Cleveland City Council Declares Racism A Public Health Crisis

CLEVELAND — Cleveland City Council unanimously declared racism a public health crisis this week. The move was met with support from the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals and the Center for Health Affairs.

"Our health system sees firsthand how racism disproportionately impacts the health of minority communities, which manifests in higher rates of chronic diseases and infant mortality, and lower life expectancies," University Hospitals said in a statement.

The resolution declaring racism a health crisis also creates a working group to study how to bring about racial equality in Cleveland. Discussions on the resolution began in March and were sparked by disparities in the new coronavirus' impact. However, the death of George Floyd and subsequent protests crystallized the need for the resolution, councilpersons said.

Protests in Cleveland began peacefully but turned to violent unrest.

"One of the most tragic things this city has ever seen in our history, a day that we will never forget, as well as all of the other issues that triggered that response,” said Councilman Blaine Griffin, according to Fox 8.

As the new coronavirus continues to spread in Ohio, the dire health impacts of the virus have disproportionately impacted Ohio's black residents. African Americans make up 14 percent of Ohio's total population but represent 26 percent of the state's positive COVID-19 cases, 31 percent of the state's COVID-19-related hospitalizations and 17 percent of COVID-19 deaths in Ohio, according to Ohio Department of Health data.

In a statement, the Center for Health Affairs said it would do everything in its power to end structural racism.

"The Center stands united with our member hospitals, public health partners, community partners and community residents in the quest to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to achieve their highest potential for health. Eliminating structural racism has been identified as a key community health priority that Cuyahoga County partners, including hospitals, have committed to addressing now and in the coming years.

The Cleveland Clinic and National Academy of Medicine said medical care only accounts for 20 percent of a person's health. The other 80 percent is determined by societal factors, including: life expectancy, infant mortality, maternal mortality, mental health, smoking, drug and opioid use, obesity, lead poisoning, crime, literacy and other factors.

“Cleveland Clinic is committed to ending long-standing structural racism that results in health disparities,” said Dr. Tom Mihaljevic, CEO and president of Cleveland Clinic. “Paying attention to racism and taking action as clinicians will guide our pursuit of true equality, justice and care for our patients and community. We will consider our own role in promoting change by serving as a trusted partner to the communities we serve and giving voice to our caregivers.”

MetroHealth Medical Center also issued a statement, vowing to do more to bring about an end to structural racism.