-19.
As news of an increase in the spread of the COVID-19 virus arises, it has also heightened the senses of worry about what more can be endured, the outbreak has been a rollercoaster filled with twists and turns. There has been extreme strain put on everyone to have stability and a light shined on the overall quality of life. The County of Los Angeles continue the stride to move into the unknown but with more resources to get the mental help needed on the journey to a new frontier.
Starting next Monday, low income residents can apply for the DWP Utilities CARES Grant. According to the LADWP official website, “Low-Income LA Residents Affected by COVID Pandemic Can Apply for $500 Grant between November 2 – 15, under Program Championed by Council President Nury Martinez and Approved by City Council & Board of Water & Power Commissioners” That took place on October 27.
The self-certified training program starts with watching a video, then one would complete a brief survey after the training visual, lastly the business would receive an emailed certificate. This is operated by the Los Angeles County Health Department. The program is completely voluntary, but it is put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus among guest and staff.
Los Angeles data shows scaling increase in positive cases among the youth demographic. Younger individuals are contracting the virus in an increasing rate. The most common space for spread is through gatherings and extended outdoor leisure. The county stressed to avoid populated areas and to remain indoors as much as possible.
This week, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Chair of the Financial Services Committee and a leading advocate in Congress for HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, and treatment, introduced a resolution in recognition of National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day, which is celebrated every year on July 21st.
Department of Health Services are working swiftly to cover areas that are being disproportionately affected by COVID-19. There is a “geographically approach” to add new testing site locations. Test results are showing that the Black and LatinX community are experience more fatal cases than other ethnicities.
Los Angeles Director of Public Barbara Ferrer touched on the responsibility her department has taken to eradicate systemic racism, “ I want to extend my deep appreciation and support in calling out racism as the public health issue, and this is magnified during the COVID-19 Pandemic…”
Looking at the effects of COVID-19 within race and ethnicity, the data reflects the disproportionate death rate and financial fall within the African American and Latino communities. Black people make up 7% of the positive cases and 12% of the county rate, even though only 8% of the L.A. population are African American. An in-depth study presented those who lived below the poverty line, had three times the rate of death from COVID-19.
Biden said he plans to hold financial institutions accountable for discriminatory practices in the housing market, and he will restore the federal government’s power to enforce settlements against discriminatory lenders. Additionally, the plan calls for Biden to strengthen and expand the Community Reinvestment Act to ensure that the nation’s bank and non-bank financial services institutions are serving all communities.
“People are stressed and worried, not only about caring for themselves but protecting and caring for someone in the home or someone long distance,” Choula stated.
“It’s very important that there is increased conversation with nursing facilities through virtual visitation and phone calls, which is what AARP is advocating.”
“We are the number one target for this disease. We have pre-existing conditions, and yet we’re told to go home when we visit the emergency room. We know that there must be some form of regulation in place for testing and getting testing sites and equipment into the community,” said Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Michigan).
In order for education to capitalize on the strengths and talents of learners and the skills and professionalism of their teachers, what kinds of additional progress measures might be employed?