Michigan’s black residents make up roughly 40% of the state’s coronavirus deaths and 35% of overall cases. This despite being only 14% of the state's population.
Health officials say the disparities underscore existing gaps in healthcare outcomes for African Americans.
2017 state data found 17% of black Michigan residents felt they could not see a doctor when they needed to due to the cost.
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist is the chairperson of the newly formed task force meant to address racial disparities from Covid-19.
“There’s an opportunity for innovation here to make sure people have access to quality healthcare so they can not only manage chronic conditions but frankly prevent chronic conditions and focus on preventative health measures.”
Gilchrist said the task force will work to address immediate impacts of the virus.
“One we need to think about the immediate interventions that we can take because every day matters in this pandemic,” he said. “But the actions we take will shed light on the actions we can take in the longer term.”
Early research indicates a connection between air pollution and COVID-19 deaths. Black Detroiters disproportionately bear the brunt of air pollution in the state. Asthma hospitalizations among black Detroiters are three times higher than those of white Detroiters according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Jamesa Johnson-Greer is with the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition. She said the negative health outcomes have always been present - but the increase in deaths during the Covid outbreak is drawing attention to them.
“This is really a moment that is shining a bright light on this issue that has been a long part of American history and unfortunately Michigan history has well.”
Johnson-Greer said she hopes Michigan will step up to provide better protections for black residents. But, she said, during the outbreak the state has continued to review air pollution permits.